rafa hewett

[rafa hewett @RafaHewettPB]

I ask myself every time why I sign up for singles, and my answer is to ruin someone’s day — but it ends up being my own.

[Connor Pardoe @connorpardoe_pb]

My response to Jill Braverman’s take on pro pickleball.

Wow, @jillybpb What a sensational take. I wasn’t planning to respond, but when misinformation starts spreading, it’s important to set the record straight.

The health and trajectory of professional pickleball have never been better. The combined PPA Tour and MLP generated over $50M in revenue last year and are on track to exceed $65M in 2025. That’s without team sales, by the way. Sponsorships are nearing $35M, ticket sales are at $10M, and event registrations are hitting $9M. These numbers don’t lie and they reflect a sport that’s growing, thriving, and building toward a $1B enterprise.

Sure, merging MLP and the PPA Tour wasn’t without its challenges. Growth never is. But we’re incredibly proud of what this organization has accomplished. From a talented staff to the professional players, and a supportive ownership group, everyone is working tirelessly to elevate the sport we all love.

Your narrative, however, doesn’t reflect reality. It’s full of half-truths and sensationalism aimed at tearing others down rather than lifting the game up. If your goal is truly to help pickleball, spreading misinformation isn’t the way to do it.

Professional pickleball is still in its early stages, and yes, tough decisions have to be made. But let me be clear bridge loans, investments, and calculated risks are part of any ambitious growth strategy. To suggest otherwise shows a lack of understanding about how successful organizations operate.

The reality is, Jill, the sport has outgrown your ability to stay relevant. Maybe that’s why you’re so bitter. It’s easier to play the victim and stir up drama than to acknowledge that you’re simply not a part of the future of pro pickleball.

Good luck with whatever grudge driven project you’re working on for 2025. We’ll be busy growing the sport, leading the community, and building the next biggest sports enterprise. Pickleball’s trajectory is set with or without you.

Pickle on,
Connor

[rafa hewett @RafaHewettPB]

@BrookesJones7 Thanks for playing ✌🏼

[rafa hewett @RafaHewettPB]

Tried to file for unemployment but they said I can't be employed doing a senior citizen rec activity

[rafa hewett @RafaHewettPB]

@TheKitchenPB Yeah I was asking my partner what it was if I don't see it I motion in.

[Erik Lange @eriklange2525]

At this rate, the next #1 pickleball pro will loaded full of PEDs, with a thawed paddle containing a foreign substance

[rafa hewett @RafaHewettPB]

@annabright108 Not enough addy in the world could prepare anyone for me

[rafa hewett @RafaHewettPB]

@tylerloong @JimmyMiller_PB 💯

[rafa hewett @RafaHewettPB]

@BenJohns_pb

[rafa hewett @RafaHewettPB]

@TheMeganFudge @robnunnery Ask jw

[rafa hewett @RafaHewettPB]

I wonder if I beat Ben this weekend my paddle gets banned too?

[rafa hewett @RafaHewettPB]

Yo Fed, what are you gonna play with this weekend?

[rafa hewett @RafaHewettPB]

Better Now ☝🏽

[Crown Pickleball @CrownPickleball]

BREAKING🔥 We are stoked to announce @RafaHewettPB has joined the @CrownPickleball team! Rafa shares our massive energy, fun humor, good vibes & great value for the sport of Pickleball! PLEASE WELCOME RAFA TO THE FAMILY! LETSGO!🔥

[rafa hewett @RafaHewettPB]

@AndreaRemynse 💯

[rafa hewett @RafaHewettPB]

RDWPPB

[rafa hewett @RafaHewettPB]

2024 mindset
All GAS, NO BRAKES