The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) announced an extension of its partnership with OWL Sport, the revolutionary brand headlining USA Pickleball’s Quiet Category for pickleball paddles. The agreement is spotlighted by the new OWL CK-40 ball becoming the official and exclusive ball of APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues, APP Signature Events and APP Collegiate Events.

“OWL Sport is truly changing the game with their innovative pickleball products, and we’re proud to have them as a partner,” commented Ryan McSpadden, APP chief revenue officer. “Our signature events, collegiate events and the APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues set us apart as we continue to revolutionize the sport as one that is accessible and welcoming to all. Bringing on the OWL CK-40 represents the next step in taking our unique events and initiatives to the next level.”

Named after nature’s silent predator, the OWL paddle became the first on the market with multiple patent-pending design features, USAP tournament approval, and a groundbreaking 50% noise reduction in both hertz and decibel levels. Building on this innovation, OWL Sport introduces the OWL CK-40 ball, a new design marvel, with additional design patents, that redefines performance and durability.

The OWL CK-40 ball lasts three times longer than other leading pickleballs, with no warping or cracking, as proven in certified impact testing. Utilizing proprietary Perpetual Composite™ material and nanotechnology, this ball offers unmatched playability and durability. Its Apex Spectrum color ensures the highest visibility and player recognition possible.

With millions of players nationwide, the OWL CK-40 enhances grassroots pickleball by offering high performance, extended playtime, and superior visibility. This advancement paves the way for communities to enjoy the sport like never before.

"We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the Association of Pickleball Players and support their vision for a diverse and accessible sport for all players and levels of competition," said Rick Schwenk, Chief Marketing Officer at OWL Sport. "The APP's dedication to hosting dynamic and inclusive events perfectly aligns with our commitment to high performance, innovation, and responsible technological advancement of the sport. The OWL CK-40 ball, with its patent-pending design, delivers exceptional performance and unparalleled durability. We are proud to be the official and exclusive ball of APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues, APP Signature Events, and APP Collegiate Events. This collaboration marks a significant step in our journey to inspire and empower pickleball players everywhere. Join the #OWLREVOLUTION.”

Earlier this year, the APP and UTR Sports launched a groundbreaking new initiative for millions of recreational pickleball players across the nation — the creation of APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues. Players across the United States are invited to form teams and compete at the local and national level to be crowned national champions. Divisions within each league feature competitions for men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles teams among three age groups (ages 39 and below, 40-59, and 60 and older) and three skill levels using the UTR Pickleball Rating: social, intermediate, and advanced. Pickleball players, league coordinators, and facility operators can sign up now to register for the inaugural season at theapp.global/pickleball-leagues.

The 2024 APP season brought the debut of brand-new events and initiatives, known as APP Signature Events, featuring new formats designed to give professional and amateur players more opportunities to compete and earn prize money. The first APP Signature Event of 2024 was the APP U.S. Collegiate Championships, held January 3-7 in Westfield, Ind., showcasing the top college pickleball teams from across the nation. Other APP Signature Events include the AARP U.S. Champions Cup held exclusively for pickleball players 40 and older, the APP Atlantic Cup featuring Team USA vs. Team Europe, and the recently announced APP Women’s Open, a first-of-its-kind tournament exclusively for women and coinciding with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

USA Pickleball (USAP)—the sport’s national governing body—created the Quiet Category in September 2023 to reduce the sport’s sound output during recreational play by recognizing pickleball products that help diminish acoustic output without negatively impacting performance. The OWL became the first paddle product certified by USAP for the category in November 2023 and, more recently, the first in the category officially approved for use in USAP-sanctioned events like the APP Tour.

The new OWL CK-40 pickleballs will be available for players to purchase at www.owlpaddle.com, on Amazon and at select retail partners across North America this summer.

Additional event information, recent news and more are available at theapp.global and on Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn