PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/
The PicklePod is back on The Dink Pickleball YouTube channel with one of our most wide-ranging episodes yet.
This week we cover:
MLP Trade Deadline Fallout
Ana Bright. Georgia Johnson. Jack Sock. Major names dropped ahead of the deadline. We break down which teams won, which teams fumbled the bag, and whether Major League Pickleball just reshaped the power structure for 2026.
Pickleball and the Olympics
Are we overhyping the Olympic dream? Would 2032 in Australia change everything for the sport — or is the pro tour already the real prize? We debate what Olympic inclusion would actually mean for player development and global growth.
Does Pickleball Need an All-Star Weekend?
If the NBA can reinvent its format, why can’t we? From Ernie contests to reset challenges and paddle toss competitions, we design what a true pickleball skills showcase could look like.
Grayson Goldin Update
We react to the news of Grayson’s stroke, discuss player health coverage in pro pickleball, and send our support as he works toward a full recovery.
The Dink Awards Finale
We wrap up the 2025 Dink Awards with:
- Best Facilities across the country
- Best International Tournament
- Paddle Reviewer of the Year
- Paddle of the Year
And yes, things get a little spicy during the paddle reviewer segment.
We also sit down with APP Chief Marketing Officer Tom Webb for a direct conversation about the future of the APP, the evolving pro landscape, and where the sport is headed long term.
Drop your thoughts in the comments:
What would you include in a pickleball All-Star competition?
Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with the doubles partner who still doesn’t understand pro pickleball.
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0:00 Intro
3:12 The Palm Beach Royals won the trade deadline
5:18 Anna Bright and Jorja Johnson dropped from MLP team
14:59 Do the Olympics matter?
19:41 Pickleball is like curling for the summer games
22:52 All-Star Game and skills competition for pickleball
29:03 Thoughts and prayers to Grayson Goldin
32:44 The 120Life Dink Awards conclusion
41:24 Paddle Reviewer and Paddle of the Year
48:59 Tom Webb joins the PicklePod
50:15 Sofia Sewing under the Will Howells contract
56:42 Do you need a big name to attract the audience?
1:00:44 What will the APP look like in 2030?
1:04:10 Who will be the winner in 10 years?
1:11:00 Rapid-fire questions from the listeners
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