MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio – Compass Health Brands today announced that Picklebalm, the breakthrough pain relief solution specifically formulated for pickleball players, has partnered with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour) as the tour's official topical pain reliever. This landmark partnership positions Picklebalm as the topical pain relief sponsor within the rapidly growing professional pickleball ecosystem, providing unprecedented access to the sport's most passionate players and fans across 17+ tournaments throughout the 2025-2026 season.
The comprehensive partnership brings Picklebalm's innovative C.A.L.M. formula directly to professional and recreational players through dedicated activation spaces at key tournaments, sideline signage, VIP lounge product placement, and integration into the Pickleball Central Stores. The collaboration includes exclusive category designation and comprehensive digital marketing integration, commercial spots, email marketing and exposure on social media and PPATour.com.
"We understand the passion pickleball players have for the sport—it's fun, social, competitive, and a fantastic workout," says Tony West, senior vice president, Retail at Compass Health Brands. "However, we also recognize the toll it can take on the body. That's why we developed Picklebalm™, to soothe your pain and keep you playing. This partnership with the PPA allows us to reach players exactly where they are—at the tournaments, on the courts, and in the community."
Unlike traditional pain relief products that take a one-size-fits-all approach, Picklebalm was developed specifically for the unique strain patterns and recovery needs of pickleball players. The proprietary C.A.L.M. formula combines Cucumber Seed Extract, Arnica, Lidocaine (4%), and Menthol to deliver fast-acting, targeted relief that allows players to extend their time on the court without compromising grip security or performance.
The PPA Tour welcomes thousands of pickleball athletes - both professionals and amateurs - to each of our tour stops throughout the year, and the partnership with Picklebalm will ensure each of them has the opportunity to feel their best on the court," said George Killebrew, chief revenue officer for the PPA Tour. "Athlete wellness is a top priority for the PPA Tour, and Picklebalm is a fantastic product that meets the unique needs of pickleball players of all skill levels."
The partnership launches during the 2025 tournament season, with Picklebalm™'s first major activation planned for Las Vegas (August 25-31) at The Las Vegas Convention Center. The campaign will focus on the "Play More. Hurt Less." messaging that emphasizes the product's role in extending play time and enhancing the overall pickleball experience across all skill levels.
Picklebalm stands out visually and sensory-wise from traditional topical analgesics. Its distinctive blue and green packaging evokes the modern pickleball lifestyle rather than a medical product, while the refreshing green tea and sage scent profile eliminates the medicinal odor that has long plagued the category. Players can confidently apply Picklebalm without concern about lingering medicinal smells affecting their social experience on and off the court.
"Picklebalm is not just another pain relief product; it's a game-changer for anyone who loves pickleball," West continues. "We're excited to help players maximize their enjoyment of the game, no matter their age or skill level. This partnership validates what we've known from day one—there's a massive community of players who need better solutions."
The PPA Tour partnership represents a significant milestone in Picklebalm™'s mission to become the go-to recovery solution for the pickleball community. The brand's comprehensive approach targets competitive players (ages 25-35), active recreational players (ages 35-54), and mature players (55+), ensuring broad reach across the sport's diverse demographic segments.
The PPA Tour partnership comes at a pivotal moment for pickleball, which has experienced explosive growth with participation increasing 311% over the past three years (source: SFIA). The sport now boasts more than 19.8 million players nationwide, spanning all age groups and skill levels, creating unprecedented demand for specialized recovery products that understand the sport's unique physical demands.
Picklebalm is available in three application formats to suit player preferences: Pain Relief Balm Stick for hands-free, mess-free application; Pain Relief Roll-On for quick application between games; and Pain Relief Cream for deeper, massage-in relief. All formulations feature fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and sweat-proof properties designed specifically for active use.
The product is currently available at picklebalm.com, Amazon.com, and select CVS stores nationwide next month, with additional retail partnerships planned throughout 2025.
