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Experience the Thrilling Pickleball Showdown at Life Time PENN 1 in NYC – A Historic Event with Tennis Champ Andre Agassi and Pro Pickleball Pros!
“Witness the electrifying pickleball showdown with tennis legend Andre Agassi and top pros at Life Time PENN 1 in NYC – a sports event to remember!”
On May 4, 2024, a historic event took place at Life Time PENN 1 in New York City. Tennis Grand Slam Champion Andre Agassi, along with top-rated pickleball pros Ben Johns, Collin Johns, Tyson McGuffin, and Anna Bright, gathered for an exhilarating pickleball showdown. As the world’s fastest-growing sport, pickleball continues to captivate audiences, and this event was no exception.
Over 300 guests had the privilege of watching this exciting display of athleticism and camaraderie. Some lucky individuals even had the opportunity to play alongside these esteemed professionals. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd cheered on their favorite players, basking in the thrill of the competition.
Bahram Akradi, Life Time Founder, Chairman, and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This easily goes down as one of the most exciting days for Life Time in New York City since our Life Time Sky opening in 2016.” Akradi, an avid tennis and pickleball player himself, recognized the significance of having these world-class athletes together. The event marked the opening of PENN 1 as the city’s iconic pickleball destination, cementing Life Time’s commitment to expanding access, enhancing programming, and building a community around racquet sports.
This goes down as one of the most exciting days for Life Time in New York City since our Life Time Sky opening in 2016.Tweet
Life Time has been making waves in the racquet sports world, exemplified by their appointment of Andre Agassi as the inaugural chair of the Life Time Pickleball and Tennis Board. Agassi’s involvement underscores the company’s dedication to fostering the growth of racquet sports. Life Time has also formed partnerships with elite pickleball players such as Ben and Collin Johns, who have created a series of instructional videos exclusively available through the Life Time digital app.
Since 2021, Life Time has become the largest owner and operator of permanent pickleball courts, boasting over 680 courts nationwide, with nine located in New York City. The company has also hosted multiple MLP and PPA tournaments, including their own Pickleball Classic. The May 4 event showcased the support from key Life Time partners, including JOOLA, DUPR, and lululemon, who have all contributed to the growth of racquet sports.
Life Time PENN 1, which opened on April 15, has already become a hotspot for pickleball enthusiasts. With seven street-level pickleball courts, it offers a vibrant community for play, leagues, clinics, and tournaments for players of all skill levels. Life Time operates nine destinations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and Life Time Sky has two indoor pickleball courts.
This event was a testament to the expansive reach of pickleball and its ability to bring people together. It showcased the passion and dedication of both professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. As the frenzy around pickleball continues to build, Life Time remains at the forefront, committed to delivering exceptional experiences and fostering a love for racquet sports.
For those who missed the event, a recap is available for viewing. To learn more about Life Time in New York City and their dedication to racquet sports, visit their website. Life Time continues to empower individuals to live healthy, happy lives through its athletic clubs and range of healthy living programs. As a pioneer in health and wellness, the company’s impact extends to people of all ages and is supported by a team of dedicated professionals. In addition to their clubs, Life Time also owns and produces some of the most iconic athletic events in the country, further solidifying their commitment to healthy living.
About Life Time®
Life Time (NYSE: LTH) is a company that operates over 170 athletic country clubs in the United States and Canada. They aim to empower individuals to lead healthy and happy lives. In addition to their clubs, Life Time offers a range of healthy lifestyle programs and information through their complimentary Life Time Digital app. Their services cater to people of all ages, from 90 days to 90+ years old. With a dedicated team of over 37,000 professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences. They also own and produce nearly 30 well-known athletic events in the country.
SOURCE Life Time, Inc.
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Sports
Paddletek Group Launches: What the New Multi-Brand Merger Means for Performance Pickleball
Paddletek forms the Paddletek Group with ProXR, Padeltek, and Yobow—plus a new performance paddle line coming next month.
