Pickleball Podcast Hosts Break Down Sport's Latest Drama
Popular show delves into cancellation of events, potential mergers, new sponsors and more in the world of America's fastest growing sport
America’s fastest growing sport has no shortage of drama these days. The popular pickleball podcast “Tennis Sucks” covers it all in trademark comedic fashion, dissecting the latest controversies, deals and tournaments shaping the rapidly evolving pro circuit.
Hosts and pro players Travis Rettenmaier, Graham D'Amico and show producer Luke Burton tackle the news of the week with plenty of their signature badinage along the way. They debate who should win year-end awards, try questionable new protein products and opine on issues limiting the sport’s growth on the Jan. 26 episode.
The sudden cancellation of a major event on the professional tour understandably leads the discussion. Speculation runs rampant about the state of a potential merger between rival leagues that could provide much-needed stability amid chaotic recent developments.
Introductions of famous new sponsors Maria Sharapova and endorsement deals also make headlines and stir debate about the type of tennis stars best positioned to cross over to pickleball success. And the hosts have plenty to say about outspoken commentator Jimmy Miller being called a “sellout” for perceived bias tied to sponsors.
But it’s not all gossip and kidding around. Serious ideas get explored too, like experimental rule changes aimed at making matches more exciting for spectators and converting casual players into engaged fans.
1. 0:36, The cancellation of the MLP Challenger event
The hosts are baffled by the last-minute cancellation of a California Challenger event the day before the draft, underscoring turmoil surrounding attempts to merge rival pro tours MLP and PPA. No one seems to have clarity on reasons for the decision or the merger's status. But Travis remains "hopeful that something will get done" to provide stability.
2. 3:08, The PPA/MLP merger
Rumors emerge about a new potential investor that could replace the original merger partner, causing more uncertainty. The fluidity is "exhausting" but Travis trusts a deal will still materialize to "help the league move forward over the next three to four years."
3. 3:45, APP Punta Gorda - Jorja Johnson
Graham recounts running into Jorja Johnson at the APP Florida tournament and her fiery competitive spirit.
4. 6:07, A tweet about The 5 not getting paid
The hosts discuss rumors that The 5 didn't end up signing contracts with MLP or getting paid by the league, despite reports to the contrary. But the prevailing view is that "a lot of loot" did ultimately get exchanged and "the tweet" merely spread misinformation.
5. 6:58, Chris Haworth - Gold Medal Men's Singles
The singles victory by Chris Haworth at the APP tour gets reviewed, with Graham suggesting his new Gearbox paddle could be an advantage based on its lack of noise making shots deceptively pacey. But a knack for aggressive play seems the bigger factor in Haworth taking the title.
6. 7:34, Hot Joola Paddles
Travis complains about playing an opponent with one of the latest "hot" Joola paddles clearly designed to push control limits, saying the batches seem illegally altered to play more lively than should be allowed. But competitors continue gaming the system in search of any edge.
7. 7:56, Men's Doubles
More APP event results get discussed, including a women's doubles final won by Challenger level players over top Premier duo Parris Todd and Jorja Johnson. The emerging team of Bobbi Oshiro and Milan Rane are hailed for scoring the big upset.
8. 9:22, Protein Oatmeal
In a hilarious interlude, co-host Hayden convinces the crew to sample her latest find: foul-tasting protein oatmeal. Their spit takes and wisecracks slam the inedible health products and dubious Instagram influencer sponsorships around them.
9. 11:31, APP Paddle Testing
While filming new paddle screening procedures at the amateur tournament utilizing ultrasound and other methods, Graham learns about the association's controversy-averse approach. Rather than ban models or call out brands, APP simply informs players if paddles seem defective and urges they voluntarily switch.
10. 16:07, APP 5.0/Pro Qualifier
A trend gets noted of more elite APP players jumping into higher skill draws like the Pro Qualifier instead of competing in the 5.0 division, where medals have become easier to snag.
