Inside the PPA: Behind the Contracts, Stars, and Strategy ft. COO Chris Patrick

This week on Cracked Paddles, Alex Crum and Kevin Dong sit down with Chris Patrick—COO and General Counsel of the PPA Tour—for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at professional pickleball’s biggest stage. Chris shares his unique journey from the legal world to the pickleball court, the evolution of the PPA’s new player compensation model, and what it’s really like managing the sport’s rising stars. The guys dig into how the tour is balancing business growth with player satisfaction, what the priorities are heading into 2025, and how the PPA plans to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape. Whether you’re a casual fan or deep in the pickleball weeds, this is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of the pro game. ______________ Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 00:00 – Intro 04:15 – Chris' Pathway to Pickleball 05:10 – Midwest Sports 07:40 – PPA's New Compensation Structure 14:45– Dealing with "Stars" on Tour 18:25 – Priorities for the Tour's Growth 21:12 – Will the tour ever have true home/away environments? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.