Paddletek buys PIKKL, signs JW Johnson, Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black

Paddletek announced Tuesday that it has acquired paddle brand PIKKL and signed pro players JW Johnson, Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black. ▶ The Kitchen (newsletter) ↗

JW and Jorja Johnson had been playing on a rotating cast of paddles — JOOLA, Selkirk, Paddletek and PIKKL — since their longtime Franklin deal expired earlier this year. ▶ The Kitchen (newsletter) ↗ Black, by contrast, was already a longtime PIKKL player who uses her signature Hurricane Pro paddle. ▶ The Kitchen (newsletter) ↗

"This was never about logos or contracts. I’ve tested every paddle, and this opportunity gives us access to incredible technology while becoming part of a brand focused on winning." — JW Johnson

"The people, the culture, the innovation and the commitment to excellence all aligned with our family values. It’s the right place for the next chapter of our careers." — Jorja Johnson

The deal is Paddletek Group's second brand acquisition in the past eight months, following December's purchase of recovery-gear makers ProXR and Yobow. ▶ The Kitchen (newsletter) ↗ The source item also lists a fourth signee, "Julie Johnson," alongside the two Johnson siblings — that name doesn't match anyone on the tracked roster, so it's left untagged here pending clarification.