The publicly documented owners, general manager, coaches, and leadership connected to California Black Bears.
CaliforniaLast verified 2026-07-134 profiles
Owners
Jorge Barragan
Owner (part)
Co-founder & CEO, The Picklr (largest US indoor pickleball franchise)
CEO of The Picklr; investor in STACK Athletics and Vulcan Sporting Goods; part-owner of the California Black Bears. Ranked on The Kitchen's 2026 Pickleball Power 50 (#45).
Worth Knowing
Barragan is CEO and co-founder of The Picklr, which grew from an indoor-court concept into a large international pickleball franchise.
Before launching The Picklr, he worked in sales across software, supplements and apparel and has described entrepreneurship as the career path that pulled him away from a conventional job offer.
His public professional history includes roles at WeWork, Teem, Pluralsight and Sunwarrior.
Former California Black Bears GM and a pickleball podcaster known for candidly covering league politics and behind-the-scenes drama. Ranked #49 on The Kitchen's 2026 Power 50.
Worth Knowing
Co-hosts the active King of the Court podcast with professional player Tyler Loong, combining insider reporting with a fan and front-office perspective.
Major League Pickleball's 2024 team guide listed him as the Black Bears' general manager; the podcast's current 2026 listing describes him as a former GM, so that team title should not be treated as confirmed current.
A 2024 profile also identified him as president of the California Black Bears.
Major League Pickleball's 2024 team guide listed him as the California Black Bears' coach, and 2025 roster coverage continued to identify him as head coach.
Has coached established professionals including Tyler Loong, Etta Wright, Meghan Dizon, and Alix Truong.
His vision helped launch the Utah High School Pickleball Association, a nonprofit working to establish school clubs, competition, and a pathway toward sanctioned play.
