The National Pickleball League™ (NPL Pickleball™) have announced the addition of Austin Ignite as its fifth team. Team Austin Ignite is owned by Steven Ungar, Scott Trevethan, Dike Ajiri, Rob Kroepel, and Shona Kerr, and is the first NPL™ team based in Texas where pickleball’s popularity is rapidly soaring. Austin Ignite will be joining previously announced NPL teams Naples JBB United, the Boca Raton Picklers, the Denver Iconics, and the Indy Drivers in the league, which features some of the world’s best pickleball players.




“We are excited to welcome Austin Ignite to the NPL family,” Michael “Hammer Mike” Chen, Co-founder of NPL Pickleball commented “The addition of a Texas team with such a great group of owners is a significant milestone for the league. Our vision for the future of NPL Pickleball is in alignment with each of our great teams and the Austin Ignite is no exception.”
Steven Ungar, one of the co-owners of Austin Ignite, expressed his excitement about joining the NPL.” We are excited to bring Champions Division (50+) professional pickleball to Austin and join the NPL Pickleball family. Our team is dedicated to showcasing the athleticism, skill, and excitement of the sport on a national stage and we believe that the NPL provides the perfect platform to do so.”
Chen explained that the NPL’s mission is to promote the sport of pickleball and provide a platform for the world’s top Champions Pro players to compete in a team format at the highest level. The addition of the Austin Ignite is a testament to the league’s commitment to expanding and growing the sport.