Mike Nealy, CEO of USA Pickleball, shares insights on the sport's rapid growth and the challenges of managing the national governing body. To keep up with the sport's rapid growth, USA Pickleball has expanded from a volunteer-run organization to having 35 full-time employees. USA Pickleball aims to support overall development, including expanding its membership base, promoting the sport in schools and youth camps, and developing new membership structures. With host Rico Figliolini

Resources: USA Pickleball
Website: https://usapickleball.org/

Timestamp:
00:00:00 - Pickleball's Growth and Governing Body
00:02:46 - From Hockey to Pickleball
00:07:12 - From Recreational to Governing Pickleball
00:09:43 - Navigating Grassroots and Professional Pickleball Growth
00:12:41 - Pickleball's Organizational Growth and Expansion Plans
00:17:14 - Pickleball's Explosive Growth and Demographic Shift
00:21:24 - Dropping Median Age in Competitive Sport
00:22:48 - Pickleball's Recreational Popularity and Technological Challenges
00:26:10 - Pickleball's National Tournament Qualifying System
00:29:05 - Clarifying the Path to Nationals
00:31:42 - Pickleball's Consolidation and Olympic Potential
00:33:42 - Spread the Pickleball Passion
00:36:16 - Family Pickleball