Show Notes
Welcome to the first PicklePod episode of 2026 — and we’re kicking off the new year with a full reboot presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/
This episode marks the debut of PicklePod 2.0, featuring a refreshed format, new segments, and a new voice behind the mic as Nico the Lefty officially joins the show. Thomas Shields is back, Zane Navratil is firing off takes, and things get unhinged fast.
🔥 What’s in this episode:
- Guess My DUPR returns as we break down Nico the Lefty’s game (lazy footwork, elite hands, and all)
- The entire pickleball world reacts to Anna Leigh Waters’ paddle situation — Franklin, JOOLA, PaddleTek, or something bigger?
- Is this pickleball’s first-ever eight-figure paddle deal?
- Who actually moves paddles in 2026: pros, reviewers, or creators?
- Major paddle movement news: Dekel Barr, Gabe Tardio, international brands entering the space, and what it means for pros
- Why some paddle companies fear reviewers more than losing top players
- A full 2025 Pickleball Year in Review — who really won the year?
- Has pro pickleball officially matured, or are breakout stars still coming?
Plus: new segments, new beef, sponsor reads that somehow turn into hot takes, and plenty of PicklePod nonsense you’ve come to expect.
👇 Drop a comment and tell us:
- Who actually moves paddles in pickleball?
- Did MLP or UPA win 2025?
- Is Nico really a 5.0… or nah?
Like, subscribe, and welcome to PicklePod 2.0.
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 Introducing Nico the Lefty
4:05 Guess my DUPR returns
11:06 Nico's origin story
16:15 The Anna Leigh Waters paddle sweepstakes
29:38 More paddle signings to start the year
42:39 Who won 2025?
50:36 Pickleball reaching maturity in pro competition
58:44 Pickleball Court - Request Denied
1:07:16 What are you looking forward to in 2026?
1:13:13 Go vote in the Dink Awards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from PicklePod
Pickleball is getting louder, messier, and more interesting—and this week’s conversation proves it. Zane Navratil and Nico break down the latest pro pickleball stories, from tournament scheduling chaos in Australia and Hong Kong to first-time gold medalists, the rise of Elliott Shupp, and the debate over what belongs on center court.
The biggest indoor pickleball business story of the year collides with a wild Chicago recap, and the debate around Annalee Waters, Ben Johns, and the future of pro pickleball gets surprisingly deep fast. If you want the sharpest takes on the PPA Chicago chaos, the Pickler bankruptcy, and the next wave of stars, this is the episode.
Anna Bright joins Zane and Nico after her gold-medal run in Las Vegas to explain the moment everyone was talking about: challenging a ball at 10-0 with a double pickle on the line.
Zane Navratil is a PPA gold medalist again—and Nico Acevedo nearly turned a grueling tournament run into a championship of his own. Zane shares what made PPA Barcelona feel like a throwback, while Nico joins the conversation to unpack his breakout performance alongside Yuta Funemizu.
One of the wildest pickleball Sundays in a long time just got even crazier. A 15 seed nearly hijacks men’s doubles, a bird literally crashes the singles final, and the new PPA format changes are already reshaping who gets rewarded, who gets punished, and who might be gaming the system.