Global Professional Pickleball Tour Alliance: The Association of Pickleball Players (APP), Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL), European Pickleball Federation (EPF), India’s Global Sports, Australia’s National Pickleball League (NPL), Pickleball England, and Vietnam’s Pickleball D-Joy have joined forces to launch the first global professional pickleball tour. The new alliance aims to grow the sport worldwide by creating a unified tournament schedule, global ranking system, tiered prize money, and financial support for professional players.
“This is a monumental day for pickleball worldwide, and the APP is honored to be officially partnering with such a passionate and professional group of organizations,” said APP Founder Ken Herrmann. “The APP always has been player focused, and now, we’re able to continue that mission worldwide and provide more competitive opportunities for players than ever before. It is our steadfast focus to evolve the credibility and growth of the sport to a place where pros are free and supported to chase their career dreams.”
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Global Pickleball Calendar and Events
The alliance plans to host at least 30 international tournaments in 2026. They carefully arranged the schedule to avoid conflicts, giving players more chances to compete. Tournaments will be divided into three tiers, each with increasing prize money and ranking points.
Some key events include:
Dec. 5-7, 2025: NPL Invitational (Australia)
Feb. 3-8: Indian Open (Global Sports)
Feb. 18-22: APP Daytona Beach Open
Mar. 25-29: APP Fort Lauderdale Open
Apr. 13-19: U.S. Open
Aug. 12-16: English Open powered by the APP
Sept. 3-6: Canadian Open (CNPL)
Oct. 6-11: European Open (EPF)
Nov. 16-22: USA Pickleball National Championships
“I’m thrilled to help usher in a new era of growth for professionals around the globe,” said Megan Fudge, the APP Tour’s all-time career medals leader. “With more international pros than ever, the competition will be next-level. I’m grateful for the support of the APP and all the alliance leaders to make it happen.”
All tournaments will count toward a single, unified global ranking system. This ensures fair competition for all players, regardless of where they live. The ranking system will launch with the 2026 schedule.
Support and Opportunities for Players
The alliance also focuses on commercial opportunities, such as sponsorships, revenue sharing, and a clear governance system. This collaboration aims to strengthen pickleball globally and provide players with clear paths to professional careers.
“Collaboration is key to growing pickleball globally. This alliance ensures players can plan their season with confidence, knowing the major events complement each other rather than compete. It’s good for the players, good for the sport, and it demonstrates Pickleball England’s commitment to bringing the international community together,” said Karen Mitchell, Chair and Co-Founder of Pickleball England and English Open.
“The decision to announce a world calendar in alliance with APP and other pickleball organisations across the world is part of our commitment to grow pickleball, offer pro players a structured path to make formidable careers and to build a world community, as it’s this sense of community which is the soul of pickleball,” said Shashank Khaitan, Founding Partner of Global Sports.
“This alliance points the way toward the unity our sport desperately needs. For too long administrative division and opposing factions have held pickleball back. This agreement demonstrates how collaboration can deliver a coordinated international calendar, shared rankings and clearer career pathways for players – bringing higher competitive standards, greater commercial investment, and real opportunities for athletes and organisers alike. Today’s breakthrough shows the path forward and gives us a concrete blueprint to keep pushing toward a truly united world game. The European Pickleball Federation will continue to work with partners to turn this promise into reality,” said Frank Arico, President of European Pickleball Federation.
Global Impact and Next Steps
“This global alliance among respected worldwide pickleball leaders marks a groundbreaking milestone for the sport. It reinforces our shared commitment to its growth and highlights Pickleball D-Joy’s dedication to expanding the game worldwide—especially in vibrant, emerging communities like Vietnam,” said Dang Quang Anh, Vice President and Founder of Pickleball D-Joy.
“The CNPL is proud to be a part of this alliance which will provide players a new level of opportunity in Canada and globally. This alliance delivers; a year-round schedule that is based on alignment rather than overlap or conflicts, transparent global rankings, and a new level of resources. We are dedicated to fostering excellence through inclusive, innovative platforms that give our athletes a clear and fair pathway to compete globally, inspire community, and build sustainable careers in pickleball. Together, from Canada to England, India, Australia, Vietnam, and the U.S., we’re accelerating the sport’s next stage of professionalization,” said Mike McAnich, Co-Founder and Commissioner of Canadian National Pickleball League.
“Unity and pathways are the lifeblood of any sport, and this alliance represents a major step forward for pickleball. From the beginning, the NPL has been committed to building opportunities for players and raising the standard of competition across Australia. By joining forces with this incredible group of organisations, we can now extend those opportunities onto the world stage. Together we will bring the world’s best to Australia, showcase our own homegrown talent abroad, and ensure that players everywhere have the support and clarity they need to pursue their dreams. This partnership is proof of what can be achieved when we put players first and work together for the good of the game,” said David Anjou, Chief Operating Officer of National Pickleball League.
News in Brief: Global Professional Pickleball Tour Alliance
Seven major pickleball organizations have created the first global professional tour. The alliance will host 30+ tournaments in 2026, with a unified ranking system and tiered prize money. Players worldwide will gain more opportunities, sponsorship support, and a clear path to build professional careers.