Good morning, pickleballers!
Welcome to a new week and it’s February already.
The latest World Pickleball Magazine will be out on Wednesday – can you wait until then?
In the meantime, check out the latest daily pickleball news below.
Dilli Dillwale Crushes Hyderabad as Pune United Upsets Rajasthan
Mumbai, India – The intensity of the World Pickleball League (WPBL) reached a fever pitch during Match Day 6, defined by commanding team performances and individual brilliance on the courts in India. In a weekend of high-stakes action concluding on February 1, 2026, the Dilli Dillwale and Pune United squads emerged as significant winners, reshaping the league standings.
In a decisive clash, Dilli Dillwale dismantled the Hyderabad Super Stars with a resounding 4-1 tie victory. Dilli’s dominance was anchored by Max Manthou, who was named Player of the Tie. The team secured critical wins in Men’s Singles, where Vinh Hien Truong defeated Marcello Jardim 26-9, and in Men’s Doubles, edging out Hyderabad 12-10. Although Hyderabad’s Seone Mendez salvaged a point in Women’s Singles, Dilli Dillwale proved too strong in the Mixed and Women’s Doubles categories. This performance propelled Dilli Dillwale to second place in the standings with 36 points, trailing the league-leading Chennai Super Champs.
Simultaneously, Pune United secured a vital victory against the Rajasthan Titans. Pune’s Balint Bako earned Player of the Tie honors after a crushing 29-11 victory in Men’s Singles. While Rajasthan fought back with wins in Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles, Pune United ultimately clinched the tie by taking the Men’s Doubles 10-6 and Women’s Singles 25-15. The loss leaves Rajasthan Titans in 6th place, searching for momentum as the season progresses. The league continues with high-profile matchups, including the Chennai Super Champs facing Bengaluru Jawans.
Depth Reigns Supreme: CNPL C4 Draft Finalises Rosters for Highly Anticipated 2026 Season
Toronto, Canada – The landscape of the 2026 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) season has been officially defined following the C4 Draft, where strategy took precedence over star power. With the draft completed on January 29, 2026, the league has locked in its eight teams, comprising 48 athletes, setting the stage for what officials predict will be the most competitive season to date.
This year’s draft philosophy shifted noticeably toward building chemistry and roster depth rather than simply chasing headline names. Emerging as a clear winner, the London Smash exited the draft with perhaps the highest potential ceiling in the league. Anchored by proven talents Ryan Torresin and Anne-Sophie Courteau, the Smash added explosive athletic punch to their lineup, positioning them as a legitimate title contender capable of applying immense pressure in both gendered and mixed matches. Torresin, in particular, is viewed as a critical “X-Factor” whose doubles instincts can tilt close matches.
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Owls prioritised versatility, assembling a balanced squad featuring Armaan Jiwa Mawji and Kim Layton, designed to adapt to various matchup scenarios without losing stability. In contrast, the Grand River Rapids eschewed flashiness entirely, opting for a resilient lineup of six playable athletes—including Antoaneta Toskova and Lucas Wong—built to endure long weekends where every point counts.
Other notable roster moves include the Northern Lights’ acquisition of elite performer Jessica Kawamoto via a draft-day trade to bolster a “chemistry-first” squad, and the Detroit-Windsor Drive’s strategy of banking on veteran discipline. With no runaway favorite emerging from the draft, the CNPL emphasises that the margins for victory in 2026 will be razor-thin.
Malaysian Teen Colin Wong Signs Historic Deal with JOOLA Pickleball
Dateline: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In a significant move for the Asian pickleball scene, JOOLA Pickleball has officially signed Malaysian prodigy Colin Wong to its global roster of sponsored athletes. The announcement, made on February 2, 2026, marks a major milestone in the brand’s expansion into the region, recognising Wong as one of the most promising next-generation players in the sport.
Wong’s signing is more than a standard sponsorship; it places him in an elite tier of athletes alongside global icons like Ben Johns, Anna Bright, and Federico Staksrud. This partnership grants Wong access to high-performance equipment and professional support, integrating him into a system designed to accelerate his development on the world stage. His recent selection for the UPA Asia Trailblazers Season 2 program further underscores his rapid ascent and growing influence within the continental community.
JOOLA APAC CEO Tom Nguyen highlighted that the decision went beyond on-court metrics. “Colin checks every box for us. A great player, committed athlete, strong brand representative, and most importantly, a great human being,” Nguyen stated.
This move reinforces JOOLA’s strategic commitment to nurturing local talent and building sustainable growth in emerging markets. By backing Wong, the brand aims to inspire a new wave of Malaysian athletes to pursue the sport professionally. Wong joins a growing list of Asian talents on the JOOLA roster, including India’s Arjun Singh and Japan’s Yuta Funemizu, signalling that the continent is poised to become a global pickleball powerhouse.
Spring Showdown: Registration Opens for the 8th National de Pickleball France
Draguignan, France – The Fédération Pickleball France has officially opened registration for one of the country’s premier sporting events, the 8th edition of the National de Pickleball France. Scheduled to take place from April 17 to April 19, 2025, the tournament invites players from across the region to converge on the scenic city of Draguignan for three days of intense competition and celebration.
Organisers are preparing for a robust turnout, with 250 players expected to compete across 11 courts, including a designated central field for marquee matchups. The event is designed to cater to a wide variety of competitors, ensuring a weekend filled with “play, show and passion”. The schedule is structured to test endurance and versatility: the tournament kicks off Friday, April 17th, with Men’s and Ladies’ Singles, followed by Gender Doubles on Saturday, and concluding with Mixed Doubles action on Sunday, April 19th.
This national tournament represents a key fixture in the French pickleball calendar, offering categories for everyone and serving as a showcase for the sport’s rapid growth in Europe. Players interested in securing their spot on the courts in Draguignan are encouraged to register immediately via the RAQT platform to participate in this festive and competitive gathering.
Clearing the Air: Official National Pickleball League Stands Firm Amid Naming Confusion
Naples, USA – The Official National Pickleball League (NPL™) issued a stern clarification today to address confusion stemming from a rebranding announcement by a separate organisation. League officials emphasised that the Official NPL is not changing its name, countering potential misunderstandings caused by another entity, formerly using the letters “NPL,” which has rebranded to Champion Series Pickleball (CSP).
In a direct statement, the NPL sought to protect its brand identity, assuring its community that the recent press release regarding a name change applies solely to the other organization. “If you see any messaging suggesting the Official NPL™ is rebranding or changing names, that information is incorrect,” the league stated.
The Official NPL, known for running the largest ladder-league format in the United States, has operated continuously under its current moniker. The organisation is currently gearing up for its fourth season, scheduled to begin in May 2026. By drawing a clear line between their operations and the newly christened Champion Series Pickleball, the Official NPL aims to ensure their players and fans remain focused on the upcoming season without administrative distractions.