PPA Daytona Sparks New Beef, The Fight Against Fake Paddles & MLP Is Headed to Disney World

The PicklePod closes out the year with a wide-ranging look at the stories that will shape pro pickleball in 2026. This episode breaks down what actually mattered at PPA Daytona, why the Jorja Johnson–Anna Lee Waters discourse has gone off the rails, and how recency bias continues to distort conversations around Anna Bright. We also look at emerging singles talent, including former tennis players making legitimate career moves into pickleball—and what that means for the competitive landscape next season. - On the business and governance side, we unpack: - The latest UPA contract fallout involving Ignatovich, Fu, and Glozman - Why an appeal likely isn’t the real endgame - The motivations behind the “You Can’t Trust a Fake” counterfeit paddle campaign - The official ProXR–PaddleTek merger and what it signals for paddle innovation and pricing You’ll also hear updates on: - DUPR’s new expected score system - The full 2025 Major League Pickleball schedule, including Junior MLP and Disney World - Thomas recovering his infamous Tesla-Selkirk paddle - Early thoughts on nominations for the 2025 Dink Awards There’s a completely new way to optimize your health. Give Blue Cannatine a try at https://troscriptions.com/DINK or enter BETTER at checkout for 10% off your first order. Maui Nui Venison has more protein per calorie than just about anything else out there, and it tastes unreal. Order your Ohana Reserve Box today and receive a free 12-pack of jerky sticks http://mauinuivenison.com/THEDINK Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 2:23 PPA Daytona Recap 7:09 New beef between Jorja and Jessie? 9:36 Who is the better fit to partner with ALW? 15:53 The Anna Bright vs Thomas match 18:05 DUPR now shows predicted match score 19:49 Can’t trust a fake campaign 23:24 ProXR and PaddleTek merger 25:06 MLP is headed to Disney World 28:12 Ignatowich & Co appeal termination 31:11 Zane makes his Dink Awards nominations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices