BUSINESS MOVE: DISCOVER WHY TENNIS STAR NICK KYRGIOS INVESTED IN INDOOR PICKLEBALL CLUBS
The Picklr CEO, Jorge Barragan, welcomes Nick Kyrgios to help introduce pickleball to a global audience via 100+ clubs.
Nick Kyrgios is diving even deeper into pickleball, teaming up with The Picklr, one of the fastest-growing pickleball club operators in the U.S., in an investment and sponsorship deal. Now, he’s not just an investor; he’s also the company’s athlete ambassador, adding another chapter to his growing business life outside tennis.
You’ll see Kyrgios popping up at promotional events, driving social media buzz, and helping create co-branded content to put The Picklr on more people’s radar. The Picklr already runs over 100 locations across the country, and with pickleball’s popularity exploding lately, they’re not slowing down.
Kyrgios hasn’t been shy about his interest in pickleball. Alongside his tennis career, he’s already put money into Vulcan Sporting Goods and Stack Athletics, building a portfolio that really shows he’s in it for the long haul.
This latest move also has a product twist. The Picklr gets an exclusive sales window from March 11 to March 17 for a new paddle co-developed with Kyrgios. They just showed it off at a Las Vegas media event, and naturally, it’s called The Kyrgios.
The Picklr made everything official on Tuesday, saying Kyrgios is joining as both an investor and public face of the brand. For them, his international profile is a chance to draw even more eyes to pickleball, maybe even beyond North America.
In his new role, Kyrgios will work on promotional campaigns, show up at brand events, and connect with members and fans online as The Picklr tries to put itself at the centre of pickleball’s rapid rise.
The Picklr’s CEO, Jorge Barragan, couldn’t be happier. He’s long admired Kyrgios for his talent and the energy he brings on court. But more than that, Barragan says Kyrgios genuinely believes in what The Picklr is building. “Together, we’re going to introduce pickleball to a global audience in a way this sport has never seen,” he said.
Kyrgios keeps making moves in pickleball, too. Off the tennis tour, he’s always talking about how much he loves the game, especially as something to do with friends and family. The social side of it draws him in, and this partnership lines up with that perfectly, while also expanding his business footprint in the sport.
Right now, The Picklr is focused on growing its indoor club network, trying to reach even more players as pickleball’s popularity keeps climbing.
With this deal, Kyrgios’ signature paddle launches first at The Picklr, both in their clubs and online, so any member, whether or not they can try it before it goes wider.
For Kyrgios, the community vibe at The Picklr was a big selling point. He said, “When I play pickleball, I enjoy it most with my friends and family. It’s become part of our lives. And when we’re at The Picklr, we’re playing at a different level. The facilities, the courts, and the community it makes me a better player. When a place does that and brings people together, you know it’s special. That’s why I wanted to be part of this.”
With the partnership set, both sides are betting this will boost pickleball’s reach and make it even more accessible. As the sport keeps growing worldwide, Kyrgios’ involvement is a sign that top athletes see real opportunity and a bright future in pickleball.
LAKERS ON THE BRINK: LEBRON JAMES ADMITS DISAPPOINTMENT AFTER 3-0 SERIES DEFICIT
"We still have life." LeBron James remains defiant despite a brutal 131-108 loss to OKC at the Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves just one loss away from elimination after a tough 131-108 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night. Although the Lakers held a halftime lead for the second consecutive game, they again fell apart in the second half, allowing Oklahoma City to cruise to a 3-0 series lead.
LeBron James spoke after the game, highlighting the Thunder’s depth and relentless energy while emphasising that the Lakers still believe they have a chance to push the series further. The Thunder outscored Los Angeles 74-49 after halftime and once more dominated the third quarter, continuing a pattern that has largely defined this series.
“They’re solid from top to bottom,” James said after the game. “And they never take their foot off the gas.”
Oklahoma City converted at a 56 per cent clip and spread the scoring load, even though reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was only 7-of-20 from the field with 23 points. The Thunder’s supporting players reinforced the effort alongside Chet Holmgren, Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, and Alex Caruso.
LeBron pointed directly to the third quarter as the turning point for Game 3.
“Obviously, the third quarter is where it starts,” he noted. “We lacked the energy and effort, and they dropped over 30 points on us.”
