Pickleball Pros Discuss Major League Pickleball Shakeup and Upcoming Events
The latest episode of the popular pickleball podcast NML Pickleball covers the resignation of Major League Pickleball founder Steve Kuhn, previews upcoming professional tournaments, and debates new developments in the professional game. Hosts Chris Ross and Jeremy Comazzetto dive into the drama and strategy shaping the future of the sport.
1. Steve Kuhn’s Resignation
At the 2:52 mark, Ross and Comazzetto discuss the recent resignation of Steve Kuhn, founder of Major League Pickleball, after just two seasons. Kuhn reportedly stepped down after failing to gain support from team owners for his plan to raise capital by selling additional team stakes. The hosts agree Kuhn's "emotion got the best of him," leading to actions that undermined the pending MLP-PPA merger, however they credit him with having "big plans" for growing the sport. They characterize the loss of Kuhn's visionary leadership as detrimental to pickleball's development.
2. MLP Dallas Premier Preview
Starting at 15:40, Ross and Comazzetto preview the upcoming MLP Premier Division event in Dallas. They analyze the group stage matchups, predicting Orlando, Chicago, Arizona, and Texas to be the "group of death" with Orlando and Chicago advancing. The hosts highlight standout teams and individual players to watch, critiquing roster moves and positional strategies. Comazzetto says the Premier Division play will be "super interesting" and both hosts plan to closely follow the competition.
3. Challenger Preview
At the 30:28 mark, the hosts briefly recap the Challenger Division groupings. They tap SoCal and Las Vegas as early favorites to make the finals, while labeling FRISCO as a potential "frisky" upstart. Comazzetto says "people don't care about Challenger as much as we do," but believes the matches will still provide quality pickleball entertainment.
4. PPA Nationals Pro Scheduling
Ross and Comazzetto discuss the PPA's decision to schedule Nationals rounds by day rather than by event. They compare this format to professional tennis scheduling, with matches for all pro brackets held on one day. Both hosts express concerns that this structure will be confusing for fans trying to follow five brackets simultaneously. Comazzetto also argues the format discourages new pros by forcing full week commitments regardless of when players are eliminated.
5. MLP Paddle Testing Data
At the 42:50 mark, the hosts analyze pickleball paddle testing data recently released by Major League Pickleball. The data reveals many paddles used in the MLP fall outside of USAPA regulations for deflection and surface roughness. While crediting the MLP's enforcement, Ross and Comazzetto note wide variation in paddles used across leagues. They discuss how paddles impact play styles, potentially aiding tennis converts but inhibiting development of soft game skills. The hosts call for universal paddle regulations to ensure integrity and consistency.
6. APP Rally Scoring 2024?
In the final topic at 46:47, Ross and Comazzetto evaluate the APP's reported plans to switch pro matches to rally scoring in 2024. They question the rationale behind abandoning traditional scoring before it is universally adopted. The hosts theorize rally scoring will lead to extremely short matches, fundamentally changing game strategy. Comazzetto says "pros don't care what happens to amateurs" but fans may reject major scoring format changes at the professional level.
7. Girlfriend Corner ft. Lil Wayne
At the 49:15 mark, Ross brings in his girlfriend Alyssa for a recurring segment called “Girlfriend Corner.” Alyssa shares her incredulous reaction to the news that rapper Lil Wayne has joined the ownership group of the Texas Ranchers pickleball team. She questions why Lil Wayne, who she argues hasn’t been relevant for 10-15 years, would be brought on as a “strategic advisor” given his apparent lack of expertise.
Alyssa speculates the Ranchers likely got a good deal financially to include Lil Wayne as an owner. Ross counters that pickleball team valuations are skyrocketing, so Lil Wayne’s involvement still carries significant value. He points out Lil Wayne is not merely an owner but specifically an advisor, though the precise nature of his contributions remains unclear.
When asked who she would prefer to see as a pickleball advisor, Alyssa rejects Ross’ suggestion of singer Young Gravy as outdated. She proposes seeking input from today’s youth and references TikTok personalities. Ross notes Patrick Mahomes’ wife Brittany associates with pop star Taylor Swift and floats Mahomes as a potential pickleball investor.
Alyssa concludes that Swift is likely too busy attending Kansas City Chiefs games with Mahomes to get involved. She reiterates her main thesis that Lil Wayne seems a puzzling fit to advise a professional pickleball franchise in 2023. His role may signal pickleball attempting to tap nostalgia from older fans rather than connecting to current popular culture.
Recap: Passionate Pickleball Discourse
Throughout the lively 53+ minute discussion, hosts Chris Ross and Jeremy Comazzetto demonstrate their depth of knowledge and enthusiastic engagement with all aspects of professional pickleball. While thoughtfully analyzing controversies, they maintain an upbeat tone and offer reasoned perspectives on the sport's continuing evolution. Their insights and commentary provide pickleball fans an entertaining overview of the headlines shaping their favorite game.
0:00 Intro 2:52 Steve Kuhn’s Resignation 15:40 MLP Dallas Premier Preview 30:28 Challenger Preview 37:16 PPA Nationals Pro Scheduling 42:50 MLP Paddle Testing Data 46:47 APP Rally Scoring 2024? 49:15 Girlfriend Corner ft. Lil Wayne
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