pickleball and sports exclusive
TEXAS RANCHERS MAJOR LEAGUE PICKLEBALL TEAM ANNOUNCES NEW OWNERSHIP GROUP
Scottie Scheffler, Zach Bryan, Taylor Fritz, Bobby Bones, Kendra Scott, Micah Parsons, Myles Garrett and other luminaries from professional sports, entertainment, music and business join the new ownership group.
The star-studded ownership group has been hand-selected to globalize the Texas Ranchers’ brand, use the power of pickleball as a force for good and build America’s Pickleball Team.
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Texas Ranchers – one of the eight founding Major League Pickleball (MLP) teams in the U.S. – announced a new ownership group of power players from professional sports, fashion, business, music and entertainment. Among the more than 30 owners, the list of luminaries include #1 ranked golfer in the world Scottie Scheffler; award-winning country music star Zach Bryan and veteran managers Danny Kang and Stefan Max; United Talent Agency partner Mike G; Kenny Meisalas, partner at Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, P.C; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson; #1 ranked American tennis player Taylor Fritz; one of the NFL’s top agents David Mulugheta; radio personality Bobby Bones; founder and designer Kendra Scott; Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves; leading marketing group Get Engaged Media and its co-founders and partners Cam Fordham, Alex Dermer and Ben Hiott; and Hollywood brand amplifiers Ken Hertz and Liz Heller.
With Texas pickleball experiencing some of the highest growth rates in the nation, the Texas Ranchers and its influential owners are positioned to drive huge local fandom as part of the sport’s skyrocketing popularity.
“Our owners are not just investing in the Texas Ranchers. We are incredibly fortunate to have a diverse group of leaders who are committed to shaping the future of Pickleball,” said Evan Floersch, President and Part-Owner of the Texas Ranchers. “With our combined resources, our vision is to expand the reach of an already popular and unifying sport to new communities and countries. We are honored to have this influential group join us as we look to redefine sports ownership and deliver meaningful societal change through our professional sports team and league.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the sport and fandom develop, and I’m proud to support the Ranchers in building a world class franchise in my home state,” said Scottie Scheffler, the #1 ranked golfer in the world.
“I’m all in on the pickleball rage. I’m clearly a fan of Texas sports, and I look forward to supporting the Texas Ranchers in becoming the leader in Major League Pickleball,” said C.J. Stroud, quarterback for the Houston Texans. “Texas has always been home to some of the best sports teams and passionate fans in America, and the Ranchers are going to be that next big phenomenon. But what really excites me is the Ranchers’ leadership and their vision to build communities and add diversity to the sport.”
“I’m always looking for new sports to stay active during the off-season, and pickleball has become my new obsession,” said Micah Parsons, linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys. “I love that it’s a community-oriented sport, and after playing with the Ranchers and other NFL players for a fundraiser in June, I was drawn to the team. It was a no-brainer to become an owner, and I look forward to supporting the team as it makes its mark in Major League Pickleball.”
“As a native Texan I was happy to be connected with Texas Ranchers, but also, I genuinely love pickleball and have been playing during my off-season,” said Myles Garrett, defensive end for the Cleveland Browns. “Each person that makes up this ownership group brings a little something different to the table and we’ve all come together because of a passion for the sport and to inspire community on and off the court.”
“As a proud Longhorn, both Texas sports and Austin have a special meaning for me, and when I heard there was an Austin professional pickleball team setting out to be a leader in Major League Pickleball, I knew I wanted to support the team,” said Bijan Robinson, running back for the Atlanta Falcons. “I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that sports can have on communities, and I’m looking forward to supporting the Ranchers’ community initiatives that will set an example for the rest of the league.”
