Why the LT Pro 48 Is a Game-Changer for Pickleball Players Everywhere

In a major move that’s already making waves across the pickleball world, the Carvana PPA Tour has named the LT Pro 48 Pickleball as its official and exclusive ball for all tournaments and events. This means whether you’re watching pros at the highest level or stepping onto the court yourself at a PPA event, you’ll be playing with the same ball — one designed with performance, consistency, and durability at its core.

Created by Life Time — one of the nation’s leading providers of pickleball courts — the LT Pro 48 was engineered by Life Time Founder, Chairman and CEO Bahram Akradi and his team, who set out to tackle long-standing frustrations players have had with traditional pickleballs. The result? A ball that raises the bar in just about every category.

Built for Performance, Indoors or Out

The LT Pro 48 was designed to be a high-performance ball, capable of delivering the kind of true bounce and reliable flight players need whether they’re indoors or playing in challenging outdoor conditions.

What sets it apart? A few things:

• Symmetrically spaced holes for better balance and flight.

• Chamfered edges to reduce cracking and deformation, even under high-stakes play.

• A pro-caliber construction that stands up to the power and precision of today’s fastest, most aggressive players.

These design features directly address two of the most common complaints among players: inconsistent bounces and short ball lifespan. With the LT Pro 48, players get a ball that doesn’t just feel better off the paddle — it stays that way match after match.

Field-Tested, Player-Approved

Before making its official debut at the Veolia Bristol Open in early August, the LT Pro 48 was quietly tested in two prior PPA Tour events. The response from players — both professionals and amateurs — was overwhelmingly positive.

According to Connor Pardoe, Founder and CEO of the PPA Tour:

“The LT Pro 48 has really elevated the quality of what a pro-level ball can be… We’ve received great feedback from both our professional players and amateurs.”

When a ball performs well under tournament pressure, on courts across the country, and with players of all skill levels — that’s when you know it’s something special.

A Strategic Move for the Sport’s Future

This partnership isn’t just about a ball. It’s about where the sport is headed.

Life Time has emerged as a powerhouse in the pickleball world, with more than 800 courts nationwide and a growing presence in competitive events. In just the first half of 2025, more than 3.1 million people played pickleball at Life Time clubs, and participation continues to rise. The average Life Time member now plays 6.8 times per month, up from just 3.8 in 2023 — a testament to how deeply the sport has taken root in communities.

Life Time has also delivered 26,000+ lessons in 2025 alone, helping to develop players at every stage of the game.

And they’re not stopping there. With the recent launch of the LT Open, Life Time is aiming to expand competitive singles play and bring more top-tier tournaments to their country clubs across North America.

The appointment of tennis legend Andre Agassi as Chair of the Life Time Pickleball and Tennis Board also speaks volumes. Agassi’s presence brings fresh energy and insight to the sport and signals a commitment to building vibrant, long-lasting pickleball communities through better programming and more accessible play.

Why It Matters for Everyday Players

If you’re a player planning to compete in PPA events — or even just looking to elevate your game — the shift to the LT Pro 48 is more than just a technicality. It means the ball you practice with can now directly match the one used at the highest levels of competition. That alignment matters.

Using the same ball in practice that you'll face in tournament play means better preparation, more consistent performance, and fewer surprises on game day. It’s one more way the sport is maturing — creating a more professional, predictable experience for players of all levels.

And with its balanced design and extended durability, the LT Pro 48 isn’t just for pros — it’s ideal for recreational players who are tired of replacing cracked balls after a few games or chasing inconsistent bounces on different surfaces.

Where to Get It

The LT Pro 48 Pickleball is available now for pre-order on PickleballCentral.com, and it will begin shipping and appear in Pickleball Central stores by September 15th.

Whether you're training for your next big tournament or simply want to experience what pros are using on the court, the LT Pro 48 offers a true, lasting upgrade to your game.