Senior Pickleball Report
People of Pickleball: A Chat with Paul Bamundo, CEO of the National Pickleball League
Welcome back, pickleball enthusiasts! Today, we are diving into a very special episode of People of Pickleball featuring the dynamic Paul Bamundo, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Pickleball League (NPL). As the mastermind behind the league’s incredible growth and success, Bamundo brings a wealth of experience from his previous stints at the NBA, IMG, and Subway, among other prominent organizations. In his conversation with Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa, we get a glimpse into the exciting second season of the NPL and the upcoming championship weekend.
Enter the World of Pickleball
Paul Bamundo’s journey into the world of pickleball is as intriguing as the game itself. Although familiar with pickleball for several years, it was his local tennis club in Connecticut that first introduced him to the sport. Known for his prowess in a variety of racquet sports, Bamundo quickly became captivated by pickleball’s unique charm and explosive growth.
A serendipitous text during a Jackson Browne concert set the wheels in motion for Bamundo’s eventual role as CEO of the NPL. In true “undercover boss” style, he visited the Glendale championship last year, blending into the vibrant pickleball community and witnessing firsthand the league’s potential.
Season Two Unveiled
As the NPL enters its second season, Bamundo proudly reflects on the expansion from 6 to 12 teams. The league has simultaneously fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and fierce competition among players, drawing parallels to his experiences in the Ivy League. Importantly, the NPL remains committed to gender equality by ensuring an equal division between men’s and women’s rosters, with equal weight given to all players’ efforts.
The impact of pickleball’s growth is undeniable. With new venues and an ever-expanding fanbase, Bamundo envisions a future with East and West divisions and thrilling playoff tournaments, possibly growing even bigger with more teams in the pipeline. Despite the current logistical challenges, the NPL’s innovative approach has laid a strong foundation for future success in professional pickleball.
The Championship and Beyond
Excitement is mounting as the Championship Weekend looms on the horizon. Hosted at the acclaimed Pickle Lodge in Cincinnati, this year’s event promises to deliver unforgettable matches with live-streamed games and CBS coverage, showcasing the exhilarating skill and talent of the players.
Bamundo anticipates that the competitive spirit, skillful plays, and engaging personalities of NPL stars will captivate both new fans and seasoned pickleball enthusiasts alike. As these players bring their impressive athletic and professional backgrounds to the court, they add a distinct layer of depth to the league, drawing more eyes and amassing a devoted following.
A Sport of Community and Passion
At its core, Bamundo emphasizes that pickleball is about fostering healthy competition and building a tight-knit community. Whether it’s the players or the fans, those involved in the NPL quickly find themselves drawn into a supportive, energetic environment unlike any other.
The episode concludes with an invitation to join the NPL family, either in person at the Championship Weekend or by following the live events online. It’s a thrilling time for pickleball, and with leaders like Paul Bamundo steering the ship, there’s no limit to where this sport can go.
Stay tuned for more insights, and be sure to follow the National Pickleball League’s exciting journey towards a brighter, bigger future in the world of sports!
Paul Bamundo
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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
health and wellness
“Protect Your Skin: Celebrate Sunscreen Day”
“May 27th is Sunscreen Day! Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun safety practices.”
Last Updated on May 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Sunscreen Day is a day dedicated to promoting the importance of wearing sunscreen and protecting our skin from harmful UV rays. Observed annually on May 27th, this day serves as a reminder that sunscreen is not just for the beach or pool, but an essential part of our daily routine.
The sun emits two types of harmful UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging, such as wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays cause sunburn and can lead to the development of skin cancer. Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting these rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin.
Unfortunately, many people still do not wear sunscreen or do not wear it correctly. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, only 30% of Americans regularly use sunscreen. This is concerning, as skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed each year.
To ensure that sunscreen is effective, it is important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, while SPF 30 provides adequate protection for most skin types. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
It is also important to remember that sunscreen is not the only way to protect your skin from the sun. Seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm) can also help reduce your risk of sun damage.
Sunscreen Day is a great opportunity to start incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen every morning before leaving the house, and keep a bottle in your car or bag for reapplication throughout the day. Encourage your friends and family to do the same, and spread awareness about the importance of sun protection.