Despite strong first-half performances from Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard, giving Los Angeles a one-point lead at halftime, Oklahoma City seized control right after the break, forcing turnovers and capitalising on easy transition baskets.
“In that third quarter, we couldn’t hit shots,” James admitted. “We defended but didn’t get stops, which let them take control.”
The Lakers were outscored 33-20 in that quarter alone. James managed just one field goal, while Austin Reaves went scoreless in the period.
James finished the night with 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, but his shooting was off at 7-for-19, and he posted a minus-24 plus-minus rating.
Los Angeles also turned the ball over 17 times, which led to 30 points for the Thunder. Oklahoma City outscored the Lakers 64-44 in the paint as well.
When pressed about the frustration of falling behind 3-0, James kept his response measured.
“I can’t say I’m not disappointed or angry,” he said. “You’re obviously disappointed being down 3-0, but we still have life. That’s all you can ask for. We have to be much better on Monday.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick backed up James’ take, describing Oklahoma City as an elite team in the NBA.
“They’ve beaten us three straight games,” Redick said. “They’re a really impressive basketball team.”
Redick previously drew comparisons between the Thunder and dominant teams like the 1990s Chicago Bulls and the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors. James acknowledged Oklahoma City’s versatility and depth, which have caused significant matchup problems.
“They have the right personnel to adapt to whatever you throw out there,” James said. “And they stay productive no matter who’s on the floor.”
Even with Gilgeous-Alexander’s uneven scoring, the Thunder have continued to win comfortably. Holmgren’s inside presence has been dominant, and Mitchell once again put up a strong stat line with 24 points and 10 assists.
James wasn’t surprised by the Thunder’s sustained pressure, given their roster makeup.
“You’ve seen them develop over the years,” he said. “They have a lot of players who can do multiple things, and that depth really helps.”
The Lakers are still without Luka Doncic, sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain from April, which has hampered their offensive rhythm, especially late in games.
Facing elimination now, James insisted the team’s focus remains squarely on Game 4 rather than any bigger questions about the group’s future.
"No", James said when asked if they considered this might be their last run together. “We’re just concentrating on the moment and moving forward from there.”
Game 4 is set for Monday night in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will fight to avoid a sweep and keep the series alive before heading back to Oklahoma City.
MAX HOLLOWAY BREAKS SILENCE ON PARAMOUNT REGARDING CONOR MCGREGOR UFC 329 RUMORS
Relive the 13-year history between Holloway and McGregor as the Hawaiian star targets International Fight Week for ultimate revenge.
Max Holloway is hungry for payback against Conor McGregor as rumours swirl about a rematch.
McGregor hasn’t stepped inside the octagon since that quick loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. His last win was way back in 2020 when he steamrolled Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in under a minute. He was supposed to fight Michael Chandler in 2024, but that fell through after he got injured.
Now, at 37, McGregor’s back in training and eyeing a return for UFC 329 on July 11, right as International Fight Week rolls around. Before that, he missed out on a shot at the White House card, so this July date is shaping up to be his next window.
Dana White has flip-flopped a bit on McGregor’s comeback, but now he sounds confident: “It’s looking good. Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it.” And right now, Holloway looks like the top pick for the fight, 13 years after they first went at it.
Back then, McGregor beat Holloway by decision. Since then, Holloway’s had his own ups and downs; he lost the BMF belt to Charles Oliveira in March and hasn’t fought since. Still, he’s eager to get back, especially if it means a shot at Conor.
Talking to Paramount, Holloway laid it out: “We have history. We fought a long time ago. If someone’s got a win over me, I want that back. If he really is serious about returning, and it looks like he is, then this is an exciting fight. He looks hungry. He even did a boxing exhibition not too long ago, so it looks like he’s really coming back. I just want another shot. Any fight with Conor is huge, but with our past? It means even more. If I can knock a few names off my list, that’s great.”
For now, Holloway hasn’t heard anything official from the UFC about July. "Maybe we'll see what happens,” he said. “I’m seeing all the same talk you are. I haven’t heard anything yet, but July would work for me. They say you’re only as good as your last fight, and I want people to forget about that one as soon as possible.”
