NAPLES, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 23, 2023 – JOOLA, one of the leading pickleball paddle manufacturers in the sport has agreed to a two-year sponsorship agreement with the Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships powered by Margaritaville – the largest and most prestigious event in pickleball since 2016. The announcement of agreement was made by Terri Graham, co-founder of the US OPEN Pickleball Championships and Richard Lee, president of JOOLA.

The centerpiece to the partnership will be the JOOLA Party in the Park — the traditional opening day festival on April 15 which kicks off the weeklong tournament. The fun-filled day of pickleball, music, food, shopping in the vendor village and meeting pickleball players from around the world will be even better. TEAM JOOLA endorser and the winningest player in US OPEN history, Simone Jardim and several other top professionals will host a free pickleball seminar on the Zing Zang Championship Court from 1:00-2:00 pm. They will provide tips on strategy, form, teamwork, fitness and more. Attendees can also pose for photos and get an autograph from the 11-time US OPEN gold medalist. 

In addition, since there are no tournament matches that day, the 59 courts at East Naples Community Park will all be available for open play, allowing competitors to get in one final practice before the tournament begins. JOOLA will provide demo paddles all day and offer special deals and giveaways at their 20-foot sponsor booth in the vendor village. They will also receive signage throughout the park including the Zing Zang Championship Court. 

“We welcome JOOLA to the US OPEN and are confident that they will make the Party in the Park even better than ever,” said Ms. Graham. “The chance to participate in a free clinic with a player like Simone is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the greatest players and instructors in the sport.”

“As our presence throughout the pickleball world continues to grow we knew we needed to be at the US OPEN,” said Mr. Lee. “When the opportunity to host the Party in the Park became available, we knew it was the perfect stage to provide value to all of the players and fans in attendance and showcase our products.” 

The 2023 US OPEN is scheduled for April 15-22 at “The Pickleball Capital of the World” – East Naples Community Park, in Naples, Fla. the largest permanent pickleball facility in the world with 64 courts. More than 100 top-ranked professionals, plus a record 3,000+ pickleball players of all ages, from every state and more than 30 countries will compete for $125,000 in prize money. JOOLA is among more than 30 sponsors and 20 vendors slated to be a part of the 2023 tournament including; Skechers, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Zing Zang, Franklin, Takeya USA, Gamma, Total Pickleball, and more.

Background Information:

ABOUT THE US OPEN: The Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships is organized by Spirit Promotions, LLC, a company formed by Terri Graham and Chris Evon in 2015. The 2023 US OPEN will reset the standard as the largest pickleball event in the world with more than 40,000 fans and 3,300 players from all 50 states and 30 countries as well as more than 100 top professionals competing for $125,00 in prizes. More information is available at USOpenPickleball.com or on social  media via Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

ABOUT JOOLA: JOOLA has been a pioneer in table tennis since its establishment in 1952. In 2022, its expansion into pickleball quickly attracted the biggest names in the sport. As an official table tennis sponsor for three Summer Games and the sponsor of the APP Tour and top athletes in pickleball, the team at JOOLA combines its expertise with fresh perspectives to bring synergy and innovation to both sports. JOOLA creates a variety of equipment, apparel, and accessories for table tennis and pickleball players, both professional and recreational. JOOLA is based in Rockville, MD and is owned by Sport Squad, Inc. Learn more at www.joolausa.com.