Changing the Game: The Texas Ranchers Major League Pickleball Team

Evan Floersch is on a mission to redefine sports, starting with the 2 billion dollar professional pickleball industry as an entrepreneur, investor, and champion of change leading with a dynamic and forward-thinking passion. As the founder and CEO of the premier Texas Ranchers Major League Pickleball Team, he is transforming the industry while positioning Austin as a major sports hub integrating his passion for the city's thriving cultural arts and future tech scene.

In 2022, at just 26 years old, he made history as the youngest principal owner in sports by acquiring a controlling interest in the Texas Ranchers Major League Pickleball Team. Partnering with high-profile investors such as Lil Wayne, Scottie Scheffler, Kendra Scott, and NBA owner Dennis Wong, Evan is on a mission to turn the Ranchers into a global sports powerhouse.

His long-term vision extends beyond pickleball—he has publicly committed the next phase of his career to elevating Austin, Texas, into one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment markets. With its booming population, tech-driven economy, and untapped potential for championship-winning franchises, Evan sees Austin as the perfect city to build a lasting sports legacy.

A former All-American soccer player at Emory University, Evan’s passion for competition and strategy extends to the pickleball court, where he plays regularly to better understand the game’s evolution. While he grew up surrounded by Chicago sports, his true inspiration comes from those who have built or guided industry-defining companies, with books like Shoe Dog, The Innovator’s Dilemma, The War of Art, and Relentless shaping his perspective on leadership, risk-taking, and disruption. Evan is an avid pickleball player and enjoys the fun and competitive aspect of America's fastest growing sport.

“Like great companies, a great sports organization isn’t built by following the rules. It’s built by questioning them, pushing past them, and creating something entirely new. The Texas Ranchers, and future sports franchises we helm in Texas, will win because we see beyond what sports are on the court or field.” - Evan Floersch, Founder and CEO

Facts

Evan Floersch is an entrepreneur, investor, and champion of change for professional pickleball, redefining the 1.9 Billion dollar market opportunity with a dynamic and forward-thinking approach.

An All-American athlete and Acumen Fellow, he has built a career with the intersection of technology, media, and sports. In 2022, at just 26 years old, he became the youngest principal owner in sports history by acquiring a controlling interest in the premier Texas Ranchers Major League Pickleball Team, partnering with high-profile investors including Lil Wayne, Scottie Scheffler, Kendra Scott, and NBA owner Dennis Wong.

Evan has publicly committed the next phase of his career to elevating Austin, Texas, into one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment markets, dedicating his time and resources to shaping its future.

What book or athlete inspired him?

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight had a huge impact on me. It’s a masterclass in perseverance, vision, and risk-taking—the kind of mindset you need to build something truly game-changing. I did not really feel inspired by athletes I watched growing up. They are incredible, but if I’m being honest I felt inspired by those building companies with purpose, those who changed industries. If everyone in sports simply learned about sports, sports would never evolve.

That said, some of the books that shaped my perspective are The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen, The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, and Relentless by Tim Grover.

What is his stretch goal for Texas Ranchers?

I don’t just want the Texas Ranchers to be a successful Major League Pickleball team—I want this organization to redefine what it means to be a professional sports franchise. That means building an undeniable fan culture, turning Austin into the epicenter of pickleball, and proving that this sport has a place among the biggest in the world, while helping put paddles in new hands around the world every year. I want kids around the world growing up dreaming of playing for the Texas Ranchers the same way some dream about the Cowboys, Yankees, or Lakers.

Does Austin have any perks for athletic teams or conducting business?

Austin is the perfect place to build a sports empire. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in America, packed with young, active, and passionate, but sport-deprived fans. Look at how Austin FC took off—there’s clearly an appetite for world-class sports here.

The city is already a tech hub, which means it’s primed for the fusion of sports, media, and entertainment. With no state income tax and a business-friendly environment, it's also a smart place to invest. Now, it’s about building a legacy of winning championships that Austinites have yet to experience.

Did he play division one soccer? Play international?

I was an All-American soccer player who chose to make an impact at Emory University, starting as a freshman. I knew early on that I didn’t want to pursue a pro soccer career, so I prioritized a school with a strong business program in a city I loved. Emory gave me the best of both worlds—a competitive soccer environment and a launchpad for my career in business, technology, and sports.

Being from Chicago he was surrounded by some top sports teams. Does anyone inspire him?

I grew up a New York Giants fan, a San Francisco Giants fan (long story), a Chicago Blackhawks fan, and a Chicago Bulls fan. Those teams shaped my love for sports, but more importantly, they showed me what it means when a city rallies behind a winning franchise. Watching David Tyree’s helmet catch, or the Blackhawks scoring two goals in 17 seconds to win the Stanley Cup—those moments stick with you. They create pride, identity, and lifelong memories. That’s what I want to bring to Austin. The city has the Longhorns and got a taste of it with the launch of Austin FC, but there’s room for more. Austin is ready for its next great sports dynasty.

How often does he play pickleball?

I play a lot. Not just for the love of the game but to understand it at the deepest level—what makes it exciting, what makes it strategic, and how it’s evolving. Being a college athlete, I’m competitive. So when I get on the court, most of the time I’m looking to win. However, I do need to remind myself when I don’t win just how fun this game is, and how lucky I am to be playing it.

Source: PR Newswire