The biggest name in indoor pickleball just filed for bankruptcy. The Picklr, which has a network of more than 70 clubs nationwide, is seeking Chapter 11 protection after an aggressive expansion left it buried under mounting financial obligations.
The good news? Its courts are staying open, and millions in fresh financing could help right the ship. The bad news? Some locations may still close. We break down what happened and what it means for the future of indoor pickleball.
In This Issue:
— No GOATs at PPA Virginia Beach
— Try this sneaky 2-shot reset combo
— DUPR+ new features and free trial
The plot thickens.
Our Picks 👆
🔥 Best Dressed: Chicago's Finest Fits
The PPA pros brought their A-game to Chicago. And we're not just talking about pickleball. From Anna Leigh Waters' playful gingham set to Jorja and JW Johnson's matching retro prints, the Windy City served up some serious courtside style.
🦘 PPA Tour: Pickleball Goes Down Under
The PPA Tour is heading to Brisbane, Australia, for one of the biggest international events in pickleball history. On the line: more than $500,000 in prize money and 1,500 ranking points for each champion. Gabe Tardio and Hayden Patriquin headline a stacked field featuring some intriguing new partnerships and plenty of Aussie talent looking to play spoiler. Here's our full tournament preview and predictions.
🐐 Ben Johns: 7 Secrets Behind the GOAT
How does Ben Johns keep winning when everyone knows exactly what he's going to do? That's the million-dollar question. Zane Navratil, who's beaten Ben in all three disciplines, breaks down the seven strengths that make him so darn difficult to beat. Steal a few secrets from the best in the business.
💸 PicklePod: Hayden’s Potty Mouth
Zane and Nico dig into The Picklr's financial woes, Ben Johns' latest doubles disaster, Anna Leigh Waters' 200th gold medal, and Hayden Patriquin's potty mouth. Plus, some truly unhinged listener comments. Just another day on the PicklePod. Watch the full episode here.
Under Attack? Dial In the Two-Shot Reset
Ever pop up a ball, try desperately to reset the next attack, and end up serving your opponent another delicious meatball? Yeah, we've been there.
Here's the problem: You're trying to hit one perfect reset when you're already in trouble. Instead, borrow this clever two-shot sequence from Richard Livornese that makes surviving those relentless attacks a whole lot easier.
Get low and shovel: Bend your knees, open your paddle face, and use a short, firm push to scoop the ball back. No big swings. You're playing defense, not launching a rocket.
Aim for the waist: Forget trying to drop a perfect ball into the kitchen. Target your opponent's hip instead. It's an awkward contact point that's tough to attack aggressively.
Back it up: After the shovel, retreat a few steps to buy yourself time and space. Keep your paddle up, stay balanced, and split step as your opponent makes contact.
Drive it low: Now that you've got room to work, send a controlled drive low over the net. You're looking for a weak block or softer return, not a highlight-reel winner.
Work your way forward: Once you've neutralized the attack, take back the court. Crisis averted. No emergency paddle surgery required.
The takeaway: Stop trying to turn a bad ball into a perfect shot. Sometimes the smartest reset takes two shots, not one. Survive first, neutralize second.
Selkirk Put a One-Year Warranty on This Ball
Cracks happen. Out-of-round happens. Selkirk’s brand-new S2 Pro has a one-year warranty against both.
Most brands don’t make promises like that. Selkirk says this is the first ball that does.
It’s built for tournament play. Or full days out on the rec courts. Harder feel. Textured surface for spin. 38 holes spaced evenly enough that the flight stays honest.
It’s hitting the shelves next week.
Want to be the first to know when the S2 Pro drops?
The Picklr Files for Bankruptcy. Now What?
The biggest name in indoor pickleball just made a very big move. The Picklr, one of the world's largest indoor pickleball franchise networks, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Before you panic and cancel your court reservation, a few important details.
The filing applies to The Picklr's parent company, not its 70-plus U.S. clubs or individual franchisees. The company says all locations remain open and operating as usual. For now.
So, what went wrong?
In short: growing pains. Very expensive ones.
The Picklr expanded aggressively after launching its franchise model in 2023, taking on lease guarantees and financial obligations that have since become a serious burden.
The numbers paint a pretty stark picture:
$10.3 million in revenue in 2025
$4.4 million in net losses that same year
$19 million in total liabilities as of March 2026
The good news? An investor group led by an existing franchisee has committed $4.5 million in financing, pending court approval, to help the company restructure and keep operating.
The less-good news? CEO Jorge Barragan has acknowledged that some locations could close over the next 18–24 months.
The bigger question: Is this a Picklr problem or an indoor pickleball problem?
The sport is still growing. But as courts become easier to find, expensive leases and breakneck expansion are exposing some uncomfortable business realities.
Turns out, filling courts and making money aren't always the same thing.
PPA Virginia Beach: No GOATs, No Problem
The PPA Tour rolls into Virginia Beach this week, and the absentee list reads like a who's who of pickleball royalty.
Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, Anna Bright, Gabe Tardio, and Hayden Patriquin are all sitting this one out.
Their loss, everyone else's opportunity.
With 1,000 ranking points up for grabs, expect some hungry contenders and potentially wild brackets. Roscoe Bellamy tops men's singles, Kate Fahey leads women's singles, and Catherine Parenteau teams up with Sofia Sewing as the women's doubles No. 1 seeds.
Oh, and Jack Sock is lurking.
9 Women’s Pickleball Shoes. Which One Fits Your Game?
9 different pairs of shoes. Different strengths.
Need room in the toe box? Need traction? Need speed?
Need stability? Need them to last?
We wore each of them so you can skip the guesswork.
DUPR+ Rolls Out New Features, 2-Week Free Trial
Think you obsess over your DUPR rating now? Buckle up.
DUPR just revamped its premium membership, DUPR+, with a slew of new features, including local rankings, AI-powered analysis, monthly performance recaps, and stats tracking your record against higher-rated players in your area.
Finally, quantifiable proof that you're better than your regular doubles partner.
The price: $19.99 per year. But from October 13–27, everyone can try it for free. Your standard DUPR rating remains free, too.
More data. More bragging rights. More reasons to check your phone after every match.
Headlines & Quick Hits
Pro Michael Loyd Serves Up 5 Game-Changing Tips
Why That Nagging Heel Pain Keeps Coming Back
7 Pickleball Tips Every 5.0 Swears By
Highlights
Mouthy pro gets a faceful
You try: guess his DUPR
“Where are you going?!”
Missed a recent issue? We've got you covered
A review from the Dink Fam...
What did you think of today's newsletter?
Want to advertise with us?
If your company is interested in reaching an audience of active pickleballers, you may want to give us a shout.