Additional new owners include: Ajay Nwosu (CEO & President, TeqBall), Navin Chaddha (Mayfield), Arjun Sethi (Tribe Capital), Max Altman (Apollo Projects), Garrett Salpeter (NeuFit), Gordie Gronkowski, Jr. (Gronk Fitness; VUE Drink), Brek Shea (Blade & Grass FC), Michael Ma (Liquid 2VC; CreatorDAO), Jesse Boskoff (Status Labs), Bill Vuylsteke (ProvidentFM), Nancy Fechnay (Founder, Unique Ventures), Ted Moskovitz (Founder, DecentraNet), Brad Palmer (Palm Ventures), Limited Ventures, Red Beard Ventures, Spencer Kaye (Transform Capital), Eric Goldreyer (bnbfinder), Tony Gupta (LXMI Capital), and TRID and Sheena Melwani (Content Creator and Media Personality), among others.
“Pickleball is a passion of mine and I spend countless hours watching Major League Pickleball on social media,” said owner and radio personality Bobby Bones. “Since I will never be good enough to play professionally, I figured why not try to be a part of a professional team in another way. I’m super pumped to be an owner of the Ranchers and to be part of this league that is growing so fast.”
“I’m thrilled to be involved with the Texas Ranchers, especially given the incredible growth of pickleball across the nation,” said Kendra Scott, Founder and Executive Chairwoman of Kendra Scott. “As a franchise, the Ranchers are rooted in social good which closely aligns with my personal and professional values. Together, we can be a force for good within the Austin community and throughout the country.”
The Texas Ranchers players and the ownership group are committed to making a positive impact in the sport and community through a number of various initiatives, including creating earth-conscious merchandise, revitalizing urban spaces through court creation in unused or neglected spaces, and activating matches at cultural events to increase excitement for the sport amongst new audiences.
The new owners join Texas Ranchers founder Bryan Sheffield and Tim Klitch, an early investor of MLP, alongside other stakeholders. Alongside the right to own and operate the franchise, the Texas Ranchers have an equity stake in MLP and DUPR, Pickleball’s most accurate global rating system.
Additional quotes from the owners are available here. For more information on the Texas Ranchers, please visit https://ranchersmlp.com/ and follow the team on Instagram.
ABOUT TEXAS RANCHERS
The Texas Ranchers is the premier Major League Pickleball (MLP) team in the United States, located in Austin, Texas. Founded by Bryan Sheffield with an investment by tech banker Tim Klitch, the Texas Ranchers were one of the founding MLP teams in 2021. Now helmed by 26-year-old serial entrepreneur, Evan Floersch, alongside Ted Moskovitz and Nancy Fechnay, the Texas Ranchers are supported by an influential list of more than 30 owners including professional athletes, artists, pop culture figures, business moguls, entrepreneurs and investors. With a mission to become America’s Pickleball Team, the Ranchers are committed to redefining what sports ownership looks like in the future and how sports can leave a lasting, positive impact on the world and countless communities. For more information, please visit https://ranchersmlp.com/.
About Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville)
Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville) is the preeminent team-based professional pickleball league and the standard-bearer for the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Founded by Steve Kuhn in 2021, MLP has since expanded from eight to 24 teams and is committed to growing the sport’s role in society and impacting every facet of pickleball’s business. MLP features nearly 100 of the best athletes in the sport spread across 24 teams – 12 in the Premier Level, home to the top 48 players drafted and 12 in the Challenger Level, featuring 48 draftees looking to make their ascension to the top of the league – a unique coed format, iconic team owners, the introduction of promotion and relegation to American pro sports, an innovative draft format, easy to understand scoring, and the largest payouts in prize money across all of pro pickleball. In December 2022, MLP named its first-ever title sponsor, Margaritaville, branding the league MLP by Margaritaville. A global lifestyle brand inspired by Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville, has served more than 20 million travelers and consumers every year to change their latitude and attitude with Margaritaville. For more information, visit www.margaritaville.com.
For more information on Major League Pickleball, visit the official website and follow MLP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
SOURCE Texas Ranchers
home improvement
Artificial Turf Creates the Perfect Backyard for Play
Turf Solutions PDX put their technical ability on display and created the ultimate backyard for one Portland, OR client.
PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Synthetic grass offers more than just money-saving practicality; it also offers homeowners versatile design possibilities that will transform their home into a custom oasis. One family utilized two popular Synthetic Grass Warehouse turf varieties to achieve their dream backyard, seeking a durable landscape solution that would provide hours of fun across multiple interactive backyard activities. From a personal putting green to a low-maintenance pickleball court, Turf Solutions PDX put their technical ability on display and created the ultimate backyard for one Portland, OR client.



Turf Solutions PDX recently installed 1,745 square feet of Synthetic Grass Warehouse’s Nylon Putt 2-Tone and Tacoma in a home in Portland, OR. TigerTurf Nylon Putt 2-Tone — used for the putting green surface — features a dual coloring of field green and lime green, and it has a face weight of 36 ounces. With a 0.5-inch pile height, it is ideal for residential and commercial putting green applications. Everlast Tacoma — used for the fringe around the putting green — has dual field green and mid-olive green blade tones, and it has a pile height of 1.75 inches. With a 90-ounce face weight, it is ideal for projects anticipating moderate to heavy foot traffic. Both turf products are manufactured with UV inhibitors for long-lasting color that won’t fade with extended exposure to sunlight. All artificial grass products from Synthetic Grass Warehouse are also non-toxic, lead-free, and will drain at a rate of more than 30 inches per hour per square yard.
Turf Solutions PDX’s client was seeking to transform their backyard with two custom putting greens and a pickleball court. With so many interactive elements that would receive high foot traffic, they chose these two Synthetic Grass Warehouse turf products for their durability and low maintenance requirements. They wanted something that would last them for years to come, so the low pile heights used for the landscape turf and putting green surface accomplished this while remaining lush and beautiful. They also needed a landscaping solution that would remain green, dry, and playable year-round. “It is difficult to grow a healthy, natural lawn in the Pacific Northwest due to the many months of cold, wet weather,” explained Turf Solutions PDX co-owner Dave Parker. “Artificial turf is a perfect alternative for our clients.”
Turf Solutions PDX was founded by co-owners Dave Parker and Ron Rios in 2019, and they now proudly serve the Greater Portland area. With more than a decade in the industry, Parker and Rios sought to provide high-quality, long-lasting, evergreen synthetic grass to a waterlogged PNW clientele. They pride themselves on supplying a wide range of the highest-quality synthetic grass products on the market, and they pair these products with sublime installation quality that guarantees customer satisfaction. Although currently serving the Portland area, they plan to continue growing the company and hope to branch out into other states in the future.
Turf Solutions PDX is Synthetic Grass Warehouse’s “Install of the Month” winner for September 2023.
Turf Solutions PDX:
Turf Solutions PDX is proud to serve Portland, OR, and the surrounding area. Founded by co-owners Dave Parker and Ron Rios in 2019, Turf Solutions PDX prides itself on providing beautiful, resilient, and safe artificial grass installations that last for decades. Parker and Rios’s years of experience and strong partnership are reflected in their team’s technical competence and attention to detail. You can learn more about Turf Solutions PDX and view their other installations by visiting https://turfsolutionspdx.com.
About Synthetic Grass Warehouse, Inc.:
Synthetic Grass Warehouse is the exclusive national distributor for TigerTurf and Everlast brands of artificial grass products. Founded in 2004, Synthetic Grass Warehouse specializes in turf products designed for landscaping, pets, putting greens, and playgrounds. SGW provides same-day shipping on all turf orders. Learn more at https://www.syntheticgrasswarehouse.com.
SOURCE Synthetic Grass Warehouse, Inc.
News
Pickleball Kingdom Spearheads 20-Club Rollout in New Jersey
Nation’s leading indoor court pickleball franchisor inks epic deal
CHANDLER, Ariz /PRNewswire/ — In a groundbreaking development for the sport of pickleball, New Jersey visionary entrepreneur Samrat “Sam” Sood will spearhead a 20-club rollout by Pickleball Kingdom Franchising to establish cutting-edge indoor pickleball facilities throughout the state. Pickleball Kingdom Franchising, a recognized leader in the pickleball industry, is excited to collaborate with Sood to advance the sport of pickleball in the Garden State.



“This groundbreaking deal for 20 premium pickleball clubs is a major milestone in our mission to provide pickleball enthusiasts with top tier playing experiences,” said Pickleball Kingdom CEO and founder Ace Rodrigues. “Sam’s commitment to the sport and dedication to innovation align perfectly with our franchising vision.”
Rodrigues added that as part of the partnership agreement, Sood will be signing on owners and investors to participate in the rapid market expansion. The state-of-the-art clubs will feature outdoor surfaces preferred by avid pickleball players, but with all the indoor benefits. The initiative promises to thrill players with a game-changing experience for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Key features of the pickleball clubs will include:
Outdoor Playing Surfaces: Sood’s facilities will incorporate high-quality, outdoor-style pickleball courts with professional-grade materials to ensure an authentic playing experience.
Indoor Benefits: Players can enjoy year-round pickleball without being subjected to unpredictable weather conditions often encountered in outdoor play. The indoor facilities will provide optimal lighting, climate control, and amenities to enhance the overall experience.
Training and Coaching: The clubs will offer professional coaching, training programs, and clinics for players of all skill levels, promoting skill development and fostering a sense of community among pickleball enthusiasts. Pickleball Kingdom has an exclusive arrangement with PlaySight, a cutting-edge tech company specializing in video playback technology.
Community Engagement: Sam Sood’s commitment extends beyond the courts. The pickleball facilities will serve as hubs for events, leagues, tournaments, and community outreach programs, further fueling the growth of the sport.
Accessibility: The new facilities will be strategically located throughout New Jersey, ensuring that pickleball players from various regions have convenient access to top-notch facilities.
Sam Sood expressed his excitement about the groundbreaking partnership, saying, “I am thrilled to collaborate with Pickleball Kingdom Franchising to introduce a new era of pickleball facilities in New Jersey. Our vision is to provide pickleball players with the best of both worlds – outdoor pickleball excitement played indoors. We look forward to creating a vibrant pickleball community and advancing the sport in our state.”
Rodrigues noted that Pickleball Kingdom Franchising is equally enthusiastic about the venture. “Sam’s passion for pickleball and his stellar track record in franchising perfectly align with our commitment to push the boundaries of the sport. We are confident that this partnership will redefine pickleball facilities and elevate the playing experience for enthusiasts in New Jersey and beyond.”
About Pickleball Kingdom
Pickleball Kingdom stands at the forefront of indoor pickleball facilities, providing state-of-the-art venues that cater to pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels. With a steadfast commitment to nurturing community bonds and promoting active lifestyles, Pickleball Kingdom offers a welcoming space where players can engage, learn, and connect. Discover more at www.pickleballkingdom.com.
About Sam Sood:
Sam Sood is a visionary entrepreneur with a proven history of turning innovative ideas into thriving businesses. His journey began in the technology sector, recognizing the potential for disruptive innovation. He soon transformed into a fin tech leader where he excelled in roles at several leading banks, including multinationals such as Citi, Bank of America, and Credit Suisse. Building on his success, Sam recognized the growing demand for accessible and efficient medical services. In 2017, Sam took the bold step of becoming a franchisee for AFC urgent care brand known for its commitment to excellence and patient-centric approach. Under Sam’s leadership, his urgent care franchises received accolades for exceptional patient care, short wait times, and a skilled medical team. His commitment to innovation also led to the implementation of cutting-edge healthcare technologies, making the patient experience even more seamless.
Today, Sam Sood continues to be a prominent figure in the world of entrepreneurship and franchising. His portfolio of successful ventures and his ability to inspire and lead teams are a testament to his exceptional vision and business acumen. He remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and driving positive change in the industries he touches.
Contact: Rhonda Price
(561) 371-9407
SOURCE Pickleball Kingdom
outdoor activities
Southworth Announces New Brand Identity and Enhancements Across Global Portfolio of Award-Winning Private Club Communities
A new era for the family-owned real estate developer and operator is ushered in with a five-year reinvestment of $475M to club enhancements, new programming and leadership appointments
BOSTON /PRNewswire/ — Today, Southworth Development announces an updated look and name as the 32-year-old company embarks on a new chapter in its mission to redefine the private club category. Now rebranded as simply “Southworth,” the family-owned company has evolved beyond being a developer, shifting its focus to being a trusted curator of an elevated lifestyle whose portfolio of inclusive clubs offers authentic community and connection – for a life well-lived. This rebranding also brings about $475M worth of reinvestments over the next five years into the majority of Southworth’s current global portfolio. Updates are already underway or completed at several clubs and these reinvestments include nearly $75M in new amenities added across the portfolio over the next five years and another estimated $400M in residential development. The reimagining of Southworth comes as the next generation of family leadership, President Tommy Southworth and Managing Principal, Matt Deitch, have appointed talented new Executive Leadership to execute on their bold vision of developing decidedly different, leading-edge private club communities for a new generation.
The repositioning of the company and reinvestments into its existing clubs comes as the industry reaches a tipping point from post-pandemic consumer demands. Private, luxury, highly amenitized and heavily programmed communities focused on the family are in demand now more than ever. Southworth benchmarked the luxury hospitality industry to strategize the changes required to meet the demands of current and future generations of club members and residents. Additionally, a deep dive into the club space and extensive surveying of Southworth members shined a light on the most important elements of community – human connection and happiness. With this data top of mind, Matt and Tommy saw a clear opportunity to reposition the company and the unparalleled value it offers to those seeking an evolved private club lifestyle that better aligns with the tastes and values of current and future generations.
Childhood friends, Matt and Tommy ‘grew up’ in the business, witnessing their fathers run the company for many years. After spending the first ten years of their respective careers in management consulting, investment banking, and private equity, Matt and Tommy returned to the business in 2019, and in 2023 are ready to roll out their new vision for Southworth. They’ll do so alongside an Executive Leadership team which they’ve been developing over the past few years. New leadership appointments include Todd Grotstein, Chief Sales Officer; Lisa Hultquist, Chief Marketing Officer; Kelly Meredith, Chief People Officer; Troy Miller, Chief Development Officer; and Bill Chrysler, VP of Operations.
In addition to these Executive Leadership appointments, several critical roles have been created that speak to the updated positioning and ethos of the brand. Eleanor Brown has been brought on board as the Director of Sustainability, overseeing sustainability initiatives for the entirety of Southworth. Furthermore, James Dunn has the role of Director of Member Experience which focuses on the “experience-first” mentality of Southworth, always exceeding expectations with unique member programming, activations and amenities, in addition to increased cross-club events – driving home the unique benefit of reciprocity across the Southworth portfolio.
An important element of the new direction is a harkening back to the Company’s roots. Beginning in 1991, Southworth communities challenged the status quo of the restrictive private club category and instead laid foundational principles of inclusion, community, family and fun. Recently, Southworth has rededicated to an overarching brand promise of “The Southworth Way,” the cultural underpinning of their comfortable, unpretentious club communities. Unique in the private club world, what started out as a member and employee code of conduct – fostering positive relationships, encouraging togetherness, and allowing each member and employee to feel welcomed, recognized, and valued – has evolved into a strategic approach to curating the world’s most connected club communities. It’s a guiding star of how Southworth creates exceptional experiences for all members.
In addition to The Southworth Way, the Company has committed to four overarching brand pillars to guide its strategy: Be & Belong: Fostering true community and genuine belonging; Your World at Play: Delivering extraordinary experiences, every day; Life at Ease: Providing a welcome respite in a chaotic world and Inspired Environments: Celebrating the authentic character of each community’s setting.
“We develop, own, operate and call these communities home, which means we’re here for the long term and that is a key differentiator of our company. We don’t build and run, but we continue to operate, improve and enhance our clubs, giving our members and residents confidence in the Southworth brand,” said Tommy Southworth, President of Southworth. “We are obsessively intentional about creating fulfilling private club communities, built on the bedrock of human connection. I believe this difference can truly be seen and felt by our members and the larger industry as we enter this new chapter.”
With this evolution of the Southworth legacy comes a robust lineup of enhancements across its global portfolio of award-winning communities as well as refreshed branding, websites and collateral across all clubs this year.
Club Community Enhancements Include:
- The Abaco Club on Great Abaco Island, The Bahamas: Over the next two years, members will see enhancements such as the addition of the Winding Bay Beach Club; renovations to The Cliff House & Tip-Top; three new activations where guests can gather for anything from beachside drinks with a view to sunrise yoga; and a dedicated amenities corridor with more pickleball courts and even a new putting course designed by Abaco resident and Open Champion Darren Clarke. In addition to all of this, the newest and most exciting neighborhood, The Cays at The Abaco Club, designed by AvroKO, will open phase one in Summer 2024. Additional phases of amenity and real estate development are soon to be announced.
- Creighton Farms in Aldie, Virginia: New member amenities include three new pickleball courts; an enhanced tennis experience; The Paddock, an on-course F&B experience; major renovations to the clubhouse and dining facilities; and the completion of The Stable, a state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor golf training center equipped with the latest in shot tracking and swing analysis technology.
- Renaissance in Haverhill on Boston’s North Shore: A new “19th hole” restaurant and bar named “The Boot” opened this summer, drawing inspiration from the great pubs of Scotland and Ireland, and paying homage to the rich shoe manufacturing history of Haverhill. The Boot is also equipped with two Full Swing Golf Simulators. Additionally, significant investments are being made on the golf course, highlighting its Golden Age inspiration, walkability, and architectural significance.
- Willowbend in Mashpee, Cape Cod: This summer four new pickleball courts as well as several enhancements to existing amenities opened, including new pool cabanas, a new sun deck, a new Zen Garden, a renovated kids’ camp area, and several new social events such as concerts, themed kids programming and monthly spa-inspired events. Near-term projects will include renovations to various member spaces including outdoor bars, locker rooms, and Café Amici, Willowbend’s poolside cafe.
- Machrihanish Dunes in Argyll, Scotland: The award-winning club just launched a new exclusive private club experience, by invitation only. Additional developments are in the permitting phase.
Looking to the future, the newly positioned Southworth will continue to invest heavily in the current portfolio and has a strong pipeline of new development opportunities. Currently, the brand is exploring both domestic and international opportunities in the Southeastern United States, the Caribbean and beyond.
To learn more about the newly rebranded Southworth and its current portfolio of award-winning private club communities, please visit the new website located at SouthworthClubs.com.
About Southworth
Southworth is a privately held lifestyle company specializing in the development and management of private clubs and highly amenitized and programmed residential communities. Founded to challenge the industry status quo in 1991, Southworth recognized an opportunity to think beyond the restrictive private clubs of the day. Today, many national and international club communities later, the Southworth legacy continues to evolve. With a newfound commitment to forward-looking culture and values, and with the next generation of family leadership firmly in place, Southworth has reintroduced itself as the trusted curator of an elevated lifestyle whose inclusive clubs offer one-of-a-kind community and connections for a life well-lived. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Southworth currently owns and operates private clubs and residential communities across North America, the Caribbean and Europe. These award-winning properties include: Willowbend on Cape Cod, Mass.; Renaissance on Boston’s North Shore; Meredith Bay on New Hampshire’s famed Lake Winnipesaukee; Creighton Farms in Aldie, Va. 35 minutes west of Washington, DC; The Village at Machrihanish Dunes in Argyll, Scotland; and The Abaco Club, located on Great Abaco Island in The Bahamas. For more information, visit SouthworthClubs.com.
SOURCE Southworth
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