Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, and its appeal is stretching beyond its origins. In this intimate interview, IntoPickleball sits down with Paul Olson of Selkirk Sport to talk about his vision for the game, how the family-owned company is shaping pickleball’s future, and why community and innovation remain at the heart of its rapid growth. For a game that has transformed from a backyard pastime to a competitive sport, the pickleball community is seeing exponential growth. A company that’s been at the forefront of this wave is Selkirk Sport, a family-owned brand that has built a reputation for crafting premium paddles while supporting the sport’s evolution.
Paul Olson’s Vision for Selkirk Sport
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Steve Kuhn is the founder of Major League Pickleball, pickleball’s first-ever team-centered league that showcases some of the top pickleball professionals in the world. Since its inception in 2021, Major League Pickleball has grown to be one of the top pickleball leagues in the world. Major League Pickleball recently merged with the PPA Tour to be the premiere team-driven pickleball league. Major League Pickleball will have six pickleball events in 2023, a step up from its three tour stops in 2022.
Paul Olson, a spokesperson for Selkirk, is passionate about both the game and the brand’s role in helping to shape its future. According to Olson, Selkirk’s mission is about more than just creating high-performance paddles. “What we do is really tied to helping the sport evolve. We are constantly focused on growing the game and making it better, and that’s really what excites us.”
Olson believes Selkirk has a significant role to play in the broader growth of pickleball. “It’s about taking the sport to the next level,” he said. “We’re seeing more and more players, more demand for gear, and a rapidly growing network of venues. Pickleball is going to be in every corner of the country. The question now is, how do we elevate the player experience, and how do we keep the sport progressing?”
The idea of progression is central to Selkirk’s philosophy. Olson mentioned how the brand continuously strives to push the limits of performance, focusing on the design of paddles to meet the diverse needs of players, whether they’re casual enthusiasts or high-level competitors.
Selkirk Sport’s Commitment to Quality and Innovation
As the sport expands, the technology and design behind Selkirk paddles continue to evolve. According to Olson, the company’s paddles are made with innovation at their core. “We’ve invested a lot in developing cutting-edge technology for our paddles. Our goal is to make sure the player has the best equipment possible, and we’ve seen tremendous growth, particularly in the pro market. The level of competition is going up, and so too is the need for performance gear.”
Olson also mentioned the importance of community in the brand’s journey. “It’s not just about the paddles—it’s about how the sport brings people together. It’s about the players and the community they’re building. We see it at events like the PPA Tour. There’s a great energy around it, and that’s what keeps us motivated.”
The PPA Tournament in San Clemente
One such event where that energy is palpable is the PPA Tour stop in San Clemente, California. The atmosphere at these tournaments is unlike any other, with crowds of passionate players and fans filling the courts, watching the sport’s best battle it out. The PPA tournaments have become a staple in the pickleball calendar, drawing national attention and further cementing the sport’s place in the competitive landscape.
At the San Clemente event, the excitement is contagious, with fans shouting from the sidelines, coaches strategizing with players, and the energy in the air palpable as every point is won or lost. “The vibe at these events is phenomenal,” Olson said. “You feel the buzz, and you see the level of play rising. It’s incredible to see how competitive it’s become.”
Olson sees these tournaments as an important milestone for pickleball. “We’re not just striving to grow the sport for recreational players, but to build a true professional circuit. This is a pivotal time for the sport, and I think we’re going to see incredible things in the next few years.”
IntoPickleball: The Next Chapter for the Sport
Another vital piece of the puzzle in growing pickleball is platforms like IntoPickleball. As the digital hub for all things pickleball, IntoPickleball is poised to be a game-changer in how the sport is experienced, especially for those in the online community.
With its innovative approach to digital media, IntoPickleball is redefining how pickleball fans and players engage with the sport. Olson sees the partnership between Selkirk and IntoPickleball as an opportunity to support the growing community. “Pickleball is booming, and platforms like IntoPickleball will be essential to supporting that growth. They bring the latest news, tournament updates, and insights into one central place for players and fans. I think it’s exciting to see how brands like Selkirk can work alongside them to amplify the sport’s exposure.”
As IntoPickleball continues to expand its reach, it’s also exploring new ways to connect brands with the pickleball community. Olson, who is familiar with the platform’s evolution, added, “IntoPickleball has a great vision for the future of the sport. It’s exciting to see how they’re building relationships with companies like Selkirk, and how those partnerships can push the sport forward. This digital-first approach is where the future of the sport is going, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”
Seattle’s Pickleball Boom: A Thriving Community
Seattle is becoming a major player in the national pickleball scene, with a growing community of enthusiasts and facilities supporting the sport’s rise. In the SODO neighborhood, a new facility, Picklewood, will open in summer 2025. This 25,000-square-foot center promises to be more than just a place to play; it will redefine the country club experience for pickleball. With both indoor and outdoor courts, a restaurant from Chef Ethan Stowell, and a Pro Shop offering custom merchandise, Picklewood will be an exciting hub for pickleball players in the area. The facility will also host a beer garden and a ping-pong area, creating a welcoming space for both casual players and serious competitors alike.
Seattle will also soon see the opening of Side Out Pickleball Centers, a state-of-the-art 26-court indoor facility in the Rainier Beach neighborhood. As the largest pickleball facility in the state, Side Out will serve as a base for the Seattle Tsunami professional pickleball team and host major events like PPA and USA Pickleball sanctioned tournaments. “Seattle’s pickleball community is growing rapidly, and these new facilities will help meet the demand and bring the game to even more players,” Olson said.
Olson sees this growth as a significant milestone for the sport. “Seattle is becoming a hotspot for pickleball, and we’re excited to see how the new facilities and events are creating more opportunities for players to get involved. It’s a great time for the sport in the Pacific Northwest.”
A Growing Community of Players
Whether it’s on the courts of Selkirk-sponsored tournaments, through new online platforms like IntoPickleball, or in the grassroots efforts to introduce pickleball to more communities, the growth of the sport is undeniable. Olson summed it up perfectly: “Pickleball is about community. It’s about bringing people together. When you combine that with a passion for innovation and a shared desire to elevate the sport, the possibilities are endless.”
With the support of Selkirk and platforms like IntoPickleball, the sport is on track for continued success. And as Olson emphasized, “We’re just getting started.”