THE PICKLR IN CENTRAL INDIANA ANNOUNCES MINOR LEAGUE CLUB AFFILIATION WITH ST. LOUIS SHOCK MLP

NORTH AMERICA'S PREMIER INDOOR PICKLEBALL FRANCHISE SIGNS EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT FOR CENTRAL INDIANA CLUBS

INDIANAPOLIS, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The St. Louis Shock,^® one of the top competitors in Major League Pickleball (MLP), and the central Indiana franchise owners of The Picklr, the premium indoor pickleball venue in the United States, are pleased to announce that The Picklr is now the exclusive minor league affiliate for the Shock in central Indiana.

Known as one of the top professional pickleball teams in the U.S., the St. Louis Shock compete at the highest level of professional competition in MLP—20 teams made up of 120 of the world's top professional pickleball players. The Shock extends its Shock Minor League Pickleball program to select pickleball clubs nationwide, creating competitive play opportunities and benefits that connect club members to the excitement of major league pickleball.

With more than 100 players in eight states in 2025, the Shock Minor League program launched nationwide in 2026 and anticipates 500+ players by year-end with over 1,000 in 2027. The minor league program's fee-based membership welcomes all levels and ages of players—from beginner through borderline professional—with great exposure for upcoming pros. Team members can elect to compete in tournaments locally or choose to travel to regional and national tournaments, whichever they prefer, and also compete to qualify for the minor league nationals in February of 2027.

Membership benefits include an apparel and uniform package; registration fees for four tournaments; free or discounted tickets to various MLP and Shock club events in St. Louis; a national DUPR rating program; and instructed training exclusively at The Picklr clubs in Indiana; plus discounts on paddles, equipment, etc., with the Shock's priority vendors.

"As part of the Shock family, The Picklr brings an exclusive opportunity to the Indiana pickleball market," said Ron Brock and Dave Gilreath, local Indianapolis businessmen and managing partners of Pickle Indy, LLC, franchise owner for The Picklr in central Indiana. "The Shock Minor League member benefits just add to the competition, community, and membership perks we already offer our players at The Picklr. This alliance with the St. Louis Shock encompasses the greater Indianapolis metropolitan area that also includes Purdue, Ball State, and Indiana Universities. We're thrilled that our members and, additionally, non-members can benefit from being part of this exceptional MLP team."

"Central Indiana has a passionate and growing pickleball community, and this partnership reflects exactly the kind of market we want to be in," said Ross Chaifetz, owner of the St. Louis Shock and an investor and board member of The Picklr. "With The Picklr in Central Indiana coming on board, our minor league licensing program now spans 15 locations nationwide, with expectations to reach 30 in 2026. Ron, Dave, and their team have been exceptional to work with, and we look forward to growing pickleball and the Shock family together."

Players can learn more about the St. Louis Shock at https://stlshock.com/ and The Picklr at https://thepicklr.com/.

About The St. Louis Shock
The St. Louis Shock is a professional pickleball team competing in Major League Pickleball (MLP). The 2025 MLP Regular Season Champions posted a dominant 24-1 record and 2025 MLP Cup Championship, establishing themselves as one of the league's elite franchises. Since its founding in 2023, the Shock has experienced explosive growth, quickly becoming an innovative leader through cutting-edge community events, a comprehensive Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) program across 15 locations and hundreds of players, youth development initiatives, and championship-caliber professional competition.

About The Picklr
The Picklr is North America's fastest-growing network of premium indoor pickleball courts, approaching 1,000 courts by the fourth quarter of 2026 and offering an unparalleled experience for players of all ages and skill levels; The Picklr provides programs for beginners to pros, and a vibrant atmosphere. Membership to The Picklr includes access to all club locations nationwide, free court reservations, four clinics per month, and unlimited participation in leagues, competitive play/events and tournaments. Follow The Picklr on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok for news on locations and tournaments

About Pickle Indy, LLC
Pickle Indy was established by Indianapolis business partners Dave Gilreath and Ron Brock to bring The Picklr's premier pickleball facilities to Indiana communities. Having opened The Picklr Keystone Crossing in December of 2024, and The Picklr Noblesville in January 2025, Pickle Indy is scheduled to open The Picklr Avon, The Picklr Greenwood, and The Picklr North Mass in downtown Indianapolis during 2026. The franchise continues to add locations of The Picklr in central Indiana while expanding its reach to bring The Picklr to Nashville, Tennessee, and the Florida communities of Fort Myers and Naples.

SOURCE The Picklr