The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) is expanding, and the region North of Toronto is about to become home to its newest franchise the Northern Lights Pickleball Club. This exciting new team will bring high-level competition, dynamic gameplay, and a strong community focus to the heart of Ontario.
Meet the Owners Behind Northern Lights
Behind every great team is a passionate and dedicated ownership group. The Northern Lights are led by two individuals with deep roots in both sports and media: Jason Whyte and Michael Chao.
Jason Whyte – From Behind the Camera to the Forefront of Pickleball
Collingwood native Jason Whyte has been a creative force in media for over two decades. As a producer and camera operator, his work has been showcased on almost every major North American network. In 2013, he founded JYTMedia, a company that has continuously pushed the boundaries of creative storytelling and production quality. Jason’s journey with the CNPL began in its early days, when he provided live video production services that helped elevate the league’s broadcasts. His team at JYTMedia continues to set new standards for production excellence in pickleball, making the sport more accessible and engaging for fans across Canada. Now, as a franchise owner, Jason is bringing his expertise and vision to the Northern Lights.
Michael Chao – A Former Basketball Star Turned Pickleball Advocate
Michael Chao’s love for sports began on the basketball court. A standout player from Newmarket, Ontario, he competed with the York Avengers REP basketball team before making his mark with the Newmarket Raiders and later the Georgian Grizzlies at the collegiate level. However, a severe knee injury in 2015 altered his athletic path. During his rehabilitation, Michael discovered pickleball and it quickly became his new passion. By 2018, he had fully transitioned into the sport, immersing himself in competitive play and community development. Today, he is a successful entrepreneur with multiple businesses across Ontario, each with a strong connection to sports and events:
- North City Hoops – A premier basketball organization offering leagues for adult players across York Region.
- ZEO Event Marketing – A professional event marketing agency specializing in campaign strategy, execution, and staffing for large and small-scale events.
- APA Ontario Circuit – A leading pickleball organization that hosts professional and amateur tournaments and clinics at top-tier facilities across Ontario.
Michael’s business acumen and deep commitment to sports development make him a perfect fit to help lead the Northern Lights into a bright future.
A New Era for Pickleball in Barrie and Beyond
With the arrival of the Northern Lights, the Barrie region is set to become a major hub for pickleball talent and competition. The franchise is committed to building a championship-caliber team, growing the local pickleball community, and providing top-tier entertainment for fans.
The CNPL continues to expand, and the Northern Lights are ready to shine. Stay tuned for player announcements, team branding, and community engagement initiatives as this new franchise takes flight!
Follow the Northern Lights and join the journey as we bring professional pickleball to the North!
