Top Pickleball Headlines Of Last Week: Last week was a landmark period for pickleball with several major developments reshaping the sport’s landscape. The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) announced its first international tournaments, extending its reach to Australia, India, Canada, Asia, and Europe. FarSight Studios unveiled the PPA Pickleball Tour 2025 video game, aiming to achieve iconic status akin to Madden NFL. The New Jersey 5s dominated the MLP Mid-Season Tournament, while Drew Brees’s Pickle N Pins prepares to open in Metairie. Meanwhile, the Dinkers Pickleball Club Tournament is set to kick off in Denton, promising high-level competition and excitement.
1. PPA Tournament Outside USA
In 2025, the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) will make a landmark expansion by launching its inaugural international tournaments. This global push will see the PPA enter markets in Australia, India, Canada, Asia, and Europe, marking a major milestone for the sport. The tour will kick off in Melbourne on January 29, with stops planned in Mumbai, Toronto, and other key locations, culminating in the World Championships in Dallas by November. This expansion introduces ranking points to enhance the sport’s international profile. Anne Worcester of the United Pickleball Association (UPA) describes the initiative as transformative, offering fans the chance to see elite players like Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns on a global stage.
2. PPA Pickleball Video game Gains Populairty
Pickleball’s meteoric rise, with 48.3 million players last year, is set to reach new heights with the release of the PPA Pickleball Tour 2025 video game by FarSight Studios. Created in collaboration with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), this $49.99 game aims to elevate the sport to the level of iconic franchises like Madden NFL. Featuring professional players and highlighting the sport’s lucrative potential—top athletes average earnings of $1.5 million—the game will be available on multiple consoles. By merging digital interaction with traditional gameplay, the PPA Pickleball Tour 2025 is poised to attract new enthusiasts and strengthen the PPA’s leadership in expanding pickleball’s footprint in the sports world.
3. New Jersey 5s MLP Mid- Season Champions
The New Jersey 5s triumphed at the MLP Mid-Season Tournament, maintaining an undefeated record and claiming the top prize of $80,000. Under the leadership of standout player Anna Leigh Waters, the team excelled in both women’s doubles and mixed doubles, showcasing their adaptability across key matches this season. At just seventeen, Waters has already made notable advancements in professional pickleball, though securing an MLP title remains a primary objective. Looking forward, she highlighted the team’s strong chemistry and ambitious plans for the rest of 2024. The New Jersey 5s will face their next challenge at the MLP Salt Lake City event, while the Texas Ranchers finished in third place in this highly competitive tournament.
4. Drew Brees’s Pickle N Pins Arriving Metairie
Drew Brees is broadening his business horizons with the launch of Pickle N Pins, an indoor pickleball facility set to open this fall in Metairie. Located on Veterans Memorial Boulevard, the venue will offer a diverse range of activities, including public padel courts, duckpin bowling, axe-throwing, and a restaurant and bar influenced by food truck culture.
Co-owned with Darren Balsamo, Pickle N Pins is designed to cater to both adults and families, blending entertainment options with a welcoming atmosphere. Brees, who is already active in the New Orleans sports scene through team ownership and the NOLA Pickle Fest, is committed to supporting pickleball despite challenges such as noise complaints. Local investments, such as Jefferson Parish’s $1 million pickleball complex, reflect the sport’s growing popularity and demand.
5. Announcement of Dinkers Pickleball Tournament
News in Brief: Top Pickleball Headlines Of Last Week
Last week saw significant advancements, some latest news in pickleball were: the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) announcing its first international tournaments in 2025, expanding to Australia, India, Canada, Asia, and Europe. FarSight Studios unveiled the PPA Pickleball Tour 2025 video game, aiming to elevate the sport’s visibility.
The New Jersey 5s triumphed at the MLP Mid-Season Tournament, securing an undefeated record and $80,000. Drew Brees is set to open Pickle N Pins in Metairie this fall, offering a range of activities alongside pickleball. Lastly, the Dinkers Pickleball Club Tournament in Denton, Texas, promises high-level competition with 15 indoor courts and room for more players.