The Founders League brings together over 125 entrepreneurs and CEOs for a six-week program integrating sports and professional networking.
A national expansion is planned for 2024, encompassing more than a dozen major U.S. cities.
Fourth Season
Today marks the commencement of the fourth season of the Founders League, the nation’s inaugural pickleball league tailored for founders and CEOs.
Hosted at the Millbrook Pickleball Club in Austin, Texas, this season will witness 48 teams representing over 75 companies in a spirited six-week competition.
As Debora Lima of Sensei Advisory writes, this unique amalgamation of networking, well-being, and rivalry takes place at one of Austin’s most picturesque historic venues.
Ardent Pickleball Enthusiasts
Initiated by Austin-based entrepreneurs Darius Fisher and Jesse Boskoff, the Founders League seeks to provide a platform for founders and CEOs to connect in a setting distinct from conventional networking environments.
Darius Fisher, co-founder of Founders League, commented on the genesis of this initiative:
“As avid pickleball players, we were eager to merge our passion for the sport with our desire to build community with the founders and CEOs building exciting companies in Austin in a different setting than boozy happy hours and stuffy dinners and golf outings.
“It has been rewarding to see this vision resonate with so many people, and we are excited to continue growing our community throughout the country.”
A Most Sought-After Pickleball Event
With a roster boasting over 125 participants, the Founders League stands as one of Austin’s most sought-after pickleball events.
The five-week regular season commences today, playing every Wednesday until mid-November.
This will culminate in a single-elimination playoff tournament followed by a celebratory gathering for the community.
Tailored For Entrepreneurs And CEOs
Owing to its local triumph, Founders League is poised to expand across various cities across the United States in 2024 and 2025. It is poised to become the inaugural national amateur pickleball league tailored for entrepreneurs and CEOs.
Reflecting on his experience, Justin Mares, who plays in the Founders League and is the founder of Kettle & Fire, Perfect Keto, Surely, and most recently TrueMed, commented,
“The Founders League has been an amazing outlet for me to stay active, make new friends, and get to know people I’d want to work with.
“It’s awesome to combine these elements into one activity and be part of this growing community, and hopefully shift the traditional notion of what ‘networking’ looks like in a more wellness-conscious culture.”
Millbrook is a Pickleball court here in Austin, TX.
— Texas Ranchers (@RanchersPB) July 15, 2023
This place embodies one of the greatest things about Pickleball – the community 🧡
🚁: @Fulks6 #Ranchers#RideTall#Pickleball pic.twitter.com/m1WDjkCJg9
Surge In Popularity
Pickleball’s surge in popularity began during the pandemic, offering a safe and engaging means for people to stay active and connected with their social circles.
In a recent ranking by Lawn Love, Austin was rated as the second-best city for pickleball enthusiasts in the United States, trailing only behind New York City.
The fourth season of Founders League is made possible through the support of corporate sponsors, including Fidelity Investments, First Citizens Bank, Kemp Smith LLP, Builders. co, and Sport Court Austin.
About Founders League
Founded in Austin, Texas, in 2022, the Founders League stands as the premier amateur pickleball league tailored for founders and CEOs.
Founders League is set to expand nationally to over a dozen major cities in 2024. Local tournaments will culminate in a national championship match hosted at the historic Millbrook Estate’s Millbrook Pickleball Club in Austin.
For further details about Founders League, visit foundersleague.cc.
