The Canadian pickleball scene just got a powerful new player. As of today, the Vancouver Rush have officially been acquired by Owl Sports and rebranded as the Vancouver Owls, marking a major shift in the city’s professional pickleball identity and setting the stage for a bold new era in the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL).
A Strategic Acquisition by an International Pickleball Powerhouse
The move comes from Owl Sports, a globally recognized pickleball brand headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia. Though rooted in Canada, Owl Sports has quickly made its mark on the international stage, signing some of the top players in the APP Tour to its elite “Team Owl” roster and gaining a reputation as one of the most innovative forces in the sport.
Owl Sports offers a full suite of performance paddles, apparel, and accessories designed for competitive and recreational players alike. But the brand is also known for its deeper commitment to pickleball’s development—supporting grassroots programs, sponsoring tournaments, and now, taking a major step into team ownership.
“Surfing to me is like playing music. You play different melodies with different boards.”
The Birth of the Vancouver Owls
The new name, Vancouver Owls, is both a tribute to the parent company and a symbol of wisdom, strategy, and night vision—qualities any championship team needs. The rebrand signifies not only a fresh look, but a fresh philosophy focused on elite performance and deep community engagement.
New to the roster for the 2025 season are standout players Christina Chin, Armaan Jiwa Mawji, Caelan Sampson, Ava Weeks, Anna Dyachenko, and Eric Fought—each bringing a unique skill set to a team poised to compete at the highest level.
The Owls have set their sights high: win the CNPL Championship and raise the profile of the league across the country.
More Than a Team—A Movement
True to Owl Sports’ ethos, the Vancouver Owls will focus on more than just wins and losses. The team is set to launch an aggressive outreach campaign including local tournaments, youth development events, school visits, giveaways, and collaborations with other Lower Mainland sports teams. A new line of Vancouver Owls merchandise and digital content will help bring the brand to life both online and in the community.
And with BDO now signed on as the team’s lead sponsor, the Owls have the backing of a major corporate partner to fuel their rise.
“This is about creating something lasting—not just for this season, but for the next generation of Canadian pickleball players,” added Schwenk. “We want to inspire fans, support athletes, and push the sport forward at every level.”
The Season Begins
As the CNPL season kicks off, the Vancouver Owls will be one of the most closely watched franchises in the league—not just for their on-court potential, but for what they represent: a new model of what Canadian pro pickleball can be.
From grassroots to global, Owl Sports is changing the game. And with the launch of the Vancouver Owls, they’ve made it clear—they’re here to lead.