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News / Oct 26, 2023

Preaching About our Pickleball Passion

Kelly Blake

Kelly Blake

Sr. Director, PR & Integrated Marketing

Yup, it’s trendy. Everyone is talking about it. And for good reason, it’s now the fastest-growing sport in America. It’s fun to play and creates an inclusive community for all levels and ages. 

I am obsessed. I play twice a week and it’s not enough. That's why I was thrilled when Dan Martinson, Mike Strommen, and David Dutrieuille called us to discuss a new company they were launching: PIKKL, a brand dedicated to revolutionizing the world of pickleball by offering premium products for all levels of players. It’s always fun when you can help promote a brand, a product, a company that you believe in —or in my case, one in which you are obsessed. 

Looking at the stats, the world is ready for PIKKL

  • According to APP, in 2023 36.5 million people played 
  • $158 million was the paddle market in 2021 
  • The sport has had an average growth rate of 158% over the last few years
  • 7.7% is the forecasted compound annual growth rate through 2028
  • In recent months, star athletes ranging from LeBron James and Tom Brady to Kevin Durant and Patrick Mahomes have invested in professional pickleball teams

Dan and I discussed how The Brand Leader could support PIKKL, the launch of their first paddle, The Vantage Pro and an exciting partnership with professional player Tyra Hurricane Black (that is her real name). And then we hit the ground running. Literally. The team packed up tons of gear and flew to Minneapolis, the world headquarters of PIKKL. Mathew LaPenna put his life on the line at the net while photographing and filming professionals playing. Amanda Dempsey started crafting the social media strategy while Ashley Maxfeldt made sure all the logistics went smoothly. 

From the website design, the asset development, to the social media strategy, and the PR outreach, PIKKL officially launched on October 25, 2023 and The Brand Leader is proud to be a part of the integrated strategy brought to life. 

Like pickleball culture, the PIKKL team has a community vibe, not only are they passionate about the sport (so much so that they have a court in their backyard) but it’s family owned, three family owners to be exact. With the launch of PIKKL and the collective spirit of the team, the future of pickleball shines brightly, where passion and community intertwine on the courts (and at work).

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