So you have a discount code for a paddle company, but does that mean you are actually sponsored? In this episode of Keeping it Real, Gina Cilento and Neil Friedenberg peel back the curtain on the business side of pickleball. They explain the massive difference between being a true sponsored athlete and an affiliate, and what it really takes to get paid to play versus just getting free gear.

The conversation shifts to the mental game, specifically your closet. Does looking like a pro actually make you play like one? Gina and Neil debate the psychology of sports attire, drop a hilarious comparison to Adam Sandler’s signature style, and discuss why Gina refuses to wear anything but black on the court.

They also touch on the fine line between confidence and ego, and how psychological strategies can impact sportsmanship during high-stakes tournaments.

Does wearing the latest gear give you a mental edge, or is it just an expensive placebo?

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