The Winners of the MLP/PPA Merger

 

Pro Pickleball's Uncertain Future: 'It Feels Right' Podcast Hosts Adam Stone and Rob Nunnery Weigh In Amidst Contract Controversy and Player Protests, Pro Pickleball's Landscape Remains Hazy, Say Adam Stone and Rob Nunnery of 'It Feels Right' Podcast In the ever-evolving world of professional pickleball, uncertainty looms large as the sport grapples with a significant merger and player contract controversies. Amidst the confusion and upheaval, "It Feels Right" podcast hosts, Adam Stone and Rob Nunnery, provide their insights on the current state of pro pickleball, shedding light on key issues and expressing their views on the sport's future. The podcast conversation delved into various topics, including the strategic construction of pickleball teams, the ongoing transition to a team-based format, and the impact of player sit-outs. Adam Stone, a prominent figure in the pro pickleball scene, shared his perspective on team construction, emphasizing the importance of player values and draft strategies (24:26-25:22). Stone stated, "It's all about value, you could really love someone, but they're going for a dollar amount that you need to pull the trigger on." His insights highlight the nuanced decisions involved in forming competitive teams. Rob Nunnery, co-host of the podcast, joined the conversation, expressing his preference for a shift towards a team-based pro pickleball format (28:19). "I think team-based should be the future of pro pickleball," Nunnery asserted. "We don't need 20 tournaments and 15 individual events; it's not ideal." His perspective resonates with the growing sentiment within the pickleball community that team-based play offers a more compelling future for the sport. The conversation also touched on the recent wave of player sit-outs, with both hosts acknowledging the significance of this development (30:57-32:57). "It's not what they were hoping for," Stone commented, referring to players who had turned down lucrative contracts to stay with the Major League Pickleball (MLP) amidst uncertainties. The hosts also discussed the looming press release regarding the merger (34:29-35:12). Nunnery expressed skepticism, stating, "It's hard to throw something out there and have it be relevant 36 or 48 hours later," highlighting the need for clarity and specifics in the upcoming announcement. Throughout the podcast episode, the hosts hinted at the profound changes underway within pro pickleball. These changes come as the sport grapples with the merger of the Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and the resulting contractual disputes. As the pickleball community eagerly awaits the impending press release, the candid insights of Adam Stone and Rob Nunnery provide a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the sport. The uncertain future of pro pickleball remains a topic of intense debate, and the voices of prominent figures like Stone and Nunnery offer guidance and clarity in these turbulent times.

1. Introduction to the Merger and Initial Reactions (00:00 - 01:03)
2. Overview of the Merger Between PPA and MLP (01:03 - 02:56)
3. Impact of Tennis Players Joining Pickleball (02:56 - 04:19)
4. Financial Aspects and Outrageous Player Salaries (04:19 - 06:29)
5. Players Feeling Screwed and Potential Boycott (06:29 - 09:54)
6. Evaluating the Business Decisions Behind the Merger (09:54 - 13:56)
7. Players' Loyalty and Equity in the League (13:56 - 15:45)
8. Future Plans for 2023 and Beyond (15:45 - 23:33)
9. Transition to a Salary Cap System and Team Construction (23:33 - 24:26)
10. Team Construction Strategy (24:26-25:22): Discussion on how to construct pickleball teams, considering player values and draft strategies.
11. Team-Based Pro Pickleball (25:35-28:19): Opinions on the future of pro pickleball being team-based and the ideal ratio of team events to individual tournaments.
12. Impact of Player Sit-Outs (30:57-32:57): Thoughts on the potential impact of players choosing to sit out of events and the significance of having alternate players.
13. Life-Changing Money (33:51-34:15): Discussion on the financial decisions made by players and the implications of turning down significant contracts.
14. Need for Clarity in Press Release (34:29-35:12): The anticipation of a forthcoming press release and the desire for more specific information to clarify the situation.