P3 acquires Professor Pickleball to expand its pickleball brand portfolio

Professional Pickleball Partners agreed to acquire Florida-based Professor Sports, LLC, the company behind Professor Pickleball, on Nov. 4, 2026. The deal adds accessories and instructional content to P3’s growing lineup as the sport continues to attract new players.

Why it matters: - The acquisition gives Professional Pickleball Partners a stronger foothold in two parts of the market: products players buy and educational content they use. - P3 is betting that helping players improve will support longer-term brand loyalty, not just one-time sales. - The deal adds another consumer-facing pickleball brand to P3’s portfolio as the company widens its reach in the sport.

What happened: - Professional Pickleball Partners announced an agreement to acquire Professor Sports, LLC, the Florida-based company founded by Ryan Maya behind the Professor Pickleball brand. - The announcement was made Nov. 4, 2026, from Leawood, Kansas. - The acquisition brings Professor Pickleball’s accessories line and instructional content platform under the P3 umbrella.

The details: - Professor Pickleball is known for paddle grips, erasers and other player-focused accessories. - The brand also offers tutorials, tips and educational resources for players at all skill levels. - P3 said the acquisition complements its existing brands, including CORE Athletics, Pro-Pickle, Ameriball and Pickleball-U. - P3’s broader business includes performance equipment, custom and wholesale products, U.S. manufacturing, collegiate merchandise and player engagement. - P3 plans to use its product development, marketing, sourcing and distribution capabilities to grow Professor Pickleball’s reach. - P3 said it intends to preserve Professor Pickleball’s identity and customer focus. - The Professor Pickleball brand will continue its digital presence at Professor Paddles, with room for expanded product offerings and distribution.

Between the lines: - The deal shows P3 is treating pickleball as a lifestyle and education market, not just an equipment category. - Professor Pickleball’s instructional content gives P3 a way to build engagement around the brand, which can help drive repeat attention and repeat purchases. - Ryan Maya framed the acquisition as a chance to extend the mission of helping players get more out of the game.

What's next: - P3 plans to expand Professor Pickleball’s instructional content for both new and experienced players. - The company also expects to develop new products and reach more players through its wider distribution network. - Expanded product offerings tied to the Professor Pickleball brand appear likely as P3 integrates the business.

The bottom line: - P3 is adding a brand that combines accessories with instruction, signaling a push to grow by serving players beyond the point of sale.