APP Tour’s Major Expansion for 2025: As the sport of pickleball experiences an unprecedented rise in popularity, the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour is keeping pace. In a bold move for the 2025 season, the APP announced plans to double its event schedule, offering more opportunities for players and fans alike to immerse themselves in the sport. The expansion solidifies the APP’s status as a leader in the growing world of professional pickleball.
Ken Herrmann, Founder and Head of International & Player Development at the APP, emphasized the organization’s vision for the future:
“The APP has enjoyed a strong 2024, positioning us perfectly for even more significant growth in 2025. The experiences the APP provides for pickleball players, across all ages and all abilities, set the standard in pickleball worldwide. We remain committed to delivering the absolute best experience for all players and paving the way for America’s future pickleball stars.“
A Packed 2025 Event Calendar
More Competitions, More Visibility
The 2025 APP Tour schedule is set to feature 14 nationally televised events, including four Majors, eight USA Pickleball “Golden Ticket” tournaments, the APP Women’s Open, and the U.S. Collegiate Championships. Prize purses will see an increase as well, adding to the excitement and competitiveness of these tournaments.
In addition, the APP Tour will introduce more than 20 new events in 2025, which will include the return of fan favorites like the AARP Champions Cup and the APP Atlantic Cup. These additions mean that pickleball enthusiasts can look forward to around 50 APP events next year, serving both amateur and professional players.
Expanding Media Coverage
Bringing Pickleball to More Fans
A major part of the APP’s growth strategy involves increasing national exposure. In 2025, the APP plans to expand its linear broadcast schedule to over 55 hours of television coverage. This is a substantial jump in visibility for professional players and the sport as a whole. APP Chief Marketing Officer Tom Webb noted the importance of this expansion:
“We’re thrilled to provide more fans with access to pickleball’s biggest moments, helping elevate the sport to new heights. Expanding our linear TV coverage in 2025 is not only a testament to pickleball’s growing national appeal but also crucial in giving our pro players the platform they deserve.“
Growth of APP Next Gen and International Expansion
Shaping Future Stars and Reaching Global Audiences
Player development remains a key focus for the APP Tour. In 2025, the organization will host four APP Next Gen events and four APP Next Gen II events. These initiatives are designed to nurture the next generation of pickleball talent, ensuring the sport continues to grow.
The launch of the APP Academy in January 2025 will further support this effort, providing players with an immersive development experience similar to racquet sports academies around the world. The academy will be based at The Fort, the APP’s global headquarters, currently under construction.
Internationally, the APP is also expanding its reach. Although the full slate of international events is yet to be announced, 2025 is set to see the APP break new ground in global pickleball development.
As Tom Webb put it, “If you’re a pro pickleball fan, you gotta love it.“
News in Brief : APP Tour’s Major Expansion for 2025
The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour is set to double its events for the 2025 season, offering around 50 tournaments, including 14 nationally televised ones. The expansion includes additional media coverage with 55 hours of broadcast time and a focus on player development through APP Next Gen and the newly launched APP Academy. International expansion is also planned, with more details to be announced.
ALSO READ : Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns Reach Quarters Amid Injury Uncertainty
