National Pickleball League 2026 Expansion: The National Pickleball League (NPL) announced a major expansion for 2026, adding new leagues and tournaments for players over 40 and 60 years old. The move opens more doors for athletes of all ages and skill levels while strengthening the league’s mission to grow senior professional pickleball across the country.
New Divisions for 2026
The NPL, which currently features 12 senior professional teams for players age 50 and older, will introduce three new divisions next season. These include a new league for elite 40+ players, a league for elite 60+ players, and a “Next Up Pros” development league for 50+ players who aim to join the 50+ professional division.
Each division will hold a regular season of events before crowning its own league champion.
“Our mission has always been to showcase the incredible talent, athleticism, and competitiveness of players over age 50, and we’ve seen nothing but this in our first three seasons of play,. With this expansion, we’re creating more opportunities for athletes at every stage of their journey.”(NPL CEO Rod Davis)
We’re thrilled to announce a major expansion for the 2026 season! The NPL is growing with the addition of three new age-specific divisions:
💥 A new league for elite 40+
💥 A new league for elite 60+
💥 A new “Next Up Pros” league for 50+ https://t.co/yFSl9aSWMw— National Pickleball League (@NatPBLeague) September 18, 2025
Tournament Series for 40+ Players
In addition to the new team leagues, the NPL will launch a Tournament Series in early 2026 for professional and amateur players age 40 and older. The series will include tournaments in January, February, March, and April, with prize money offered in the 40+, 50+, and 60+ pro divisions.
“We are thrilled to offer a dedicated [tournament series] for pro players over the age of 40. These players bring a wealth of experience, passion, and talent. They deserve a platform to showcase this, and we are proud to provide it. It is long overdue.”(Rod Davis)
Expanding Community Connections
NPL co-owner of Austin Ignite Steven Ungar highlighted the broader goal of the expansion.
“NPL has expanded with new teams across the country over the past three years. This new expansion is more vertical as we seek to add more ways to deepen our ties to our community.”(Steven Ungar)
The NPL will also continue its existing 50+ pro league, which remains the core of the organization. The new leagues and tournaments will give amateur and elite players more opportunities to compete, develop, and move up to higher levels of play.
2025 Season Finale
Before the 2026 expansion begins, the NPL will finish its third season this fall. The regular season will close with events in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Atlantic City, New Jersey, hosted by the Indy Drivers and Princeton Bruisers. The Championship Weekend will follow from October 16 to 19 in Seattle, Washington. All 12 NPL teams will compete for a share of a $100,000 prize pool and the NPL Championship.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 expansion marks the biggest growth in NPL history. By adding new age divisions and tournaments, the league is creating a clear path for players at every stage of their careers, from rising stars to seasoned pros. Fans can expect more matches, more talent, and more chances to see senior pickleball thrive.
News in Brief: National Pickleball League 2026 Expansion
The National Pickleball League will expand in 2026 with new leagues for elite 40+, elite 60+, and a 50+ “Next Up Pros” division. A new 40+ Tournament Series will also launch early in the year. The NPL’s 2025 season wraps up in October with a $100,000 championship in Seattle, Washington.