Formation, Player Commitments, 2023 Schedule, and Partnership announcement

National Pickleball League™ Announces Formation, Player Commitments, 2023 Schedule, and Partnership with Host Venue Chicken N Pickle

For Immediate Release

GRAPEVINE, TEXAS – December 6, 2022 The National Pickleball LeagueTM (NPL) has announced the formation of a nationwide team competition for Champions Division (50+) professional pickleball players. Launching in mid-2023, team owners will select the city they represent, as well as building their team through a live player draft that will include the division’s biggest stars. The League will feature current #1 ranked players, Beth Bellamy and Rick Witsken, along with national champions, Jennifer Dawson and Dayne Gingrich. Additional player commitments include the remaining top five women, Nathalie Bagby, Anna Shirley, and Eva Welsher. Pickleball icon and multiple Major title winner Scott Moore has also committed to the League, along with top men’s players Scott Crandall and Jose Derisi. More player commitments will be announced soon.

The NPL has partnered with Chicken N Pickle (CNP) and will be holding its league play at multiple CNP venues around the country. CNP's unique indoor/outdoor entertainment complexes are currently operating in Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas and will be expanding to twelve total locations in 2023 that will also include Nevada and Arizona.

“We are extremely excited about our partnership with the National Pickleball LeagueTM,” said Kelli Alldredge, Senior VP of Engagement of Chicken N Pickle. “We are honored to host these amazing players at our state-ofthe-art facilities and look forward to becoming the home of Champions pro pickleball. Chicken N Pickle is dedicated to giving back to our local communities and partnering with NPL allows us to bring world class pickleball to each area we serve.”

The 2023 NPL season will consist of five head-to-head team competitions and a League Championships. 2023 NPL Schedule:

The NPL Schedule does not conflict with any existing MLP (Major League Pickleball) dates. There is also no conflict with any currently announced APP (Association of Pickleball Professionals) or PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) Major event dates. Additionally, NPL will not require League exclusivity. More information will be provided in the coming weeks, including how players can apply for the draft, league format and team ownership/sponsorship opportunities.

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National Pickleball LeagueTM is owned by National Pickleball League, LLC