Last Updated on January 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Pickelball multi-ethnic female team with concentrated expression about to play in an outdoor court
Paddletek Group Launches: What the New Multi-Brand Merger Means for Performance Pickleball
Pickleball’s growth has been loud, fast, and impossible to ignore. Now the equipment side of the sport is starting to consolidate in a way that could shape what players swing next season. On Dec. 19, 2025, Paddletek announced the creation of the Paddletek Group, a new umbrella organization that brings together Paddletek, ProXR, Padeltek, and Yobow under one platform. The goal: accelerate innovation in high-performance pickleball paddles (and padel rackets), expand athlete support, and build a bigger engine for growth as both sports continue to surge.What is the Paddletek Group?
At its core, the Paddletek Group is a multi-brand merger designed to unify product development, athlete partnerships, and go-to-market momentum across several recognized names. The announcement positions the new entity as a “unified platform” for:- Innovation in performance equipment for pickleball and padel
- Support for sponsored athletes
- Scaling growth as participation expands
Why this merger matters to players
Most players don’t wake up thinking about corporate structure. They wake up thinking about feel, control, pop, spin, and whether their paddle is helping or hurting them in tight points. This merger matters because it combines two distinct strengths:- Paddletek’s legacy in performance design and manufacturing
- ProXR’s performance-driven approach
A milestone moment for the brand (and the sport)
Curtis Smith, Founder of Paddletek, framed the move as bigger than a business headline. He said the formation of the Paddletek Group “marks an important milestone” for the brand and for pickleball and padel, adding that bringing the brands together “amplifies our ability to innovate to support both recreational and elite players.” That “recreational and elite” line is worth paying attention to. It suggests the group wants to build a product pipeline that spans:- approachable paddles for the everyday player
- high-performance models for advanced and tournament-level athletes
Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story — A Closer Look at the Documentary and Its Uncredited Voice
The numbers: one million paddles, made in the USA
Paddletek also highlighted a major manufacturing and brand milestone: more than one million paddles sold, with products “proudly made in the USA.” In a category where manufacturing origin is part of the brand story (and sometimes part of the buying decision), that’s not a throwaway detail—it’s a positioning statement. The release also notes that, with the merger, the Paddletek Group becomes the No. 2 paddle brand among advanced players, citing the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).What’s coming next: a new performance paddle line
The most immediate product news is this: the Paddletek Group says it will introduce a new performance paddle line next month, combining “the strength and expertise from both great brands.” While the release doesn’t share specs, pricing, or model names, it does set expectations that this won’t be a minor refresh. It’s being framed as a true “combined” line—likely the first public proof point of what the merger unlocks.Padel expansion is clearly on the roadmap
Pickleball may be the headline, but padel is not an afterthought here. The group says plans are underway to expand innovation into padel, which is seeing rapid growth globally. For equipment companies, padel represents a bigger international footprint and a different performance profile—meaning more R&D opportunity and, potentially, a broader athlete ecosystem.The leadership angle: Thirty-5 Capital steps into the spotlight
The release also spotlights Thirty-5 Capital’s role. Ron Saslow, Founder and Managing Partner at Thirty-5 Capital, is named CEO of the Paddletek Group. Saslow described the moment as “exhilarating” given the global growth of pickleball and padel, and said the group brings together “respected brands with complementary strengths, and tremendous technologies to create an even bigger, bolder, better company.” Private equity involvement doesn’t automatically mean “good” or “bad” for players—but it often means the company is gearing up to scale: more product launches, more marketing, more athlete signings, and more distribution.What to watch as this rolls out
If you’re a player, coach, or gear-head, here are the practical questions this announcement raises:- Will the new paddle line create a true performance leap, or mostly consolidate existing tech?
- How will athlete rosters evolve across Paddletek and ProXR sponsorships?
- Will “made in the USA” remain central as the group scales?
- How aggressively will the group push into padel, and will that influence pickleball R&D priorities?
Learn more
- Paddletek: https://www.paddletek.com/
- Thirty-5 Capital: https://www.thirtyfivecapital.com/
Disclosure: This article is based on a press release distributed via PRNewswire on Dec. 19, 2025. Sources: PRNewswire press release page: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-paddletek-group-advancing-the-future-of-performance-pickleball-302646989.html
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Sports
Ace Pickleball Club Launches National Player Development Series to Elevate Skills for Every Level of Play
Ace Pickleball Club launches a national Player Development Series with four training levels, plus free Intro to Pickleball clinics. Learn what’s included and how to sign up.
