Jewell Loyd pickleball talk is everywhere right now, and for good reason. One of the biggest names in the WNBA has picked up a paddle and jumped into the fastest-growing sport in America. If you follow women’s basketball, you already know Jewell. If you love pickleball, you’re about to know her even better. Her move shows just how athletic and adaptable today’s pro players really are, and it’s giving fans a fun new reason to try the game themselves.
At I&G Pickleball, we get asked all the time about the paddles and gear the pros use, and Jewell’s partnership with JOOLA has folks curious. So let’s break down who she is, why she joined JOOLA, and what her story means for the sport and for players in our community who want pro-level equipment.
Who Is Jewell Loyd? A WNBA Phenomenon
Jewell Loyd is a star guard who plays for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA. She was the number one overall draft pick back in 2015, and she’s been a leader on the court ever since. Fans call her “Gold Mamba,” a nickname the late Kobe Bryant gave her, and she has more than lived up to it. She’s a WNBA champion, a multi-time All-Star, and, in 2023, she set the league’s single-season scoring record.
What makes Jewell special isn’t just her scoring. It’s her quick hands, her footwork, and her feel for the game. Those same skills carry over really well to a pickleball court, where reflexes and hand speed matter just as much as power.
Career Highlights With the Seattle Storm
- Number one overall pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft and Rookie of the Year
- Two-time WNBA champion with the Seattle Storm
- Multiple All-Star selections and All-WNBA honors
- Set the WNBA single-season scoring record in 2023
Those kind of numbers make her a role model for young athletes everywhere. So when she said she was getting serious about pickleball, people paid attention fast.
The Rise of Pickleball as a Mainstream Sport
Pickleball blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis into one easy-to-learn game. You play on a smaller court using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. That small court and slower ball is a big reason the sport has taken off. Grandparents can play with grandkids, and total beginners can rally within their first hour.
Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the country for a few years running now. New courts are popping up in parks, gyms, and rec centers all over, including right here in our own service area. As more courts open, more people are looking for good paddles and bags, and that’s where knowing your gear really helps. When a pro like Jewell Loyd steps in, it brings even more new players to the game.
Jewell Loyd’s Strategic Partnership With JOOLA
JOOLA is a brand that has built its name in table tennis for decades, and now it’s one of the biggest names in pickleball too. When Jewell Loyd joined JOOLA, it was a big deal for both sides. She got a partner that makes some of the best paddles in the game, and JOOLA got a world-class athlete who reaches a whole new audience.
Why did she join JOOLA? Simple. She wanted equipment she could trust and a company that takes women’s sports seriously. JOOLA sponsors many of the top pros in pickleball, so Jewell is in great company. The partnership fits her competitive nature. She doesn’t do anything halfway, and picking a proven paddle brand shows she plans to compete, not just play for fun.
JOOLA’s Growing Role in Major League Pickleball and the APP Tour
JOOLA isn’t just handing out paddles. The brand is deeply involved in Major League Pickleball and the APP Tour, two of the sport’s biggest stages. They back tournaments, sponsor athletes, and keep pushing paddle technology forward every year. That steady investment is a big reason so many serious players trust JOOLA gear. When you buy a JOOLA paddle, you’re getting the same tech the pros rely on under real pressure.
Loyd as a Co-Owner in Major League Pickleball
Here’s where Jewell’s story gets even bigger. She didn’t just sign up to play; she also joined a group of WNBA stars as a co-owner in Major League Pickleball. That means she’s helping shape the business side of the sport, not just swinging a paddle. Owning a piece of a pro league is a smart, forward-thinking move, and it puts her at the table where real decisions get made.
This kind of ownership matters. It gives female athletes a voice in how a young sport grows, and it sets a strong example for the next generation who want to build careers on and off the court.
Impact on Women’s Sports and Female Athlete Empowerment
Jewell’s leap into pickleball is about more than one player trying something new. It’s a win for women’s sports as a whole. By becoming a co-owner alongside other WNBA stars, she’s growing the influence of female athletes in the sports industry. That kind of visibility can inspire more women and girls to pick up a paddle, chase new goals, and see themselves as leaders.
We see this energy in our own community. More women are joining local leagues and open play sessions, and many of them tell us stories like Jewell’s are part of what got them started. When a champion shows that trying a new sport is cool, everyday players feel brave enough to give it a shot too.
The Future of Multi-Sport Athletes in Pickleball
The Jewell Loyd pickleball story points to a bigger trend. The old lines between sports are fading. Pro athletes from basketball, tennis, and even football are trying pickleball, and some are getting really good at it. Their athletic gifts translate fast, and their fame brings fresh eyes to the sport.
For pickleball, this is fantastic news. More star power means more fans, more courts, and better gear. And for players like you, it means the equipment keeps getting better every season as brands like JOOLA race to keep up. The future looks bright, and it’s a great time to get in the game.
Get Started With JOOLA Gear at I&G Pickleball
Feeling inspired by Jewell’s journey? You don’t need to be a WNBA champ to play with pro-level gear. At I&G Pickleball, we carry the latest JOOLA lineup, and we’re happy to help you match the right setup to your game. The older Britto series paddles and bags were fun limited-edition models, but the newer JOOLA models offer updated tech and better performance for today’s players.
For paddles, we usually point folks toward the current JOOLA signature lines like the Ben Johns Perseus and Hyperion, and the Scorpeus series. These use JOOLA’s newest carbon face and core tech for great spin and control. You can browse our full range of JOOLA pickleball paddles, and we’ll help you pick one that fits your grip and playing style.
Once you have your paddle, you’ll want a solid bag to carry everything. Instead of the older Britto Tour Elite, we now recommend the current JOOLA Tour Elite and Vision bags, which have more room and better organization for paddles, balls, water, and shoes. Check out our selection of pickleball bags to keep your gear neat and ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sport did Jewell Loyd play professionally?
Jewell Loyd is a professional basketball player in the WNBA. She plays guard for the Seattle Storm, where she’s a two-time champion, a multiple-time All-Star, and the holder of the WNBA single-season scoring record. Now she’s also getting into pickleball, showing off her athletic range.
Why did Jewell Loyd join JOOLA?
She joined JOOLA because it’s a trusted paddle brand with deep roots in racket sports and a strong presence in pro pickleball. The partnership provides her with top-quality equipment and a company that backs women’s sports, which aligns with her competitive drive and her goal to grow the game.
Is Jewell Loyd a co-owner in Major League Pickleball?
Yes. Jewell Loyd is part of a group of WNBA stars who became co-owners in Major League Pickleball. This means she helps shape the business side of the league, not just play, giving female athletes a real voice in the sport’s future.
What JOOLA gear should a beginner buy?
New players do well with a balanced, forgiving JOOLA paddle from the current signature lines, plus a comfy bag to carry your gear. Come talk to our team at I&G Pickleball, and we’ll match you with a setup that fits your budget and skill level so you can start rallying right away.
Ready to Play? Contact I&G Pickleball
Jewell Loyd’s move from the WNBA to pickleball shows that great athletes are always ready to try something new, and so can you. Whether you’re stepping on the court for the first time or looking to level up, our team is here to help you find the right JOOLA paddle, bag, and gear. Contact I&G Pickleball today and let’s build the perfect setup for your game.