11. 17:41, Lightning pickleball event
Details get shared about a Tampa Bay Lightning alumni charity pickleball tournament allowing fans to play alongside Bolts' 2004 Stanley Cup Championship team stars.
12. 19:10, Jimmy Miller is a sell-out - Vulcan Ball
When podcast sponsor Vulcan’s new ball gets praised by Jimmy Miller, critics call him a sellout. The hosts agree Miller hypocritically ignores the ball's documented flaws in order to appease financial backers. Travis slams the product again as an overpriced failure.
13. 20:54, Maria Sharapova has joined Franklin
Maria Sharapova signing an endorsement deal with Franklin gets covered, with debates ensuing about her potential as a player. Travis argues other tennis stars not as big names but more suited games could be better equipped to succeed in doubles and singles. Marketing matters more.
14. 23:57, Pickleball Podcast Of The Year Nomination
Proudly announcing their nomination for podcast of the year, the gang seeks feedback on who should take home other honors. They weigh in on choices for breakthrough player, best dressed, most improved and more, cracking jokes while handicapping the awards field.
15. 30:34, Reasons why people don't watch pro pickleball
In closing, possible explanations get explored why so few recreational players tune into pro tournaments, with mundane rallies full of dinking identified as a frequent complaint. Innovative quick-shot clock rules could help transform viewer perceptions that the sport lacks excitement value for audiences.
The latest episode of popular pickleball podcast “Tennis Sucks” covers plenty of drama in the world of professional and amateur pickleball. Hosts Travis Rettenmaier, Graham D'Amico and show producer Luke Burton have plenty to say about recent tournament cancellations, potential league mergers, new sponsors and more.
They kick off discussing the last-minute cancellation of a California Challenger event on the MLP tour just one day before the upcoming draft. No clear reasons get offered for the decision, which only adds to frustration around the turbulent attempted merger between rival MLP and PPA tours. Ongoing rumors about financing issues and new investors make the situation seem in constant flux.
Beyond the latest league politics, chatter emerges about tennis star Maria Sharapova signing a sponsorship deal with paddle manufacturer Franklin as more famous names lend the sport credibility. But debates ensue about whether her style of play will translate well to pickleball success. The argument gets made that lesser known players with more well-rounded games could thrive better after crossing over.
The crew also weighs in on award nominations covering standout players, biggest influencers and best dressed on the pro circuit. And they take jabs at commentator Jimmy Miller being labeled a “sellout” for perceived bias tied to the new PPA ball made by Vulcan, the major sponsor of the King Of The Court podcast.
Attention gets devoted to improvements happening around paddle certification policies too. Graham details his firsthand experience with new ultrasound testing methods being utilized at amateur tournaments that take a diplomatically low-key approach to informing players about equipment failures.
Serious discussion unfolds about reasons recreational players often don’t watch pro tournaments, with boring rallies a common complaint. A proposal gets floated for experimental quick-shot clock rules forcing faster scoring that could provide more exciting viewing.
As pickleball continues unprecedented expansion, everyone agrees increased structure and team rivalries would likely aid accessibility for casual fans while showcasing next-level athleticism the public fails to appreciate currently. The sport remains very much a work in progress but its media voices offer plenty of opinions on nudging it toward maximum popularity.
- 0:36 The cancellation of the MLP Challenger event
- 3:08 The PPA/MLP merger
- 3:45 APP Punta Gorda - Jorja Johnson
- 6:07 A tweet about The 5 not getting paid
- 6:58 Chris Haworth - Gold Medal Men's Singles
- 7:34 Hot Joola Paddles
- 7:56 Men's Doubles
- 9:22 Protein Oatmeal
- 11:31 APP Paddle Testing
- 16:07 APP 5.0/Pro Qualifier
- 17:41 Lightning pickleball event
- 18:20 No bites on 5K offer
- 19:10 Jimmy Miller is a sell-out - Vulcan Ball
- 20:54 Maria Sharapova has joined Franklin
- 23:57 Pickleball Podcast Of The Year Nomination
- 30:34 Reasons why people don't watch pro pickleball
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