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Senior Pickleball Report

SEVEN-TIME SUPER BOWL CHAMPION AND TENNIS HALL OF FAMER HEADLINE OWNERSHIP GROUP OF MAJOR LEAGUE PICKLEBALL EXPANSION TEAM

An ownership group headlined by 5-time NFL Super Bowl MVP quarterback and entrepreneur Tom Brady and Former World No.1 tennis player Kim Clijsters has purchased an expansion team for the 2023 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season.

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Tom Brady and Kim Clijsters join Knighthead Capital Management, LLC in the Purchase of a Major League Pickleball (MLP) Team

PRNewswire/ — An ownership group headlined by 5-time NFL Super Bowl MVP quarterback and entrepreneur Tom Brady and Former World No.1 tennis player Kim Clijsters has purchased an expansion team for the 2023 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season. The group, led by Knighthead Capital Management, LLC, includes co-founder of Knighthead Tom Wagner, acclaimed producer Matt Alvarez, Wall Street bond saleswoman Callie Simpkins, and financial advisor Kaitlyn Kerr, who will serve as General Manager.

“Tom Brady, Kim Clijsters, and Knighthead Capital Management are champions in their fields and will now be champions for Major League Pickleball,” said MLP Founder Steve Kuhn. “What really shines through in working with these amazing individuals is their passion for the sport. We are thrilled to welcome them to our unrivaled roster of strategic partners, who are individually and collectively instrumental in helping us elevate professional pickleball, showcase the joy it brings to millions of people around the globe, and further our ’40 by 30′ campaign – our mission to reach 40 million pickleball players by 2030.”

The expansion team is a part of a three-pronged growth plan for 2023, which will see 12 teams grow to 16, three events double to six, and player prize money and payouts surpass $2M. MLP is the standard-bearer for pickleball in the United States, delivering the highest-quality and most exciting experience in the sport as well as the largest prize money payouts per event to its players.

“Of course, I’m excited at the investment opportunity,” said Clijsters, the six-time tennis Grand Slam Champion who regularly plays pickleball with Simpkins and Kerr. “But what excites me the most about becoming an MLP owner is that I get to help shape the future of pickleball, a sport I have come to love, with great people – who also happen to be some of my best friends. I’m thrilled to help showcase professional pickleball and make an impact on the sport through my experience gained in the top levels of professional tennis.”

Watch the 2022 MLP season finale in Columbus this weekend, Oct. 14-16, on YouTube, MSG Networks, and CBS Sports Network

With the investment from Clijsters, Simpkins, and Kerr, the new team will also be 50% female-owned, a testament to the league’s foundational mission of gender equality. MLP is one of, if not the only professional sports league where men and women compete on equal footing. Co-ed teams play two rounds of mixed doubles, in addition to men’s and women’s doubles, and could even have men and women face off against each other in singles in a Dreambreaker™, a unique tiebreaker only found in MLP.

The ownership group adds even more credibility to MLP’s already stacked roster of high-profile owners and strategic partners, who offer unparalleled expertise across marketing, media, entertainment, branding, and more.

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Other team owners and partners include NBA icons LeBron James, Draymond Green, and Kevin Love, Super Bowl Champion Drew Brees, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee), famed lecturer and research professor Brené Brown, co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks Marc Lasry, former World No.4 tennis player James Blake, healthcare executive Molly Joseph, and from Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing New York and Founder and CEO of Serhant, Ryan Serhant.

The 2022 MLP season finale will see 48 players descend on Columbus, Ohio from October 14-16 to compete for the largest single-event prize purse ($319,000) in the history of pickleball, with the winning team taking home $100,000. Fans can attend the event live at Pickle & Chill in Columbus or catch all the action on YouTube globally, MSG Networks in NY, NJ, CT, and PA (group play, quarterfinals and semifinals – Friday-Sunday) and CBS Sports Network (finals – Sunday at 7:30pm ET).

Major League Pickleball

For more information on Major League Pickleball, visit MajorLeaguePickleball.net and follow Major League Pickleball on FacebookTwitterInstagramTikTokPinterest and YouTube.




