Nannette Staropoli has acquired PaddleWar and announced plans to expand the amateur pickleball league across the U.S. [1].

The acquisition signals a shift in the company's growth strategy as it attempts to scale its operational footprint beyond its regional roots. By transitioning to new ownership, the league aims to capitalize on the rising popularity of pickleball to attract a broader base of amateur players.

Based in Naples, Florida, PaddleWar has operated for three years [1]. The company said the ownership change occurred May 28, 2026 [1]. Under Staropoli's leadership, the organization intends to launch a new chapter focused on national expansion [1].

The move comes as the league seeks to formalize its structure and increase its visibility in various U.S. markets. While the organization has established a presence in Florida, the new ownership plan focuses on growing the league's reach to create a more comprehensive nationwide network for amateur competitors [1].

Staropoli's acquisition occurs at a time when amateur sports leagues are increasingly seeking scalable business models to manage rapid membership growth. The expansion will involve increasing the availability of league play, and enhancing the organizational infrastructure to support players across different states [1].

Details regarding the specific financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed in the announcement. However, the company said that the transition is designed to facilitate the league's move from a local entity to a national brand [1].

“Nannette Staropoli has acquired PaddleWar and announced plans to expand the amateur pickleball league across the United States.”

The acquisition of PaddleWar by Nannette Staropoli reflects a broader trend of professionalizing amateur sports leagues to capture market share in fast-growing hobbies. By expanding from a Naples, Florida, base to a national scale, the company is betting that a structured league format will provide the stability and growth necessary to dominate the amateur pickleball landscape in the US.