Why the Texas Ranchers Are the Team Everyone Is Watching in Major League Pickleball
Major League Pickleball is growing quickly, and one team continues to draw attention for the right reasons. The Texas Ranchers MLP team stands out not just for what happens on the court, but for how the organization is built.
Based in Austin, Texas, the Texas Ranchers finished 2025 in the top 10 MLP teams for the second year. The winning ingredients combine strong leadership, a progressive sports team ownership group, a seasoned international co-ed team, and a passion for making the sport even more popular on the court and online using social media, Live Streaming, and other digital approaches.
Austin and the Growth of Pickleball
Pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport, and Austin is known as the Pickleball Capital. The city’s young population, outdoor lifestyle, and interest in new sports make it a strong home for Major League Pickleball. The Texas Ranchers have taken it a step further by forming Minor and Junior League teams and the Texas Ranchers Academy Program (TRAP) for juniors to seniors to train like pros, compete in elite tournaments and build further excitement for the sport and the Texas Ranchers.
The Texas Ranchers were built to match that environment. The team was created with a long-term view of where pickleball is headed and how Austin fits into that growth.
Texas Ranchers MLP pro team players Eric Oncins and Wyatt Stone wearing the new Lil Wayne collection off season
Evan Floersch and a New Approach to Team Building
Evan Floersch is the co-founder and CEO of the Texas Ranchers. In 2022, at just 26 years old, he became the youngest principal owner in professional sports.
Floersch is an entrepreneur, investor, and former All-American soccer player. He entered pickleball with a goal of building a team differently, focusing on structure, culture, and long-term value rather than short-term attention.
Evan Floersch – Co Founder and CEO of Ranchers
Changing the Way Sports Teams Are Owned
Most professional sports teams are owned by one individual or a small private group. The Texas Ranchers chose a different path.
The team is backed by a group of owners from sports, business, and entertainment. This group includes Lil Wayne, Scottie Scheffler, Kendra Scott, and NBA owner Dennis Wong.
This shared ownership model allows the organization to reach wider audiences and bring multiple perspectives into the team’s development. It also reflects how modern sports franchises are beginning to think beyond traditional ownership structures.
“The Texas Ranchers are more than a team,” Floersch has said. “Pickleball is growing into a professional sport with real opportunity.”
A Team Built for the Future of Pickleball
Pickleball has moved beyond being a casual recreational game. It is now one of the fastest-growing professional sports, with increasing investment, sponsorships, and fan interest.
The Texas Ranchers are positioned at the center of that growth. The team features experienced men’s and women’s professional players and continues to build visibility across the league.
Floersch has also shared a broader goal of helping establish Austin as a major sports city. With a strong business environment and an active fan base, the city offers a solid foundation for long-term success.
Team Identity and Fan Connection
A strong team identity helps build lasting fan support. The Texas Ranchers focus on being accessible and easy to connect with.
Their branding and communication are designed to welcome new fans while strengthening relationships with existing supporters. This approach helps build steady interest rather than temporary attention.
The Ranchers Nation online is the perfect place to keep up to date on the team and events while earning points and access to exclusive content.
Texas Ranchers Swag and Fan Engagement
The team’s swag supports that connection. Texas Ranchers apparel is designed for everyday wear, not just game days.
The merchandise gives fans a simple way to represent the team at home, around town, or on the court. It supports the team’s identity without overshadowing the sport itself.
Texas Ranchers MLP pro team players Eric Oncins and Wyatt Stone wearing the new Lil Wayne collection off season
The Future of Pickleball leads with Junior League Teams seen here wearing the Lil Wayne Collection
Beyond the Court: Why the Texas Ranchers Are Getting Attention
The Texas Ranchers MLP team is gaining attention because they are taking a thoughtful approach to building a professional sports franchise as well as ranking in the top 10 MLP teams.
They are led by a young and focused CEO and operate with a shared ownership model. Based in a city that supports growth, the team also understands how pickleball fans connect with sports organizations.
On October 11th, 2025, the Texas Ranchers hosted a unique live stream event with the One True King (OTK) Network in Austin, Texas. OTK is a media organization that focuses on distributing online content experiences. The event, called the “OTK Creator Smash Pickleball Invitational Austin,” featured various content creators who play pickleball. Audiences could watch the live stream event on OTK’s KICK channel, one of the leading international livestreaming platforms.
Content creators see pickleball as an opportunity to promote themselves and their creations while bringing more energy and excitement to the pickleball court in the process.
They are not just competing in the league. They are helping define what a professional pickleball team can be but how the sports industry can change.
By Joining the Ranchers Nation Fans Can Get the Latest News, earn points and unlock exclusive content and rewards .
As pickleball continues to grow, team identity is becoming more important at every level. For players and clubs looking for inspiration, we’ve compiled a dedicated pickleball team names list with 400+ creative, funny, and cool ideas for leagues, schools, and community teams as the sport continues to expand.