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  • Michael J Sliwa

    Over the past few years, Mike has become an insane pickleballer (pickler), fortunately for the senior 50+ crowd he started his show, Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report. He spends the rest of his time speaking on social justice and spending time with his beautiful wife, Karen, and enjoying simple living in his ger/yurt. View all posts

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Over the past few years, Mike has become an insane pickleballer (pickler), fortunately for the senior 50+ crowd he started his show, Sleeve's Senior Pickleball Report. He spends the rest of his time speaking on social justice and spending time with his beautiful wife, Karen, and enjoying simple living in his ger/yurt.

Senior Pickleball Report

What Pro Pickleball Could Learn From Senior Pro Players and Organizations

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In the bustling world of professional pickleball, the spotlight often shines on major organizations like the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), Major League Pickleball (MLP), and the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP). While these entities focus largely on showcasing young, vibrant talent, there’s a wealth of wisdom to be drawn from the more understated realms of the National Pickleball League (NPL) and the Senior Pro Tour, where seasoned athletes continue to impress.

Longevity in the Sport

Senior pro players offer invaluable insights into maintaining a lasting athletic career. Their expertise in injury prevention, recovery, and adaptive play provide a blueprint for career longevity that younger pros can emulate.

  • Training and Conditioning: Senior pros have honed methods to maintain agility and endurance, lessons that can enhance training regimes for younger athletes.
  • Injury Management: With a focus on alternative fitness and healing practices like yoga and nutrition, senior players offer models for managing stress injuries effectively.

Focus on Community and Inclusivity

The NPL and Senior Pro Tour are bastions of community spirit and inclusivity, setting a standard that mainstream organizations could embrace.

  • Amateur Involvement: By integrating a strong sense of community involvement into competitions, they make the sport accessible to various age groups and skill levels, enhancing the spirit of events hosted by PPA and APP.
  • Multigenerational Appeal: Highlighting pickleball’s charm across demographics, senior tours set a precedent for inclusive and family-friendly events.
A senior athlete hits a shot, competing in singles, of a pickleball tournament.

Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer

Senior pros excel in mentorship, sharing not just technical skills but also mental fortitude.

  • Formal Mentorship Programs: Establishing mentoring relationships can foster well-rounded players through strategic advice and supportive, intergenerational learning.
  • Player Development: Insights into resilience and adaptability from seniors can aid younger pros in navigating high-pressure scenarios.

Marketing and Brand Longevity

By focusing on forming enduring relationships with brands and sponsors, senior tours illustrate a path for sustainable partnerships.

  • Broadening Sponsorship Opportunities: Targeting brands that appeal across generations opens new revenue channels, with wellness-focused brands being a natural fit.
  • Sustained Engagement: Marketing pickleball as a lifelong sport invites a wider audience and participant base.

Balanced Scheduling and Player Well-being

The senior circuits often factor player wellness into event scheduling, a practice that pro tours could emulate to avoid player burnout.

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  • Player-Centric Schedules: Adopting flexible schedules could enhance performance levels by ensuring athletes receive adequate rest.
  • Rest and Recovery Focus: Encouraging recovery periods and prioritizing mental health support helps maintain peak conditions for competition.

By drawing lessons from senior pro players and their organizations, professional pickleball can cultivate a more enduring, inclusive, and community-focused environment while ensuring the long-term success of its athletes.

Want more Pickleball News and Information?

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/

On People of Pickleball, we’ll dive into the lives of incredible players like Paul Olin and Tommy Ho, who share their inspiring experiences both on and off the court. Discover their motivations, challenges, and the camaraderie that makes pickleball a unique sport. 

https://sleeves-spr-people-of-pickleball.castos.com

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  • Michael J Sliwa

    Over the past few years, Mike has become an insane pickleballer (pickler), fortunately for the senior 50+ crowd he started his show, Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report. He spends the rest of his time speaking on social justice and spending time with his beautiful wife, Karen, and enjoying simple living in his ger/yurt. View all posts


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Senior Pickleball Report

Meet Kim Kesner: Get Ready for an Exciting Episode of People of Pickleball Podcast!

Pickleball fans, tune in to a new podcast episode featuring Kim Kesner. Discover her journey, achievements, and insights on the evolving pickleball scene.

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Kim Kesner
Check out the latest podcast episode.

