The Dink
The Dink is the leading media brand in the fastest-growing sport in the world: pickleball. What started as a side project in 2021 has evolved into a full-stack media and events company that reaches 10s of millions.
We publish daily to 200k+ newsletter readers, operate the #1 voted podcast hosted by Pro Zane Navratil, engage 600k+ followers, generate 1M+ monthly YouTube views, and run the sport's leading web publication. The media engine has fueled expansion into live experiences--tournaments, social events, pro exhibitions, and celebrity pro-ams.
The Dink Minor League amateur circuit, in partnership with DUPR, boasts over 250 competitions annually - Local Tournaments, Regional Playoffs, State & National Championships - throughout the US and more than 20 countries.
Why This Role
We’re moving from founder-led hustle to operational scale. Voted the #2 most recognizable brand in pickleball, The Dink has cultivated deep brand equity, a loyal audience and massive visibility. The early-stage structure and processes that brought us here present substantial opportunity for a proven operator to transition the business from momentum to lasting scale.
The COO will lead our content engine, formalize internal systems, sharpen monetization, and bring our long-term vision to life. This is a rare opportunity to build the next great sports media company with all the ingredients in place—an iconic category, loyal audience, trusted brand, and explosive industry tailwinds.
There's no red tape. No bloated org. Just an open lane. You’ll shape the next era and have an outsized impact from day one.
Who You Are
You’re a strategic, execution-driven builder with a creative mind and bias for speed and experimentation. You’re excited by creative freedom; the ability to shape company vision and strategic direction (short and long-term) and you welcome the opportunity to mold raw potential into a well-oiled machine with significant influence across an entire industry. What you bring:
- Proven experience scaling a modern digital media brand
- Operational excellence in managing teams, processes, and P&Ls
- Strong background in content strategy, especially video, social and podcasts
- Experience launching or growing video or creator-led properties
- Familiarity with social-first, performance-driven growth models
- A builder's mentality: energized by ambiguity and ownership
- Eagerness to shape company vision and act as a true thought partner
Meaningful equity is available for the right candidate. This is not just a role. It’s a seat at the table.
Responsibilities
As COO, you’ll be a strategic partner to the CEO and a key driver of The Dink’s next chapter. Core responsibilities include:
- Building and overseeing content production operations (video, podcast, editorial)
- Scaling internal teams and managing external partners
- Leading strategic planning and execution
- Implementing operational frameworks that enable creative experimentation and rapid iteration
- Developing monetization strategies across ads, events, partnerships
- Steering the launch of new products, verticals and ventures
Metrics for Success (6–12 months)
- Build a scalable and efficient content operation with repeatable workflows
- Launch 1–2 flagship YouTube/IP properties with traction and monetization
- Optimize current team, resource allocation, and creative output
- Grow the audience meaningfully across newsletter, podcasts, YouTube, and social
- Help set and hit revenue targets across media, events, and partnerships
Vision
In five years, The Dink will be more than the #1 pickleball brand—it will be a powerhouse in modern sports media. Our near-term focus is to further cement The Dink as the definitive media and events platform in pickleball through significant growth and innovation.
Scaling the core business opens the door for multiple medium and long-term plays:
- Expanded portfolio of media, commerce and complementary ventures
- Creator programs and talent networks
- Subscription-based premium content
- Tech and media IP development
- In-house products and retail initiatives
You’ll be at the center of a unique opportunity: helping architect a category-defining brand while also unlocking a portfolio strategy that could reshape the pickleball and sports media landscape.
