PRICELESS PICKLEBALL
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Issue #1 | February 8, 2026

Subject: Nike, Ben Stiller, and the #1 Sport for Longevity

Welcome to The Court Report! You're receiving this because you previously signed up for pickleball content from us. We've launched this new weekly newsletter as your insider's guide to the pickleball lifestyle, brought to you by Priceless Pickleball.

Why "Priceless"? Because some things can’t be measured in dollars—the connection you feel on the court, the friendships forged over a few games, the joy of a perfectly placed dink. But let’s be honest: the right gear, the best destinations, and exclusive experiences don’t hurt either.

The Court Report is your weekly insider’s guide to the pickleball lifestyle. We sift through the noise to bring you the destinations, style, and stories that matter. This week, we’re digging into some major business and culture headlines, plus a deep dive into why this game might just be the key to a longer, healthier life.

Let’s get into it.

January was a wild ride for pickleball. It felt like every week, another major player from finance, fashion, or entertainment made a move. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Nike Finally Jumps In, Signs Anna Leigh Waters

It finally happened. In a deal that sent ripples through the sports world, Nike officially entered the pickleball arena. The Swoosh announced on January 14 via SportsPro that it signed top-ranked player Anna Leigh Waters to a multi-year deal. At just 18 years old, she’s already a force to be reckoned with, and this partnership is a huge stamp of approval for the sport’s commercial future.

2. Wall Street Follows the Money

It’s not just fashion, either. Private equity giant Ares Management is now the first-ever title sponsor of the Pickleball Slam. If you haven’t seen it, it’s the tournament that pairs tennis legends with pickleball pros. The multi-year deal, also reported by SportsPro, includes an ESPN broadcast on April 15th. It’s a clear sign that the financial world is taking the sport’s investment potential very seriously.

3. Vegas Goes All-In with a $12 Million Pickleball Complex

Leave it to Las Vegas to do things big. The city just broke ground on a $12 million, 24-court pickleball complex at Wayne Bunker Park. According to Fox 5 Vegas, the project has been six years in the making and is being called the “largest of its kind.” It’s a massive bet on the continued growth of the sport.

4. Hollywood Comes Calling

Get ready for pickleball on the big screen. Ben Stiller is producing a new pickleball comedy called “The Dink,” starring Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, and Ed Harris. Yahoo Entertainment gave a first look this week, and it’s a sure sign that pickleball has officially hit the mainstream.

It’s not just about fun and games. A growing pile of research suggests that pickleball is one of the best things you can do for your long-term health. Here’s a look at the science:

The Blue Zones Connection:

Dan Buettner, the guy behind the "Blue Zones" project, recently called pickleball the "No. 1 sport to live longer". His reasoning? It's the perfect mix of physical activity, social connection, and accessibility. "You can't help but meet people when you get on the pickleball court," Buettner says. That social piece is a huge deal. Research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that people who played racquet sports lived nearly 10 years longer than sedentary folks, with social connection being a key factor.

The Apple Study:

More proof comes from a massive study by Apple, which crunched the data from over 250,000 workouts. The Apple Heart and Movement Study found that pickleball players had 60% lower odds of feeling depressed compared to everyone else. It’s also great for your heart, with players averaging a peak heart rate of 143 bpm during a typical 90-minute session.

But Don’t Forget to Warm Up:

Of course, you can’t reap the benefits if you’re sidelined with an injury. The American Medical Association suggests focusing on dynamic stretching before you play and cross-training to prevent common injuries. A good warm-up and the right shoes can make all the difference.

As the sport grows, so do the amazing places to play. Here are three resorts, hand-picked from Forbes Travel Guide’s recent list, that are doing it right:

Want someone else to plan it? Companies like Pickleball in Paradise and The Kitchen Pickleball Trips are now offering luxury, all-inclusive pickleball vacations to places like Belize and the Caribbean for 2026.

As the game evolves, so does the gear. This week, we’re looking at paddles that are more than just equipment—they’re a statement.

For years, deals were done on the golf course. Now, a growing number of execs are finding that the pickleball court is a better place to build relationships. It’s more accessible, more social, and takes a lot less time.

The Dink recently explored this trend, noting that pickleball’s lower barrier to entry makes it less intimidating. As one Reddit user put it, “For business networking, pickleball is like the speed dating version of golf. You can meet 40 people a day, where with golf, 8 is a lot.”

We’ve heard stories of deals getting done and partnerships being formed over a few friendly games. It’s a powerful way to connect with people.

This newsletter is just the beginning. We’re building a private community for people who are as passionate about the pickleball lifestyle as you are. A place to share tips, plan trips, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Interested in becoming a founding member? We’re still working out the details, but we’ll be sending out applications soon. For now, just reply to this email with “I’m in!” to get on the early access list.

Cheers,

The Court Report Team
A Priceless Pickleball Publication