Spokane Badgers bring semi-pro pickleball to Inland Northwest

SPOKANE, Washington — Spokane is welcoming a semi-pro pickleball team, the Spokane Badgers, with The Press Pickleball Club serving as their home base for high-level competition and community engagement.

The team represents a significant step forward for local pickleball enthusiasts who have been seeking opportunities to compete at a higher level in what has been called the nation’s fastest-growing sport for four consecutive years.

Jessica Han, a player on the Spokane Badgers, expressed her enthusiasm about joining the team.

“I am really excited and really blessed to be on the team,” Han said.

Han has been playing pickleball for only a few years, but her talent on the court stands out. She credits the sport’s inclusive community as her favorite aspect of pickleball.

“All ages can play, and the community itself, everyone is just so kind,” Han said.

The Press Pickleball Club will host team practices and home matches for the Badgers. It is also a hub for the Ultimate Pickleball League, meaning it will host tournaments for the region as well.

Chris Allen, who serves as both the team’s general manager and director of The Press, sees the partnership as an opportunity to create something the whole Spokane community can enjoy. “Spokane is just such a great community as far as sports go, and the people of Spokane really get behind their teams,” Allen said.

The Spokane Badgers operate as a co-ed team with no age restrictions, reflecting pickleball’s reputation as an accessible sport for players across different demographics.

The Badgers plan to offer free community clinics, development camps, and outreach events throughout the season. These programs will be led by the semi-professional players themselves. “Our big focus will be on youth development and getting kids out here to enjoy pickleball,” Allen said.

The Ultimate Pickleball League season will begin April 11 and continue for approximately 18 weeks.