In this high-energy episode of Million Dollar Minutes, Michael Aguas sits down with Dave Negrete, the returning commissioner of the International Racquetball Tour, to discuss the revival of professional racquetball.

After stepping away for over a decade, Dave returns with a mission:

👉 Rebuild the tour
👉 Grow global participation
👉 Bring racquetball back into the spotlight

This conversation dives deep into the state of the sport, its challenges, and the exciting future ahead.

After years away from leadership, Dave saw something concerning:

• The tour was declining
• Fewer events were being held
• Momentum had slowed

Instead of watching from the sidelines, he made a decision:

👉 “You can talk about change… or you can go make it happen.”

He teamed up with key leaders to rebuild the foundation and bring energy back to the sport.

Since returning, Dave and his team have:

• Expanded to 12+ major events
• Added 15+ satellite tournaments
• Secured new sponsors including:

👉 The tour is no longer shrinking — it’s growing again.

One of the biggest changes in today’s game:

👉 The rise of international players

Countries producing top talent:

• Bolivia
• Mexico
• Costa Rica
• Guatemala
• Canada

A standout name:

👉 Jonathan Flores (Bolivia) — recent tournament winner

This international wave is reshaping the competition and raising the level of play.

Even with new talent emerging, one name still stands tall:

👉 Kane Waselenchuk

• Competing at age 44
• Still winning tournaments
• Considered one of the greatest ever

“You can never count him out.”

The tour now features:

• High-level singles competition
• Explosive doubles matches

Doubles brings:

• Faster pace
• More reaction-based play
• Extreme athleticism

👉 Balls reaching 130–140 mph with four players on court

One of the biggest challenges racquetball has faced:

👉 The rise of pickleball

Combined with:

• COVID shutdowns (no indoor play)
• Loss of facilities
• Decreased visibility

But now:

👉 Racquetball is making a comeback

Becoming a professional racquetball player requires:

• Elite hand-eye coordination
• Extreme speed and conditioning
• Mental toughness
• Financial support

Today’s reality:

👉 Most pros fund their careers through:

• Local sponsors
• Personal investment

Unlike the past:

• Major brand sponsorships are limited

Dave’s strategy to rebuild racquetball includes:

• Set up in public venues
• Bring the game to new audiences

Past locations:

• Navy Pier (Chicago)
• Downtown Denver
• Target Center (Minneapolis)

Upcoming growth markets:

• Costa Rica
• Ecuador
• Bolivia
• Mexico

👉 Goal: Make racquetball truly global

Young players are rising fast, especially internationally.

Dave emphasizes:

👉 The future of the sport depends on youth development

• Tournaments used to have 300–400 players
• Now strong events average 200–225 players

But Dave’s perspective:

👉 “That’s still a great turnout — and we build from there.”

The #1 obstacle:

👉 Sponsorship outside the sport

To grow, racquetball needs:

• Corporate partnerships
• Media visibility
• Broader audience reach

• Racquetball is NOT dead — it’s evolving
• International talent is driving new growth
• Leadership and vision are bringing the sport back
• Youth development is critical for long-term success
• The sport needs exposure, not reinvention

Racquetball isn’t fading…
it’s rebuilding.

With leaders like Dave Negrete stepping back in, the sport is entering a new chapter — stronger, faster, and more global than ever.

Visit: RainstormMediaGroup.com
For updates on the tour, sponsorships, and upcoming events.

🔄 Why Dave Negrete Came Back📈 Growth Already in Motion🌎 The Global Explosion of Talent🐐 Legends Still Dominating⚡ Singles vs Doubles: A New Era of Action🏓 The Pickleball Effect🧠 What It Takes to Be a Pro🏟️ Growing the Sport Again1. Portable Glass Courts2. Expanding International Events3. Building the Next Generation📊 The Reality of Participation🎯 Biggest Challenge Ahead💡 Key Takeaways🎙️ Final Thought🔗 Learn More