The “sport” of Pickleball is exploding. While many, like myself, tell my friends like Frankie Delgado that this is standing ping pong and “not a real sport,” it looks like I might be wrong.

FACTZ spoke with the number five ranked Pickleball athlete in the world, Ryan Sherry. He gave us the total breakdown, which NO MEDIA outlet has heard or cared to hear about. Since all my friends and business partner Stephen J. Cloobeck (number 7.5 in the world) are obsessed, lets’ hear what Sherry has to say.

The PB legend was owning Scottsdale during #SuperBowl week, and we got the exclusive goods:

• Some celebs are now involved – Jamie Fox, Rob Gronkowski, and Drew Brees.
• Sherry has only been playing for two years and is now number 5 worldwide. He attributes his fast growth to his college tennis career.
• The best Pickleball athletes have a tennis background.
• The best celebrity Pickleball player is Doug Ellin of Entourage fame.
• Pickleball is humbling because there is no money in it.
• Why it’s growing is because “everybody is decent,” it doesn’t matter race or background. Everyone can play a little bit and grow quickly.
• The biggest Pickleball purse thus far has been $100k.

Thank you, Ryan Sherry, for reminding us of your name at the end … we know who you are.