Kitchen Konversation with Mike Nealy: Pickleball's New Boss

The Perfect Pickleball Storm

USA Pickleball CEO Mike Nealy discusses explosive growth, big dreams for pickleball

Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in America, has captured the attention of enthusiasts and sports industry insiders alike. With millions of new players flocking to pickleball courts each year, many are wondering just how big this quirky paddle sport can get.

To help make sense of the pickleball phenomenon, Jason Aspes recently sat down with USA Pickleball CEO Mike Nealy on the popular podcast Kitchen Konversation. In an upbeat, engaging discussion, Nealy opened up about pickleball's meteoric rise and his ambitious vision for the future of the sport.

After being welcomed onto the show over a celebratory drink, Nealy dove right into his personal backstory. He explained that after years working in the corporate world, "I found myself getting into sports gosh it's been over 20 years ago." Nealy added lightheartedly that he has a daughter who was an infant when he started his sports career and is now a full-fledged adult working for the first sports organization he joined out of the corporate sector.

According to Nealy, his attraction to the sports industry stemmed from a desire for new challenges. He shared, "I’ve been a person that's migrated towards doing maybe little tougher tasks or liking to be challenged." This mindset of embracing difficulties primed him for leadership roles with major sports properties like the NHL and college football's Fiesta Bowl.

When the opportunity arose to take charge of USA Pickleball, the national governing body for the sport, Nealy once again stepped into an environment ripe with complexity. As he put it, "I think that was a nice background to be able to bring towards the world of pickleball which is it's an awesome world. It's a changing world,as we all know, that there are a lot of challenges but I'm really enjoying it."

After getting an overview of his background, Nealy dove into the importance of USA Pickleball membership. He acknowledged that the organization needs to improve how it communicates the benefits of membership. However, he emphasized that revenue from memberships allows USA Pickleball to fulfill its mission - growing the sport nationally and building pickleball infrastructure.

As Nealy stated, "We need more courts, we need to grow the sport with the youth and in this organization that's what our mission is - to support and grow the game." He wants enthusiasts who love pickleball to understand that memberships provide "nominal" financial support enabling USA Pickleball to spread the sport further.

Expanding on building infrastructure, Nealy discussed how USA Pickleball acts as an information resource for communities interested in adding pickleball courts. He explained, "We have access to link people together and we are a source of information certainly for municipalities." While USA Pickleball does not construct courts directly, they connect groups and share expertise to facilitate projects.

Shifting topics, the CEO addressed the recent USA Pickleball quiet paddle initiative. With noise complaints being one potential hindrance to court construction, USA Pickleball challenged manufacturers to design paddles that reduce sound by 50%. Nealy reiterated the goal - "to lead the way to do anything that we can to make sure that this sport continues to grow."

When asked about other potential friction points facing pickleball, Nealy acknowledged injury risk given the sport's rapid growth among new players. However, he dismissed any notion of shaming people for getting hurt, asserting passionately:

"I can't imagine trying to shame somebody for going out there and try to exercise and play the game of pickleball and it's unfortunate that if you're going to be playing something there is a possibility of getting injured." 

Pivoting the discussion toward organizational priorities, Nealy identified grassroots development as paramount. He elaborated, "As an organization for us 99% of the people don't play in tournaments and or play professionally so growing within the youth and the recreational people is going to be really important." Resources will focus on facilitating programs, especially for schools and young players.

When asked how USA Pickleball can better engage casual players outside tournaments, Nealy acknowledged this is an area for growth. He revealed plans to expand youth programming and establish a larger presence in communities and school systems. Nealy also wants to mobilize and support the organization's 2,000 ambassadors more effectively, saying:

"I think we've underutilized that resource and probably underappreciated them. I mean what an awesome asset to have 2,000 people that love this game and are out there apostolizing what we're trying to do."

On the professional side of the sport, Nealy first gave credit to the major tours for energizing pickleball's growth. He called attention to the celebrities buying into leagues like Major League Pickleball, which raised the sport's profile. However, Nealy reiterated that USA Pickleball remains focused on the amateur levels.

While acknowledging the business motivations of the pro tours, Nealy stressed, "As the governing body we need to stay neutral." He reported that the PPA partnership for Nationals arose out of resource necessity, not favoritism. In Nealy's words, Nationals must stay under USA Pickleball's ownership and remain the pinnacle of the sport.

Switching gears to the international stage, Nealy said global growth is important for Olympic hopes and developing a unified federation. He projected incredible growth continuing abroad, while suggesting an announcement is imminent regarding global organizing efforts. But Nealy maintained that above all, "you need to grow the sport" worldwide, which he believes will happen rapidly based on current trajectories.

Finally, Aspes asked Nealy to reflect on the tumultuous MLP/PPA dispute that rocked the pickleball world shortly after he took over. While staying largely on the sidelines, Nealy confessed he found the saga entertaining but regrettable. He's glad the sides resolved their differences, considering the negativity of infighting.

In the end, Nealy expressed no regrets about diving head first into the pickleball maelstrom. He joked that his career seems destined for turbulence, quipping "I must be destined to do it." But more than anything, Nealy conveyed profound excitement about the privilege of growing the sport.

Conclusion: Wind at Its Back

Based on Mike Nealy's infectious optimism and ambitious vision, pickleball appears primed for massive growth under his leadership. By emphasizing grassroots development, youth engagement, and global expansion, Nealy hopes to supercharge pickleball's participation explosion. Of course, challenges remain, from noise complaints to pro league squabbles. But with open communication, strategic partnerships, and laser focus on the bulk of amateur players, Nealy believes USA Pickleball can shepherd the sport into a golden era.

If early returns are any indication, Nealy looks capable of conquering the types of tests that have defined his career. As pickleball rides monumental tailwinds, the sport finally has a seasoned leader manning the tiller. Nealy has weathered storms before and emerged stronger. Now he aims to do the same for the meteoritic rise of pickleball. With the wind firmly at its back, pickleball appears set to soar to new heights.