Texas Ranchers MLP Celebrates Milestones with New Initiatives

The Texas Ranchers Major League Pickleball (MLP) team is marking a significant year by rolling out several innovative initiatives aimed at expanding the sport’s reach and engaging the community. Founded by Evan Floersch, the team has rapidly gained attention since its inception in 2022, establishing itself as a coed franchise backed by an impressive lineup of investors, including hip-hop icon Lil Wayne.

Floersch’s vision for the Texas Ranchers revolves around creating a professional sports franchise supported by a community of stakeholders rather than relying solely on private ownership. At just 26 years old, Floersch became the youngest principal owner in professional sports by securing a controlling interest in the team, which is now recognized as a leader in the pickleball market, valued at approximately $2 billion. Alongside Floersch, notable partners like Scottie Scheffler, Kendra Scott, and NBA owner Dennis Wong are propelling the franchise into a promising future.

New Merchandise and Engaging Events

In October 2023, Lil Wayne joined the Texas Ranchers as an investor and co-owner, bringing significant visibility to the team. His recent launch of a pickleball fan-gear collection, priced between $14 and $85, represents a blend of sports and fashion. Designed to appeal to a wide audience, the collection aims to foster a sense of community among pickleball enthusiasts and features apparel that reflects both the artist’s creativity and the spirit of the sport.

Lil Wayne expressed his excitement about the collection, stating, “I’ve always believed creativity doesn’t belong to one lane. I hope everyone sees the Wayne in this collection. Together, we’re evolving the game and working to bring new audiences into it.”

On October 11, 2025, the Texas Ranchers hosted a groundbreaking live-stream event in collaboration with the One True King (OTK) Network. This innovative gathering, named the “OTK Creator Smash Pickleball Invitational Austin,” showcased various content creators playing pickleball, increasing the sport’s visibility to a broader audience. Fans could watch this unique event on OTK’s KICK channel, an emerging platform for live content distribution.

The event featured notable personalities, including popular content creators such as Asmongold and Sodapoppin, who have embraced pickleball as a means to engage with their followers while adding excitement to the game. The Texas Ranchers also introduced a new format called “RumbleBall,” a fast-paced version of traditional pickleball, designed to entertain and energize fans.

Community Growth through Youth Programs

In addition to its impressive merchandising and events, the Texas Ranchers have launched initiatives aimed at nurturing local talent. The team has introduced a minor league program in Austin, providing young players with opportunities to hone their skills in a competitive environment. This initiative is designed to identify promising athletes who may eventually transition to professional MLP teams, including the Texas Ranchers.

Moreover, the franchise has unveiled a junior pickleball program targeting elementary, middle, and high school students. Historically seen as a sport for older adults, pickleball is now being redefined for younger generations. The junior program aims to create structured pathways for youth development, fostering the next generation of pickleball talent.

The Texas Ranchers have successfully positioned themselves as more than just a sports team; they are evolving into a dynamic business model that embraces innovation and community engagement. With their recent milestones, the team continues to inspire a new wave of interest in pickleball, enhancing the sport’s profile in Austin and beyond.