Breaking: Gabe Tardio signs 3-year deal

When the news first broke that Ben Johns asked Gabe Tardio to partner in 2025, Tardio wasn’t even signed with the PPA— his Tour Wars-era contract was only good for 2024. Reportedly, he was considering signing with PWR (Pickleball World Rankings) World Tour.

"I couldn't be more excited to re-sign with the PPA Tour and MLP and continue competing against the best," Gabe told pickleball.com. "I'm working hard and improving and hoping to have a big year ahead of me in 2025."

Could it have been Ben’s influence and the potential partnership that wooed Gabe back to the PPA? According to Connor Pardoe (via Facebook), the deal was for $800k plus incentives.

We’re sure the St. Louis Shock are ecstatic as well. Tardio is just 19 years old, with many years of pickleball ahead of him, and has already done so much to bring attention and a sense of humor to the sport. We’re glad to see he’s sticking around— now to find out if he accepts Ben’s hand in partnership, and where that leaves Gabe’s expected partner, JW Johnson.

Here’s to lots of celebratory pizza, Gabe.