The Kitchen: Building Community in the World of Pickleball

If you’re a pickleball enthusiast, chances are you’ve heard of The Kitchen. This unique brand is not your typical pickleball content creator, as they focus on building a community rather than just covering the pro game. And it’s working – with over 1 million combined members, followers, and email subscribers, The Kitchen has become the largest and most engaged pickleball community in the world.

Founded by Jared Paul, Dane Iliff, and Jason Aspes (who has since moved on to become the President of UPA-A), The Kitchen started as a simple Facebook group to help Austin-area residents find a game. But it has since grown into a social media powerhouse, generating new engaging content daily, hosting events and tournaments, and even collaborating with celebrities and sports stars like Jamie Foxx, Rob Gronkowski, and Drew Brees.

What sets The Kitchen apart is their focus on the broader player base. While they still cover pro game highlights, they get much more engagement when they post non-pro content like trick shots, funny memes, and stories about everyday players. This human interest content resonates with the “other 97%” of pickleball players who may not follow the pro game closely.

But why is community so important in pickleball? In a time when social media and isolation are on the rise, pickleball offers a unique opportunity for people to come together and connect. The sport is inclusive, accessible to all ages, and encourages social interaction on and off the court. As Jared Paul puts it, pickleball is more than just a sport – it’s a lifestyle, a religion, a tight-knit community that can truly change lives.

And The Kitchen is at the forefront of fostering that community. With their grassroots growth, engaging content, and commitment to showcasing the diverse and inclusive nature of pickleball, The Kitchen has become a beacon for players of all levels. Whether you’re a pro, an amateur, or just someone looking to connect with like-minded individuals, The Kitchen is the place to be.