APP Global Pickleball Partnerships: The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) is expanding its global reach by teaming up with Global Sports in India and continuing its partnership with Pickleball England for a fourth year. These efforts aim to help pickleball grow across continents and give players more chances to compete and succeed.
Building Global Pickleball Connections
The APP’s new partner in India, Global Sports, will work closely with the U.S.-based organization to offer shared events and player opportunities. This includes a joint player pool where the top 12 men and women from the APP Tour can join Global Sports tournaments in places like India, Dubai, and Vietnam.
Likewise, high-ranking players from Global Sports will compete in the APP’s U.S. events, including the season-ending APP Tour Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
“Uniting the APP with Global Sports and Pickleball England is monumental for the growth of pickleball worldwide,” said APP Founder Ken Herrmann. “Together, we’ll collaborate on long-term success plans, share resources, and support one another unequivocally as we embark on an exciting new journey for our sport.”
Career Growth Through International Play
The new partnership will allow players from both tours to earn money, improve rankings, and gain international exposure. One of the highlights is that APP’s top 12 male and female players will enter the auction for the Global Sports Pro League.
“Global Sports is very excited to collaborate with the APP, in its pursuit of creating exciting opportunities for players to make careers in pickleball,” said Shashank Khaitan, Partner at Global Sports. “We have always collaborated very well with the APP, and our interactions with Ken and the whole team have always been wonderful.”
He added, “Ken has supported Global Sports events since very early on in our journey and has always been encouraging of the young Indian talent. With the top 12 ranked male and top 12 female players of the APP making it to the auction of the Global Sports Pro League, American players will now have an opportunity to travel and compete in India and establish a path to cultural exchange through pickleball. We are very excited about this collaboration and are sure this will lead to more opportunities for us to come together and promote pickleball across the world.”
Pickleball England Continues Its Role
The APP’s connection with Pickleball England remains strong. For the fourth year, the APP will serve as an associate partner for the English Open, the biggest pickleball event outside the United States.
The English Open will take place from August 6 to August 10, 2025, at the Telford International Centre in England. It is expected to draw over 2,000 players from nearly 50 countries. The APP will help with running the tournament, marketing, and live broadcasts.
“Pickleball England is delighted to continue our partnership with the APP for the fourth consecutive year,” said Karen Mitchell, Chair & Tournament Director of Pickleball England. “Welcoming the APP Pro Players and the APP U.S. National Team to the English Open gives top British and European players a unique chance to test themselves under pressure against world-class competition. It’s opportunities like these that elevate the level of play and make the English Open such a compelling event—whether you’re on court or in the stands.”
A Future Full of Opportunity
The 2025 Monsoon Pickleball Championship in Mumbai, India, will also welcome top APP Tour players and members of the APP U.S. National Team. This tournament, from July 29 to August 3, is the biggest pickleball event in India.
These partnerships are set to make pickleball a more global sport. With increased travel, better career options, and new cultural exchanges, players and fans can expect a bright future.
News in Brief: APP Global Pickleball Partnerships
The APP is joining with Global Sports in India and extending its partnership with Pickleball England. These moves aim to expand pickleball worldwide, offering players chances to compete in top events like the English Open and the Monsoon Pickleball Championship while supporting global growth and international player exchanges.