pickleball and sports exclusive
Professional Pickleball comes to New Zealand, over 100K Prizes in the Auckland Open and Two New Zealand teams
PPA Tour Australia (PPAA) has launched New Zealand’s inaugural Professional Pickleball event, the Auckland Open, which will take place during Easter weekend at the Albany Tennis Centre in Auckland.
- PPA Tour Australia (PPAA) launches New Zealand’s first ever Professional Pickleball event, the Auckland Open, Easter weekend at the Albany Tennis Centre, Auckland.
- Major League Pickleball Australia (MLPA) debuts New Zealand teams, Auckland’s NZ Hustle and Wellington’s Southern Stars. MLPA team owners include cricketing legend Steve Smith, the Miami Heat’s Patty Mills, and 5-time Olympian Nat Cook.
- Over $100,000 in prize money and $700,000 in 2024.
SYDNEY /PRNewswire/ — PPA Tour Australia (PPAA) and Major League Pickleball Australia (MLPA) are launching the Auckland Open, New Zealand’s inaugural professional pickleball tournament. The Auckland Open will take place at the Albany Tennis Centre over Easter weekend (29th-31st March 2024).
The Auckland Open marks a significant milestone for pickleball in New Zealand, showcasing the nation’s entry into the professional scene with over $100,000 in prize money. The introduction of the Auckland-based NZ Hustle, captained by Matt Carter, and the Wellington-based Southern Stars, captained by Jai Grewal, heralds a new era of competition and enthusiasm for the sport across the country.
As the premier event of its kind in New Zealand, this tournament is set to captivate pickleball enthusiasts, athletes, and fans with a weekend filled with high-caliber play, sportsmanship, and community engagement. Featuring the world’s leading Pro tour format (PPA Tour) and pro team format (Major League Pickleball), along with the support of celebrated team owners like Steve Smith and Patty Mills, the event promises an unparalleled pickleball experience.
“There’s a fantastic buzz around pickleball in New Zealand, and we’re thrilled to bring this professional level of play to Auckland,” said MLPA CEO Adam Thompson, “As a proud Kiwi, I’m excited to bring this event and the attention of this exciting and inclusive sport back home”.
MLPA President Anthony Liveris, added; “The Auckland Open will be a globally renowned tournament, establishing New Zealand as a pickleball powerhouse. We are thrilled to bring professional pickleball to Auckland and are grateful for the support of our international and domestic partners.”
Pickleball, a fast-growing racket sport that merges elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has gained immense popularity globally. The Albany Tennis Centre event begins with a celebration of pickleball through various competitions, including the debut matches for the NZ Hustle and Southern Stars.
For ticket details, the complete event itinerary, and partnership opportunities, please visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/ppatouraustralia
Media Contact:
email. hello@pacificpickleball.net
website. pacificpickleball.net
instagram. @ppatour.australia and @mlp.australia
About Major League Pickleball Australia and PPA Tour Australia:
PPA Tour Australia (formally Pacific Pickleball) is the official Professional Pickleball League of Australia featuring the top players, highest prize money, and best events across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. PPA Tour Australia offers two formats for athletes including Major League Pickleball Australia’s (MLP Australia’s) Pro Teams Format, and PPA Pro Tour Format for both Open and Masters 50+ Athletes, under PPL in partnership with Pickleball Australia Association (PAA). PPA Tour Australia aims to grow the total number of Pickleball players in APAC to 1 Million in 2032 by promoting the sport through world-class events, professional pathways for top players, dedicated pickleball venues, and strong partnerships at international, national and grassroots levels; on a journey to bring Pickleball to all.
SOURCE Pacific Pickleball
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/
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Foodie News
National Pickle Day: Celebrating the Tangy Delights of Pickles
Celebrate National Pickle Day on November 14th, indulging in the tangy delights of pickles. Discover fascinating pickle facts and try different varieties! #NationalPickleDay
Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Why did the pickle take up Pickleball? Because it wanted to be a “dill-lightful” athlete on the court! Just like the versatile and pickle-icious sport of Pickleball, pickles themselves bring a tangy twist to any dish they’re added to. So, whether you’re smashing shots on the Pickleball court or enjoying a pickle-infused snack, let’s pickle our way to fun and laughter! Happy National Pickle Day and may your Pickleball skills be as sharp as a perfectly brined gherkin!

