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FROM THE BEGINNING
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—looking to create a new game to entertain their families. Using a badminton court, table tennis paddles, and a perforated plastic ball, they developed a sport that was easy to play, fun for all ages, and uniquely challenging. Over the next few decades, pickleball steadily grew in popularity, particularly among older adults looking for a low-impact, social activity.
By the 2000s, pickleball's popularity had expanded beyond retirement communities, gaining traction in schools, parks, and recreation centers across the United States. The sport’s accessibility, fast-paced gameplay, and blend of elements from tennis, badminton, and table tennis made it a favorite among a diverse range of players.
FROM COURT TO MAJOR LEAGUE SPORT
As pickleball continued to gain momentum, MLP was established in 2021 by Steve Kuhn, a former Wall Street hedge fund manager and pickleball enthusiast. By 2022, Major League Pickleball (MLP) had expanded its reach and influence, with teams like the Texas Ranchers helping to drive its success and shape the future of pickleball.
Kuhn envisioned a professional league that would elevate the sport, bringing together the best players in the world and creating a format that was both competitive and entertaining. MLP introduced team-based competition, a unique format in the world of pickleball, which added a new layer of excitement and strategy to the sport.
The league quickly attracted top talent and gained a loyal following, establishing itself as a major force in the sports world.
The Texas Ranchers were founded in 2022, during a pivotal time for the sport of pickleball. As the sport was gaining popularity across the United States, a group of visionary leaders, including prominent figures from sports, entertainment, and business, saw an opportunity to create a team that would embody the bold, independent spirit of Texas.
The Ranchers were conceived not just as a competitive team but as a cultural icon that would bring together the community, challenge the status quo, and set new standards in the world of professional sports.The ownership group, comprising individuals like Matthew Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress, and NFL star Juju Smith-Schuster, among others, brought a wealth of experience and a shared passion for innovation. Their goal was to build a team that would not only compete at the highest levels but also inspire fans through a commitment to inclusiveness, community engagement, and long-term legacy.
nurturing a community and cultivating teamwork
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