Pickleball Grows Internationally with Major Announcements: The world of pickleball saw significant international growth in 2024, with major developments coming from Asia and Australia. Professional pickleball leagues and events are expanding into new markets, setting the stage for even more global opportunities in 2025.
PPA Expands to Australia
In February 2024, the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) announced the launch of the PPA Tour Australia. The tour is a rebranding of “Pacific Pickleball” and marks the PPA’s first major international expansion. The move builds on the existing MLP Australia and connections with the country, paving the way for future pickleball events in the region.
PPA and MLP Look to India
In April 2024, the PPA partnered with Global Sports to bring PPA India and MLP India to life. This partnership promises the presence of top PPA-contracted players at the 2024 Mumbai Open and a 1,500-point event in early 2025. The deal also includes the introduction of a country-specific MLP league in India, similar to what MLP Australia has achieved.
MLP Australia Season 2
MLP Australia kicked off its second season in July 2024 with a draft that included several U.S.-based pros. Notable players like Kyles Yates, Shelby Bates, and Michelle Esquivel made the commitment to compete in Australia’s three fall events. This marked the first time many U.S. professionals explored international financial opportunities.
UPA Announces International Plans
In July 2024, the UPA unveiled plans for five international events in 2025. The UPA International Championship Series will host events in Australia, India, Canada, Asia, and Europe. This expansion follows the success of the APP’s earlier international efforts and includes previously announced PPA and MLP India events.
PWR Group Enters the International Stage
In the same month, the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) group announced plans for its own set of international pro events. Backed by a $15 million purse, the PWR will host major tournaments in the GCC region and beyond. The group aims to create short-term MLP-style leagues and global events, positioning itself as a competitor to the PPA and APP.
Bhatia’s Triple Crown Victory
In October 2024, Armaan Bhatia made headlines after taking the triple crown at PWR’s first major tournament in New Delhi. Bhatia’s victory highlighted the rising talent in international pickleball, with India quickly becoming a hub for the sport.
Expansion into Asia and the Middle East
By November 2024, the PPA and MLP announced their plans for Asia, launching PPA Asia and MLP Asia. The leagues will focus on major markets like China, Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore. These events are set to debut in 2025, and will include a major event in October 2025 that will unite top pros from around the world.
WPBL and PWR Compete for Dominance
In December 2024, the World Pickleball League (WPBL) announced its 2025 draft for its league in Mumbai, featuring several top American players. The WPBL aims to compete with the PWR, setting up a rivalry between the two major leagues with substantial financial backing.
PWR India League Delays Start
Finally, in December 2024, the PWR India League announced a delay in its launch. Originally scheduled for January 2025, the league will now begin in March 2025, with top U.S. and Indian players already signed to compete.
With 2024 marking a year of expansion, 2025 is poised to be a pivotal year for international pickleball. As new leagues and events take shape across the globe, the sport’s international presence is set to grow even further.
News in Brief: Pickleball Grows Internationally with Major Announcements
Pickleball experienced global growth in 2024 with major international expansions. The PPA launched tours in Australia and India, while MLP and UPA also increased their presence. New leagues and events, including PWR’s international tournaments, are shaping the future of the sport. With exciting developments slated for 2025, pickleball’s international influence is rapidly expanding.
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