George Killebrew, who has been the executive vice president for the Dallas Mavericks and commissioner of Major League Rugby in the past, will be the new chief revenue officer for the United Pickleball Association, the company of the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball.
Killebrew will oversee the sponsorship sales team, on-site ticket sales and amateur registrations and the sponsorship activation team. At the Mavericks, Killebrew led the tickets sales group, sponsorship team and sponsor activation group.
“I have been consulting with the PPA Tour and its leadership since October and I am blown away by the potential in this fast-growing sport,” said Killebrew. “This is an incredible American and global sports story unfolding right in front of our eyes and I am delighted to accept the role of CRO.”
As Commissioner of Major League Rugby, Killebrew led efforts to add new expansion teams, increased sponsorships and secured a TV contract with Fox Sports.
“George brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in spearheading business opportunities in both established and emerging sports,” said Carvana PPA Tour Founder and Chief Executive Officer Connor Pardoe. “His work to this point has been instrumental in guiding a path forward, and his continued involvement in a permanent position will be exceedingly valuable in helping grow the UPA and pickleball as a whole.”