Naples amateur pickleball league changes owners, grows nationally

An amateur pickleball league based in Naples has shifted ownership. PaddleWar is now owned by Nannette Staropoli, a marketing strategist and pickleball enthusiast, whose goal is to double the company’s footprint by the end of 2026. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

PaddleWar provides structured league play for amateur pickleball players through local teams, facility partnerships and regional league coordinators, according to a statement, and has a proprietary app and rating system.

“Our goal is to strengthen the pickleball community through amateur league play while providing facilities with a strategic partner that helps deepen member engagement, build community and create meaningful competitive opportunities,” Staropoli says in the statement. “We are excited to align with partners, players and sponsors who are as passionate about pickleball as we are.”

In its three-year history, PaddleWar has grown to be active or expanding across nine states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Texas and California, according to a statement, which says the plan is to grow to 20 states this year.

As part of its expansion strategy, PaddleWar is seeking facility partners, league coordinators, private clubs, team captains and market leaders interested in bringing organized league play to their communities.

Staropoli has owned and operated a digital marketing company for more than 25 years, which serves as the marketing agency for the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships.