APP Unveils Ambitious 2026 Tour: The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has announced its 2026 tournament schedule, marking its eighth full season of professional and amateur pickleball competition. The calendar includes 13 nationally televised APP Tour events, APP Next player development tournaments, the APP Selkirk Collegiate Series, Showcase Events, and international play.
APP Leadership Statement
“Another exciting chapter of momentum and growth is upon us, as we launch season eight of the APP,” said APP Founder Ken Herrmann. “Our event portfolio has expanded far beyond just APP Tour events, and we truly have something for everyone. Our tournament standards continue to be second-to-none, catered towards all players regardless of age, skill or status. We stay committed to being a resource pickleball players worldwide, and giving our pro players a global stage to shine and share their journeys. We can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for APP pickleball.”
🎉 IT’S HERE: The 2026 APP schedule 🎉
New destinations, bigger and better tournaments than ever before, and grand returns to some APP favorites. Mark your 2026 calendars; your year is set!🔗 https://t.co/JrkuvIEWq4 pic.twitter.com/kObFwUY8k3
— APP Tour (@OfficialAPPTour) August 26, 2025
2026 APP Tour Events
The APP Tour will feature 12 tournaments across the United States, all broadcast nationally on CBS Sports and ESPN, along with livestream coverage. Events will welcome amateur players, elite professionals, and senior divisions including the AARP Champions (50+) and AARP Masters (60+). Major events with larger prize pools will be announced later.
Highlights of the APP Tour include:
Feb. 18-22: APP Daytona Beach Open (Holly Hill, FL)
Mar. 25-29: APP Fort Lauderdale Open (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Apr. 29-May 3: APP Sacramento Open (Roseville, CA)
May 13-17: APP Southern California Open (Newport Beach, CA)
May 27-31: APP Virginia Beach Open (Virginia Beach, VA)
June 10-14: APP Vlasic Classic – Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH)
July 22-26: APP Chicago Open (Highland Park, IL)
Aug. 19-23: APP Detroit Open (Novi, MI)
Sep. 16-20: APP Overland Park Open (Overland Park, KS)
Oct. 14-18: APP Humana Louisville Open (Louisville, KY)
Oct. 28-Nov. 1: APP Arizona Open (Mesa, AZ)
Dec. 2-6: APP Tour Championships (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Partnerships and Host Cities
The APP has teamed with sponsors and local organizations to support tournaments. Humana Inc. will help bring the APP Tour to Louisville for the first time with a week of pickleball and wellness activities. Local support includes Louisville Tourism, the Louisville Sports Commission, the Detroit Sports Commission, and Visit Overland Park.
APP Next Development Circuit
APP Next, founded in 2021, will continue as the only professional pickleball player development program. Open to players 23 and younger, the circuit combines training with APP Tour professionals and prize-money tournaments at Chicken N Pickle venues.
Scheduled APP Next events include:
Jan. 16-18: Houston (Webster, TX)
Feb. 13-15: San Antonio (San Antonio, TX)
Mar. 20-22: Las Vegas (Henderson, NV)
June 19-21: Dallas (Grapevine, TX)
July 31-Aug. 2: St. Louis (St. Charles, MO)
Oct. 23-25: Kansas City (Overland Park, KS)
Dec. 11-13: Fort Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
APP Selkirk Collegiate Series
The 2025-26 APP Selkirk Collegiate Series will host regional qualifiers across the U.S., leading to the APP Selkirk U.S. Collegiate Championships in Cape Coral, Florida, on March 6-8, 2026. College teams and individuals will compete in doubles, singles, and mixed doubles for $85,000 in total prize money.
APP Showcase Events
Special events will highlight key groups within the pickleball community. The 2026 APP Selkirk U.S. Collegiate Championships will crown the top college players. The APP Women’s Open Presented by The James will take place October 2-4, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio, honoring women in pickleball during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Looking Ahead
With its expanded 2026 calendar, the APP continues to broaden opportunities for amateurs, professionals, and college players. The mix of televised events, player development programs, and community-focused tournaments reflects the organization’s mission to grow pickleball worldwide.
News in Brief: APP Unveils Ambitious 2026 Tour
The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) released its 2026 schedule with 12 nationally televised Tour events, APP Next youth development tournaments, the Selkirk Collegiate Series, and Showcase Events. Founder Ken Herrmann said the season will serve all levels of players and expand the sport’s reach across the United States and beyond.