The top 20 men’s pickleball players, ranked by The Kitchen

We recently updated our list of the current top 20 men’s players who compete on the PPA Tour and in Major League Pickleball. To help us through the process, we collaborated with an anonymous men’s pro player who regularly plays with and against many of the top players. We wanted this list — which our anonymous […]

Several power paddles to officially be banned by USA Pickleball starting July 1

USA Pickleball Logo

If you’re reading this on June 30, 2025, it’s the last day where you can (legally) use several power paddles that are officially being “sunset” by USA Pickleball as of July 1. The organization announced about six months ago that several popular models had failed a new test measuring paddle/ball coefficient of restitution (PBCoR), which is […]

Major League Pickleball San Clemente: Match schedule and where to watch

Major League Pickleball San Clemente logo

After a couple weeks off, Major League Pickleball is back in action this week from San Clemente, California. The event will be played at the same venue where the PPA Tour just hosted the Orange County Cup last week — the Life Time Rancho San Clemente, which is a favorite among players and fans. Six Premier […]

Opinion: New PPA Tour and MLP prize money structure is a win for pro pickleball

An overhead view of championship court at the PPA Tour Orange County Cup in 2025.

The PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball announced earlier this week that they will begin renegotiating player contracts beginning July 1 as the leagues move toward a new prize money model for player compensation. You can find all the details on the different contract negotiation windows and the prize money structure here. My overall take: […]

PPA Tour, MLP will begin renegotiating player contracts next month

United Pickleball Association logo

The United Pickleball Association — the governing body of the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball — will officially begin renegotiating player contracts starting next month, according to a memo sent out to players this week that was obtained by The Kitchen. Starting July 1, the organization will be offering player contract renewal windows giving current […]

The best shoes for pickleball players

The best shoes for pickleball graphic.

A lot of companies have started making pickleball shoes in recent years, which is no surprise given the sport’s incredible growth. But there are some red flags that consumers need to look out for before pulling the trigger on a new pair of “pickleball shoes.” In many cases, bigger brands have simply repurposed tennis shoes or […]

Texas Ranchers, Carolina Hogs make biggest trade of MLP season yet

The Texas Ranchers and Carolina Hogs recently announced a trade that sends Kaitlyn Christian to the Ranchers and Etta Tuionetoa to the Hogs.

The Texas Ranchers and Carolina Hogs made arguably the biggest Major League Pickleball trade of the season Tuesday morning. The terms of the trade are as follows: – Texas acquires Kaitlyn Christian and cash– Carolina acquires Etta Tuionetoa Updated rosters Texas RanchersMen: Christian Alshon, Eric Oncins, Wyatt StoneWomen: Tina Pisnik, Kaitlyn Christian, Felicity Di Laura […]

3 big takeaways from PPA Tour Orange County Cup

The PPA Tour Orange County Cup wrapped up Sunday from San Clemente, California, with multiple matchups between the top teams in the pro game right now. Four divisions featured Championship Sunday matches between the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds. Men’s doubles: No. 1 Ben Johns/Gabe Tardio def. No. 2 Federico Staksrud/Hayden Patriquin 10-12, 11-7, […]