COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Oct. 5, 2026 — Selkirk Sport today announced the signing of professional pickleball player Nico Acevedo to an Elite Pro contract. The agreement marks Selkirk’s first major Elite Pro roster addition in over a year, highlighting the brand’s selective approach to talent acquisition and long-term athlete development.
Acevedo, a 27-year-old native of Concepción, Chile, transitioned to pickleball full-time earlier this year after stepping down from his role as a collegiate tennis coach. Following an NCAA Division I tennis career, the athlete made immediate waves on the pro circuit after being selected as the 25th pick in the 2026 Major League Pickleball Draft by the Miami Pickleball Club.
Acevedo cemented his status as a top contender at the 2026 Arizona Open in September, advancing to his first PPA Men’s Doubles final as a 15th seed. His campaign featured a victory over world No. 1 Federico Staksrud and Ben Johns.
“Nico represents the caliber of athleticism, discipline and long-term potential we target for our Elite Pro team,” said Rob Barnes, co-founder and co-CEO. “He has exceptional court IQ and physical capability. Nico possesses all the attributes of a top-tier player, and we are committed to supporting his career trajectory.”
Acevedo’s breakout performances have generated widespread attention across professional pickleball media. Analysts and pro peers have praised his court movement and compact counter-attacks.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to join Team Selkirk,” Acevedo said. “I’m very excited for what’s to come and for this next step in my career. I’m looking forward to growing, competing at the highest level and being part of such an incredible team.
For more information on Selkirk Sport and its Elite Pro athlete roster, visit Selkirk.com.
About Selkirk Sport
Selkirk Sport, a premium manufacturer of pickleball paddles and accessories, is a family-owned and operated company. Selkirk Sport is based in Hayden, Idaho, in the shadows of its namesake, the Selkirk mountain range. Founded in 2014, Selkirk Sport was born from a passion for sport and the Western outdoor leisure lifestyle that was afforded to the company’s founders, Rob and Mike Barnes, along with their father Jim. Selkirk Sport is committed to manufacturing products that deliver the highest performance with unmatched quality and service.
Media contact:
Brynn Grissom: Brynn@Selkirk.com
