PPA and MLP Make Historic Move to Asia: The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) are taking bold steps to introduce their premier brands to Asia, marking a significant milestone in the global expansion of the sport. Announced on Monday, the formation of PPA Asia and MLP Asia will see the two organizations bring their high-profile tournaments and leagues to major Asian markets, including China, Vietnam, Japan, and Singapore.
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PPA Asia: A Vision for Growth
Set to debut in 2025, PPA Asia aims to introduce the excitement of professional pickleball to a continent with a rich tradition in racket sports. With iconic venues across Asia, PPA Asia will feature top-tier competitions resulting in a remarkable event in October, bringing together the best players from Asia, the United States, and beyond. This event is set to become a cornerstone in the global pickleball landscape, showing the sport’s growth and popularity.
- Key Markets: China, Vietnam, Japan, Singapore.
- Launch Date: 2025, with an October marquee event featuring global pros.
Connor Pardoe, Founder and CEO of the PPA Tour, expressed his excitement about the move.
“Asia has a rich tradition of racket sports, and we are excited to contribute to its sports culture with the arrival of pickleball. With growing enthusiasm for the sport across the region, we see immense potential to bring the world’s premier pickleball brands to Asian audiences through PPA Asia and MLP Asia. This is a massive moment for global pickleball and we’re excited to continue to lead the charge.” – (Connor Pardoe)
MLP Asia: Franchised Team Play and Domestic Leagues
Meanwhile, MLP Asia is set to launch in 2025-2026, bringing in a new era of team-based play. MLP Asia will bring franchised team play to Asia and establish domestic leagues designed to foster local talent and grow the sport’s presence in the region.
The arrival of MLP Asia is expected to ignite significant interest in the sport, giving Asian players the opportunity to compete at the highest level while engaging with the growing global pickleball community.
- Launch Date: 2025-2026, with team-based leagues and competitions.
- Goal: Establish domestic leagues to expand the sport’s local reach.
Ben Johns, one of pickleball’s brightest stars, sees the potential for significant growth in the region.
“Bringing the highest level of professional pickleball to the world’s largest continent is an amazing opportunity to grow both the pro and amateur games. I look forward to connecting with fans across Asia and spreading the joy of the sport in the region.” – (ben Johns)
Athletes Speak: A Shared Passion for Expansion
The announcement has sparked excitement among top athletes who see the Asian expansion as a game-changing moment for pickleball’s global reach. Quang Duong, the highest-ranked Asian-born player on the PPA Tour and MLP, shared his enthusiasm.
“As an athlete born in Vietnam and achieving success on the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball in the United States, I see the impact these organizations have on growing the game. With the passion for racket sports already established in the region, this is a huge moment for pickleball to explode across Asia and globally.” – (Quang Duong)
Anna Bright, another top player, expressed similar optimism.
“The growth of pickleball in the United States has been amazing, and now we have the opportunity to bring the top tour and league in the sport to Asia. I know fans and players in the region will love pickleball just as much as we do.” – (Anna Bright)
Leading the Charge: Managing Director Kimberly Koh
The ambitious venture will be spearheaded by Kimberly Koh, who brings 13 years of sports marketing experience in the region to the table. Koh, the former Partnerships Director at World Table Tennis, is well-positioned to oversee the growth of PPA Asia and MLP Asia. Her leadership will be crucial in handling the intricacies of the Asian market and ensuring the success of these new ventures.
News in Brief: PPA and MLP Make Historic Move to Asia
The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) have announced the formation of PPA Asia and MLP Asia, set to launch in 2025. These initiatives aim to bring premier pickleball events and leagues to key Asian markets, including China, Vietnam, Japan, and Singapore. The ventures are expected to attract top-tier talent, increase the sport’s visibility, and grow its fan base across the continent.
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