Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is easy to learn, fun to play and suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. If you are looking for a new way to stay fit, socialize and challenge yourself, pickleball might be the perfect sport for you.
But what if you want to take your pickleball game to the next level? What if you want to compete with the best players in the country and showcase your talent? That’s where the National Pickleball League (NPL) comes in.
The NPL is a professional team pickleball league that was founded in 2021 by passionate pickleball enthusiasts. The aim of the NPL is to elevate the sport of pickleball as the official professional competition in Australia for elite pickleball athletes.
Pickleball is more than just a sport. It is a lifestyle. And the NPL is here to make it even better.
How the Npl Works?
The National pickleball league features eight teams from different regions of Australia, each with a roster of six players (three men and three women). The teams compete in a round-robin format, followed by playoffs and a championship match. The NPL offers the largest prize money in Australian pickleball history, as well as the most exciting and fan-friendly format of pickleball competition.
The NPL adheres to the official regulations of pickleball, which can be accessed through this resource. Matches take place on a standard pickleball court, which bears resemblance to a badminton court. In this game, a wiffle ball-like sphere is utilized, along with a paddle resembling that of table tennis. The objective is to hit the ball over a net positioned at a height of 34 inches at its center.
National pickleball league matches are organized into four quarters, each spanning a duration of 15 minutes. Within each quarter, multiple games are played, with the objective of reaching 11 points before the opposing team or until the allotted time expires. The team accumulating the highest number of points by the end of each quarter claims victory for that particular quarter. Ultimately, the team that emerges triumphant in the majority of quarters secures victory for the entire match.
The NPL matches are broadcasted live on various platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitch. You can also watch them on demand on the NPL website. The NPL matches are commentated by professional pickleball players and experts, who provide insights and analysis on the game. You can also interact with other fans and players on social media using the hashtag #NPLPickleball.
How to Join the Npl?
If you are interested in joining the National pickleball league, you can register as a player or a fan on their website. As a player, you can apply to join one of the eight teams based on your location and preference. You will need to provide some basic information about yourself, such as your name, age, gender and contact details. You will also need to upload a video of yourself playing pickleball, showcasing your skills and abilities.
Your application and video will be viewed by the NPL team managers, who will then determine whether to invite you for a tryout. The tryouts are done periodically all year long in different cities all around Australia. Your level of technical proficiency, teamwork skills, and physical fitness will be evaluated throughout the tryouts. The team manager and coach will also interview you to determine your attitude and personality.
If you pass the tryout, you will be offered a contract to join the team. The contract will specify your salary, benefits and obligations as a professional pickleball player. You will also receive a uniform, equipment and training from the team. You will be expected to attend regular practices and matches, as well as participate in promotional events and activities.
As a fan, you can register for free on their website and enjoy various perks and privileges. As a fan, you can:
- Watch all the NPL matches live or on demand
- Access exclusive content and behind-the-scenes footage
- Vote for your favorite players and teams
- Enter contests and giveaways
- Receive discounts and offers from NPL partners and sponsors
- Join the NPL fan club and connect with other pickleball enthusiasts
Whether you are a player or a fan, joining the NPL will give you the opportunity to be part of the history of Australian pickleball and experience the thrill and joy of the sport.
Teams and Players in the National Pickleball League 2023
| Team Name | Owner | Location | Top Players |
| Austin Ignite | Ignite Pickleball LLC | Austin, Texas | Dave Fleming, Irina Tereschenko, Scott Burr, Julie Johnson |
| Boca Raton Picklers | Boca Raton Pickleball Center LLC | Boca Raton, Florida | Dave Weinbach, Kris Anderson, Brian Staub, Lisa Naumu |
| Denver Iconics | Iconic Investments LLC | Denver, Colorado | Kyle Yates, Christine McGrath Barksdale, Rob Davidson, Gigi LeMaster |
| Indy Drivers | Indy Drivers LLC / Pickleball Central Inc. | Indianapolis, Indiana | Scott Tingley, Sarah Ansboury, Mark Renneson, Corrine Carr |
| Naples JBB United | JBB United LLC | Naples, Florida | Scott Moore, Jennifer Dawson, Steve Kennedy, Cammy MacGregor |
| Oklahoma City Punishers | Chicken N Pickle OKC LLC, Punishers Pickleball LLC | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Wes Gabrielsen, Leigh Waters, Steve Cole Sr., Anna Leigh Waters |
How the NPL Is More Than Just a League?
A league is not all that the NPL is. Pickleball enthusiasts who are united by their love of the game form this group. In addition to encouraging more people to play and enjoy pickleball, the NPL wants to assist the sport’s expansion and advancement in Australia.
The NPL organizes various events and activities throughout the year to promote pickleball and engage with the public. Some of these events include:
- Clinics and workshops for beginners and intermediate players
- Exhibitions and demonstrations by professional players and coaches
- Charity matches and fundraisers for social causes
- Festivals and parties for fans and members
- Awards and recognition ceremonies for outstanding players and teams
The NPL also collaborates with other organizations and institutions that share its vision and values. Some of these partners include:
- Schools and universities that offer pickleball programs and courses
- Clubs and associations that provide pickleball facilities and services
- Media outlets that cover pickleball news and stories
- Businesses and brands that offer pickleball products and solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
National Pickleball League (NPL) is a professional pickleball league that operates in different countries. There are two versions of NPL: one for Champions Pros (age 50+) and one for Open Pros (all ages). NPL aims to showcase the best pickleball players and teams in a competitive and entertaining format.
NPL has different seasons and locations depending on the version and the country. For example, the NPL Champions Pros in the USA will have its inaugural season in 2023, with six teams playing in various venues across the country. The NPL Open Pros in Australia will launch its first season in 2024, with eight teams playing in major cities.
You can watch the live stream of all the matches on the NPL website or their YouTube channel. You can also follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and highlights, interviews, and more.
Conclusion
The National Pickleball League (NPL) is the premier professional team pickleball league in Australia. It offers the best players, the largest prize money and the most exciting format of pickleball competition. It also provides a pickleball skill rating system through its partnership with DUPR, an innovative platform that uses data analysis to measure and compare player performance. The NPL is not only a league, but a community of pickleball enthusiasts who share a common passion for the sport.
You can sign up on the NPL website as a player or a fan if you’re interested in playing in the league. For the most recent news, updates, and highlights, you may also follow them on social media. Don’t pass up the chance to participate in Australian pickleball history when the NPL’s first season begins in early 2024.