Follow Michael Chao:

https://www.instagram.com/apacircuit/

https://www.instagram.com/northernlightspickleball/

https://www.instagram.com/grandviewpickleballclub/

This week on the Pal’s Podcast, Ricky sits down with Michael Chao, CEO and Founder of the newly rebranded APA Canadian Circuit, General Manager of the Northern Lights in the Canadian National Pickleball League, and part owner of Grandview Pickleball Club in Newmarket.

The two dive deep into all things pickleball. Michael shares his path into the sport, how the APA originally started, and what the rebrand means for the future of competitive pickleball in Canada. Ricky and Michael also get into some friendly league banter, especially with both of them owning teams in the CNPL, breaking down the past season and what’s coming next.

They also talk about the upcoming CNPL draft combine, what teams are looking for, and how the Toronto United tournament hosted by APA fits into the bigger picture of growing the game.

If you’re into pickleball, whether as a player, fan, or someone curious about the business side of the sport, this episode is for you.