Hey, pickleball enthusiasts! Get ready for a thrilling new episode of the “People of Pickleball” podcast, where host Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa sits down with the incredible Kim Kesner from the National Pickleball League’s Kansas City Stingers. This episode promises an engaging mix of athletic journey insights, strategic discussions, and personal stories that will inspire every pickleball lover out there.

Meet Kim Kesner

Kim Kesner is not your average pickleball player. Hailing from Denver, Colorado, she boasts a rich history of athletic accomplishments. From college volleyball and softball to becoming a pivotal player in the pickleball world, Kim’s sporting history provides a unique perspective on the game. She’s known for her never-give-up attitude on the court, whether she’s playing singles or doubles.

Achievements and Accolades

In 2023 alone, Kim has clinched 3 gold medals, 3 silver, and 1 bronze medal. Her prowess on the court earned her a 4th place finish at the US Open in the women’s division and a commendable 5th place in mixed doubles at Nationals. Last year, she bagged the prestigious APP Most Improved Player award and made waves with her highly viewed match against Anna Leigh Waters.

The Personal Side of Kim

Beyond pickleball, Kim wears many hats. She’s a dedicated chiropractor and acupuncturist who owns a practice in Denver with her husband, Chad Kesner. The duo is also proud parents to their son, Cole, a rising star in chemical and biomedical engineering and a college football player at South Dakota School of Mines. When not on the court or at her clinic, Kim loves engaging in outdoor activities like dirt biking, snowmobiling, and hiking. Her passion for helping others also sees her treating Lou Gehrig’s disease patients in her free time.

Podcast Highlights

In this episode, listeners can expect an insightful conversation as Mike Sliwa delves into Kim’s entry into pickleball, her thoughts on the evolving game, and the significance of being part of a 50+ professional league. Kim shares her reflections on the rapid growth of pickleball, changes in game tactics, and the joy of playing alongside legends like her Stingers partner, Jen Dawson.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this podcast episode is a treasure trove of strategies, personal anecdotes, and professional growth tips. It’s a celebration of the vibrant community and dynamic spirit that defines pickleball.

Watch the full episode.

Be sure to tune in to “People of Pickleball” to catch all the action and inspiration. This episode with Kim Kesner is not one to miss!

Kim Kesner

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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/

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The Future of Tennis: Tennis Social AI Launches First-of-its-Kind Simulators

Tennis Social AI announces its V1 Tennis Simulator, set for production by 2025, offering an engaging, AI-powered, social, and gamified tennis experience for all skill levels.

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NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Tennis Social AI, a trailblazing developer of immersive tennis simulators, is excited to announce the completion of its V1 Tennis Simulator, which is slated for full-scale production and installation by early 2025. This innovative technology transforms how tennis is played and enjoyed, making it more accessible, engaging, and social.

The first AI Tennis Simulator platform for both social and training experiences!

Tennis Social AI

As tennis faces challenges in boosting participation, while competing with the rising popularity of pickleball and padel, Tennis Social AI offers an innovative approach by blending computer vision, AI-powered training, and interactive video games. According to Novak Djokovic, “Tennis at the club level is endangered, and innovation is necessary to keep the sport alive.”

Tennis Social AI’s simulator is designed to cater to players of all skill levels, allowing beginners and seasoned players alike to enjoy a gamified tennis experience. The simulator’s customizable video games and training modules provide an opportunity for users to socialize while improving their fitness and technique. Much like golf simulators have brought new players into the sport, this technology has the potential to draw more people to tennis through its innovative approach to socialization and gamification.

CEO of Tennis Social AI, Tyler Kelly, stated, “Our mission has been to lower the barrier of entry for the sport by creating a version of tennis that maintains the core mechanics of the traditional game, while still making the experience fun and social for friends and families. Our simulators are sized to fit in almost any environment, so now tennis can compete in locations where it traditionally could not.”

Pre-sale fulfillment is underway, with installations expected to begin in early 2025. Tennis Social AI is leading the way to a future where tennis is more than just a game—it’s a social experience.

For more information on brand opportunities and pre-sales, contact: Steven McClendon at steven@tennissocial.ai or visit https://tennissocial.ai/

SOURCE Tennis Social AI

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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/


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