Chicago Slice, the city’s pro pickleball team, is now among the best in the country after a successful season.
The team, made up of Jack Munro, Megan Fudge, Allison Harris, and Brendon Long, has had quite the journey. They faced injuries and trades but kept their eyes on the prize. Munro shared how they’ve had to adapt and shift throughout the season, but their goal was always to reach the premier level.
Pickleball is relatively new to the pro sports scene, having started in the late 1960s. It’s mostly been a casual game until recently. Ron Saslow, the owner of Chicago Slice, got into it during the pandemic while playing with family. He realized how much fun it was and thought others would love it too.
Saslow’s company, Thirty-5 Capital, which also deals with sports teams, helped launch the Chicago Slice in 2023. They partnered with notable figures like Cubs owner Tom Ricketts and even tennis legends Chris Evert and Tracy Austin.
Munro, who was a first-round draft pick, started playing pickleball as a kid after an injury sidelined him from baseball. He learned to play with his dad and quickly became skilled, even winning tournaments.
The league runs year-round, but Chicago Slice doesn’t have a home court yet. They did host a match at Wrigley Field, which was a fun experience for everyone involved.
Interest in pickleball is booming in Chicago, with plans for 50 new courts by 2025. A new indoor facility is also on the way, promising to be a great spot for players. It’s an exciting time for pickleball in the Windy City!
