Bakersfield Ballers: DadGum Paddles' UPL Circuit Team

There's a team out in Kern County playing pickleball with a chip on its shoulder, and DadGum Paddles is proud to be in its corner. The Bakersfield Ballers are one of DadGum's two newest semi-pro sponsorships, repping Bakersfield, California in the Ultimate Pickleball League (UPL) — and they're exactly the kind of everyday-competitor energy this brand was built for.

The Team

• Home base: Bakersfield, CA
• League: Ultimate Pickleball League (UPL), Pacific Region
• GM/Partner: Tony Gamboa, who also oversees DadGum's Fresno Firestorm sponsorship
• On the roster: Captain Justin Ahart is among the Ballers taking the court, with the rest of the roster rounding out as the season rolls on

The Ballers play under the UPL's city-based team model — think local pride, semi-pro intensity, and a roster built to represent Bakersfield on a growing national stage.

Why DadGum Sponsors the Ballers

DadGum Paddles exists to bring people together over serious competition, and a hometown team fighting for Bakersfield is a direct hit on that mission. This squad plays with personality and competes with Dadgum grit.

"Someone asked me the other day why we'd sponsor a team all the way out in Bakersfield. And I said: because that's exactly the kind of team we built this brand for. These guys compete hard, they travel far, and they represent their city every time they step on the Pickleball court. That's DadGum's whole mission, right there. I'm proud every time I see a Ballers jersey. Grab a paddle and grab a friend, and go cheer this team on!"

— Chris Scott, Founder, DadGum Paddles

Season Highlights & What to Watch

The Ballers hit the road for a UPL matchup at Picklr ABQ East in Albuquerque, New Mexico, closing out a tight one 2-3 against St. George Stampede. Close scores like that are exactly why UPL circuit pickleball is must-watch — every match comes down to a handful of points. Keep an eye on the Ballers' Instagram for the next travel matchup and tryout announcements as the roster keeps building.

The Bottom Line

Follow the Ballers on Instagram @bakersfieldballerspb for match updates, travel recaps, and roster news — and if you're courtside in Bakersfield, you already know who to cheer for. Want to play like the team DadGum backs? Shop the Legend and Smoke paddles and bring some of that Ballers energy to your own court.