In conclusion, sunscreen is a crucial aspect of protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. By choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and incorporating it into our daily routine, we can reduce our risk of skin cancer and premature aging. So let’s celebrate Sunscreen Day by making a commitment to protect our skin and encouraging others to do the same!
For more information heres a link to the Skin Cancer Foundation: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/
Sports
CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated Partners With CityPickle to Expand Urban Pickleball Access in NYC
CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated partners with CityPickle to expand NYC pickleball access, adding Central Park, Times Square and LIC courts to easy online booking.
New York City’s pickleball boom is getting a little easier to navigate. CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated, a North America–wide platform for booking sports facilities, announced a strategic partnership with CityPickle that will bring several of the operator’s most recognizable NYC courts onto CatchCorner’s reservation network.
The launch includes three CityPickle locations: Wollman Rink in Central Park, the flagship facility in Times Square, and indoor courts in Long Island City. A fourth site at Brooklyn Bridge is expected to open soon, expanding the footprint even further. The idea is simple: players can discover and book court time through CatchCorner in “just a few clicks,” with real-time availability and built-in payment options.
Why this partnership matters
Pickleball’s growth has been fueled by accessibility, but in dense cities the biggest barrier is often logistics: finding courts, knowing what’s available, and actually locking in a time slot. By pairing CityPickle’s high-profile, high-traffic venues with CatchCorner’s booking infrastructure, the partnership aims to reduce friction for everyone from first-timers to regular players.
CatchCorner CEO Jonathan Azouri framed CityPickle as a key player in expanding access, pointing to the way the operator is repurposing iconic city spaces into “dynamic hubs for sport, community, and social connection.” CityPickle’s Director of Strategic Operations, Nate Hamowy, echoed that community-first approach, saying the company’s mission is to create a place where “everyone can enjoy the game,” and that CatchCorner’s platform helps players find and connect across sports.
The bigger trend: racquet sports go urban
The announcement also signals a broader shift in how racquet sports are being built into city life. Instead of relying solely on traditional clubs or hard-to-access public courts, operators are increasingly activating prominent locations and creating event-like environments around play. In a place like NYC—where space is scarce and demand is high—partnerships like this can be the difference between pickleball feeling like a trend and pickleball becoming a permanent part of the city’s recreation ecosystem.
What to watch for next
- Brooklyn Bridge expansion: The upcoming fourth location could be a major demand driver, especially if it mirrors the visibility and foot traffic of the Central Park and Times Square sites.
- More venue additions: CatchCorner’s model is built for scale. If the CityPickle rollout performs well, it could accelerate additional urban racquet-sport partnerships.
- Community programming: The most successful city courts tend to pair bookings with leagues, clinics, and social play—expect more structured programming as these venues attract new players.
Players looking to reserve court time can do so through CatchCorner’s platform at www.catchcorner.comor via the CatchCorner app on the App Store and Google Play.
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.
https://stmdailynews.com/sports
Senior Pickleball Report
Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion Starts in Roseville; Sleeves SPR Has Full Details
West Coast pickleball players could see more indoor options soon as Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion becomes statewide. The first club opens in Roseville with 11 indoor courts.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Pickleball Kingdom, which calls itself the world’s largest indoor pickleball entity, announced a landmark agreement to develop locations across California, with multi-unit franchisees Parminder and Komal Saini leading the statewide expansion.
Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion
The company said demand is rising across the Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego County, and the Inland Empire, and that future clubs are expected to include professional-grade indoor courts, coaching and clinics for all skill levels, youth development programs, leagues and tournaments, a pro shop, and social areas.
The first California location is set to open in Roseville with grand opening activities the weekend of March 28. The club will feature 11 professional-grade indoor courts across approximately 32,900 square feet at 10251 Fairway Drive, Roseville, CA 95678.
For more context on the announcement and what the rollout could mean for California players, Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report published a full write-up here: https://sleeves-spr.com/pickleball-kingdom-announces-major-california-expansion-first-club-opens-in-roseville/Pickleball Kingdom also said it is seeking additional franchise partners in California. More information is available at https://pickleballkingdom.com/franchise/
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/