Ace Pickleball Club Launches National Player Development Series to Elevate Skills for Every Level of Play
Pickleball keeps pulling in new players for one simple reason: it’s easy to start and hard to stop. But once the “first game” excitement wears off, a lot of people hit the same wall—How do I actually get better without guessing what to practice next? Ace Pickleball Club (APC) just rolled out a clear answer. On December 17, 2025, Ace Pickleball Club announced the nationwide launch of its new Player Development Series—a four-stage training pathway built to help players learn fundamentals, build consistency, and progress toward competitive play over time.A four-stage pathway built for real progression
APC’s Player Development Series is structured as a multi-tier program with four progressive levels of instruction, designed to meet players where they are and give them an obvious “next step.” Here’s how the series breaks down:- Starter Series (available now nationwide): An eight-session program focused on core fundamentals, guided drills, and confidence-building play.
- Essentials Series (select locations now; nationwide in early 2026): Built to help players develop consistency and prepare for intermediate-level games.
- Performance Series (rolling out first half of 2026): Focused on strategy, court awareness, and competitive growth.
- Precision Series (rolling out first half of 2026): The final stage, centered on fine-tuning technique and advanced shot-making.
Beginner-friendly entry point still available (and free)
Alongside the new series, APC will continue offering its Intro to Pickleball clinic at all locations at no cost. This is a smart move because it removes the most common barrier for new players: feeling unprepared. According to APC, the Intro clinic provides everything needed to step onto the court, including:- Paddles
- Balls
- A welcoming, skilled instructor
- A beginner-friendly introduction to rules, movement, and the spirit of the game
Why APC is betting on development right now
Pickleball’s growth is bringing in players with wildly different goals—some want a fun weekly workout, others want to climb into competitive brackets. Joe Sexton, President of Ace Pickleball Club, said the new series is designed to serve that full range: “Our Player Development Series gives every member a clear next step, whether they’re touching a paddle for the first time or working toward advanced competitive play.” He also emphasized that APC is aiming to strengthen the community-first culture that keeps people coming back.Included as part of the member experience
APC says the Player Development Series is included as part of the Ace Pickleball Club Member experience, reinforcing its mission to keep the sport accessible, fun, and growth-oriented across ages and skill levels.About Ace Pickleball Club
Ace Pickleball Club is a national pickleball franchise built around a member-focused model and all-inclusive pricing. APC promotes an “open play on demand” approach—meaning players don’t need to coordinate groups, plan far in advance, or reserve a spot just to get on the court. APC currently has 22 locations open nationwide, with more planned for 2026. Clubs feature professional-grade cushioned courts and a climate-controlled playing environment.How to learn more or sign up
To learn more or register for a Player Development Series session, visit:Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
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Senior Pickleball Report
Top Pickleball Holiday Gifts for Pros and Beginners
Find the perfect holiday gifts for both pickleball pros and beginners, with a wide selection of gear and accessories for this popular sport.
Last Updated on November 24, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Pickleball Holiday Gifts
Looking for the perfect holiday gifts for pickleball enthusiasts? Look no further! As “America’s fastest-growing sport,” pickleball appeals to all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re shopping for a pro or a beginner, there are plenty of options to choose from. Consider gifting them a high-quality pickleball paddle tailored to their playing style, with options ranging from control paddles to power paddles. Don’t forget to consider factors like weight, grip, and shape. In addition to paddles, there’s a wide array of pickleball-related merchandise available, from apparel to accessories. This holiday season, surprise your pickleball-loving friends and family with the best gear and accessories that’ll enhance their playing experience and keep them entertained for hours on the court.
Discover an exciting range of merchandise by visiting the web stores of Sleeves SPR’s friends. From trendy clothing to stylish accessories, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out – start browsing today! https://sleeves-spr.store/friends-of-spr/