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Unstoppable Dominance: The Picklr Unleashes 70-Club Expansion with Proven Construction Giant
The Picklr, North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise, partners with NFC Contracting Group to support ambitious expansion plans, targeting 70 new locations within a year. This alliance promises consistency and quality in facilities, reflecting pickleball’s soaring popularity and community-building efforts.
Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Strategic partnership positions North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise for unprecedented expansion
The pickleball boom shows no signs of slowing down, and The Picklr is making sure it stays ahead of the curve. The Salt Lake City-based franchise just announced a game-changing partnership with NFC Contracting Group, a move designed to support the brand’s ambitious nationwide expansion as it races to open 70 new locations over the next year.
With 52 clubs already serving players across North America and demand continuing to surge, The Picklr needed a construction partner who could deliver consistency, quality, and speed at scale. Enter NFC Contracting Group, a national general contractor with more than three decades of commercial construction expertise under its belt.
Building on Proven Success
This isn’t a blind partnership. NFC has already proven its worth by successfully delivering multiple Picklr facilities in Arizona, demonstrating an understanding of the brand’s standards and vision that goes beyond typical contractor relationships.
“As we scale across the country, it was critical to align with a construction partner who shares our vision and commitment to excellence,” said Chris Walker, Chief Development Officer at The Picklr. “NFC has already proven its expertise by successfully delivering multiple Picklr clubs in Arizona. Their precision, reliability, and alignment with our values make them the ideal partner for this next phase of growth.”
Why This Partnership Matters
For franchisees and pickleball enthusiasts alike, this partnership means something important: consistency. Whether you walk into a Picklr facility in Phoenix or Portland, you’ll experience the same world-class standards that have made the brand a leader in the indoor pickleball space.
NFC’s track record in large-scale, multi-state commercial projects positions them perfectly to support The Picklr’s rapid rollout. Their expertise in retail, sports, and franchise buildouts means they understand the unique demands of creating facilities that need to function flawlessly from day one while maintaining brand integrity across hundreds of locations.
“NFC strives for excellence, and our goal is to build these facilities with the quality and consistency that franchisees expect,” said Nick Crisci, Principal of NFC Contracting Group. “We know The Picklr brand and take pride in protecting its reputation while building strong relationships and supporting the success of every franchisee.”
Meeting Demand Where It Matters
The Picklr’s growth trajectory reflects the explosive popularity of pickleball itself. What started as a backyard pastime has evolved into one of America’s fastest-growing sports, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. The Picklr has capitalized on this momentum by creating premium facilities that go beyond just courts—they’re building communities.
With professional-grade courts, comprehensive programming from beginner clinics to competitive tournaments, and a membership model that provides access to all club locations nationwide, The Picklr has positioned itself as more than just a place to play. It’s become a destination for anyone serious about the sport.
What’s Next
With 70 new clubs planned for the next 12 months and more than 500 locations sold nationwide, The Picklr’s partnership with NFC Contracting Group ensures that rapid growth doesn’t come at the expense of quality. Each new facility will be built to the same exacting standards, protecting the brand reputation while creating lasting value for franchisees and exceptional experiences for players.
For a sport that’s still relatively young, having infrastructure partners who can scale with demand is crucial. The Picklr’s decision to formalize its relationship with NFC signals confidence not just in the company’s growth trajectory, but in pickleball’s staying power as a mainstream sport.
As communities across North America continue to embrace pickleball, partnerships like this one ensure that players will have access to world-class facilities no matter where they live. And for The Picklr, it means staying at the forefront of an industry that’s just getting started.
Related Stories
The Picklr Official Website – Find locations, membership info, and franchise opportunities
The Picklr Franchise Information – Learn about owning a Picklr franchise
NFC Contracting Group – Meet the construction partner behind The Picklr’s expansion
Find a Picklr Location Near You – Sea
SOURCE The Picklr
More Pickleball News on Sleeves-SPR
Latest Pickleball Facility News – Coverage of new courts and venues
Indoor vs Outdoor: What Senior Players Need to Know – (Link to relevant existing article if you have one)
Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa’s Take on Pickleball’s Growth – (Link to Sleeves commentary/opinion pieces)
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