If your New Year’s reset includes less scrolling and more moving, CourtsApp is trying to make that switch ridiculously easy.

CourtsApp has officially launched with a bold claim—calling itself “the healthiest app in the world”—and the positioning is clear: it’s not another wellness app asking for more screen time. It’s a tool designed to get you off your phone and onto a court.

What CourtsApp is (and why it’s different)

CourtsApp is an AI-powered marketing and booking platform that helps players instantly find and book open courts for tennis, pickleball, padel, and other racquet sports—often at discounted prices. The key point: no membership fees are required.

That matters because “friction” is one of the biggest reasons people don’t play as often as they want to. If booking a court means juggling memberships, phone calls, limited availability, or confusing club policies, most people default to the easier option: staying home.

CourtsApp’s pitch is simple: open the app, find a court, book it, and go play.

Turning screen time into play time

Most apps compete for attention. CourtsApp is leaning into the opposite idea—convert screen time into movement.

The average adult now spends more than seven hours a day looking at screens, a trend that’s often linked with rising rates of obesity, heart disease, anxiety, and social isolation. CourtsApp is positioning itself as a healthier relationship with your phone: use it briefly, then put it away and get outside.

Instead of tracking steps or pushing workouts through a screen, the app is built around real-world activity—full-body movement, outdoor play, and social connection.

Why racquet sports are having a moment

CourtsApp’s launch also taps into a bigger trend: racquet sports are booming, and not just because they’re fun.

Founder and CEO Daren Hornig argues that sports like tennis and pickleball can be a stronger path to fitness and longevity than the typical “10,000 steps” mindset.

“CourtsApp turns your phone into a gateway to real-world health,” Hornig said. “For years, we’ve been told that you can stay fit and lose weight by walking 10,000 steps a day, taking a Peloton class online or going to a gym. However, sports like tennis and pickleball give you a greater chance to achieve your health and fitness goals and live a longer and healthier life. And there’s no better time to start than the New Year.”

The company also points to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, citing long-term data following more than 80,000 adults over nearly a decade. According to the release, participants in racquet sports saw a 47% lower risk of death from any cause and up to a 56% lower risk of cardiovascular-related death compared to non-participants.

Where CourtsApp is live now—and what’s next

CourtsApp is currently live for players across:

• New York
• New Jersey
• Connecticut

The platform already lists more than 1,500 courts across 150+ facilities in those markets.

Next up: expansion from Maine to Florida by Q1 2026, followed by market-by-market growth as club density increases. The release also calls out additional play-in markets including:

• Southern California
• Texas
• Pacific Northwest

Flexible pricing, more access, fewer barriers

One of the most practical angles here is affordability and access.

CourtsApp highlights discounted pricing during quieter hours—helping players turn a random free afternoon into court time without committing to a membership or paying peak-hour rates.

For clubs, the platform doubles as a marketing and booking engine. For players, it’s a shortcut to the thing they actually want: a court that’s open right now.

The bigger takeaway

CourtsApp is betting on a simple truth: people don’t need more motivation apps—they need fewer obstacles.

If the app delivers on its promise (fast booking, real inventory, and meaningful discounts), it could become a go-to tool for anyone trying to make movement a habit—especially in sports like pickleball and tennis where access and scheduling can make or break consistency.

Players and clubs can learn more or join the platform at CourtsApp.com.

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Related Links

• CourtsApp (Official Site)
• More Sports + Wellness Coverage on STM Daily News
• Pickleball News & Updates
• Tennis News & Court Culture

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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/

Last Updated on January 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff

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

In practical terms, it’s a move toward building a larger, more coordinated equipment company that can compete at the top end of the market.

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

According to the release, the combined platform is built to help “every player elevate their game,” which is a big promise—but also a clear signal that the group is aiming at serious players, not just casual entry-level demand.

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?

Either way, the formation of the Paddletek Group is a clear signal: the performance equipment race is accelerating, and the brands with the deepest innovation pipelines are positioning themselves now for what pickleball becomes next.

Learn more

• Paddletek: https://www.paddletek.com/
• Thirty-5 Capital: https://www.thirtyfivecapital.com/

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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

The Sports section of STM Daily News is your ultimate destination for all things sports, catering to everyday fans and dedicated enthusiasts alike. We cover a wide range of topics, from the thrill of amateur competitions to the excitement of semi-professional and professional leagues. Our content delves into physical and mental fitness, providing insights and tips that help individuals elevate their performance, whether on the field or in their personal wellness journeys. Stay informed and inspired as we explore the dynamic world of sports, celebrating both the passion of the players and the joy of the fans.

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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.

The big win here is clarity. Instead of bouncing between random clinics or “YouTube tips of the week,” players get a structured development ladder—beginner to advanced—with a consistent framework.

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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

For anyone curious about pickleball but hesitant to jump into open play, that “no-cost, no-pressure” on-ramp matters.

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:

• https://www.acepickleballclub.com/clinics

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/