YOU’RE FIRED: UPA Drops the Hammer on Contract Violations

This episode of the Picklepod is absolute chaos—in the best way possible. We break down the UPA contract terminations involving James Ignatowich, Vivian Glozman, Ryan Fu, and Paris Todd, and debate whether the league is enforcing rules fairly or simply protecting exclusivity at all costs. Is this about contracts… or relationships? From there, we hit a packed slate of pickleball news: The Tesla pickleball paddle that sold out instantly and is already reselling for up to $1,000 (and may or may not be lost at a restaurant 🤯) MLP & OWL AI partnering to solve line calls—will AI actually work in pickleball? Nick Kyrgios joining Stack Athletics and what that means for pickleball’s mainstream future DUPR & USA Pickleball officially joining forces and what it means for ratings Inside stories from MiLP Nationals, including wild team promos, kid ATPs, and content gold Results and storylines from the APP Championships and PPA Challenger Raleigh A preview of the Daytona Beach Open, including new partnerships and why it’s must-watch We also dive into the Dink Awards, why fan voting matters more than ever, and who might be the most influential voice in pickleball right now. And yes… the episode ends with a frantic real-time hunt for a missing Tesla paddle. This one has everything. 👇 Drop a comment with your take on the UPA situation and whether you’d actually play with the Tesla paddle or keep it in the box. 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/ Reach out to Alex at [email protected] #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 3:09 UPA terminates three pro contracts 10:10 What does this say about ‘Big Pickle’? 20:27 Thomas vs Anna Bright at Courted Miami 24:35 Nominate your favorites for the 2026 Dink Awards 30:06 UPA to add AI line calling solution 35:25 Nick Kyrgios + Jack Sock, Stack Athletics 37:54 DUPR knocks out competition for USAP + APP 39:32 The Dink MiLP National Championships 45:07 APP Championships finish the year 48:44 New names take gold at PPA Challenger Raleigh 54:23 ALW + Jorja to team up in Daytona 56:16 Tesla paddles sell out and go missing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices