By Marc Chua, Asia correspondent
The APP’s biggest international expansion yet signals where pickleball’s next growth wave may come from
From Kuala Lumpur to Penang and beyond, the APP is making its biggest investment yet in the future of pickleball in Asia.
The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has officially unveiled the APP Asia Tour, a multi-country professional circuit that will span some of Asia’s fastest-growing pickleball markets in 2026. It represents one of the most ambitious international expansion projects undertaken by a major pickleball organisation to date.
The tour’s next chapter will see events staged across Malaysia, China, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, India and Vietnam, creating a structured competitive platform designed to support the sport’s continued growth throughout the region.
For APP Founder Ken Herrmann, the decision reflects a reality that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Asia is no longer simply an emerging market for pickleball.
It is becoming one of the sport’s most important growth engines.
The 2026 APP Asia Tour Calendar
- February – Leapmotor APP Kuala Lumpur Open (Malaysia)
- July – Leapmotor APP Penang Open (Malaysia)
- October – APP China Open (China)
- October – APP Bangkok Open (Thailand)
- November – APP Taipei City Open (Chinese Taipei)
- November – APP India Open (India)
- December – APP Ho Chi Minh City Open (Vietnam)
Together, these events represent a significant step forward in building a more connected competitive ecosystem across Asia while creating additional opportunities for players, coaches, organisers and fans.
If you're following how the global game is shifting week by week, the World Pickleball Report breaks this down every day in our morning briefing.
Asia’s Moment Has Arrived
For much of the last decade, pickleball’s growth story has been centred on North America. Participation exploded, professional tours emerged, and investment flowed into facilities, technology, leagues and media.
Today, however, some of the strongest momentum is coming from Asia.
Across the region, new facilities are opening, coaching academies are emerging, and tournament calendars are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Markets such as Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Thailand and China have evolved rapidly from developing communities into major contributors to the sport’s global expansion.
According to figures cited by the APP, more than 812 million people across Asia have played pickleball at least once, while approximately 282 million participate on a monthly basis. Much of that growth is being driven by adults aged between 18 and 35, a demographic profile that closely mirrors the sport’s rise in the United States.
For the APP, the opportunity is clear.
The next phase of pickleball’s international growth will not simply happen in Asia.
It will be shaped by Asia.
More Than Just a Tournament Circuit
The APP sees the Asia Tour as part of a wider effort to create a more connected global pickleball ecosystem.
The initiative builds upon the recently established Global Pickleball Alliance (GPA), a framework designed to align competitive structures, connect event operators, improve ranking opportunities and bring greater consistency to the international calendar.
As pickleball has expanded around the world, many tournament systems have developed independently. While that helped accelerate local growth, it also created challenges for players seeking meaningful international competition and clearer pathways between regions.
The APP’s approach is not to replicate its American tour model overseas, but to work alongside established local organisers and support long-term development within individual markets.
That strategy is already taking shape.
The organisation has expanded its partnership with D-Joy Pickleball, one of Vietnam’s leading pickleball operators, with three major D-Joy tournaments in 2026 receiving official “Powered by APP” designation under the GPA framework.
The broader goal is clear: strengthen local ecosystems while creating connections to a larger international network.
Building on Existing Momentum
The APP’s expansion is being supported by increasingly strong indicators across the region.
Momentum began earlier this year with the Leapmotor APP Kuala Lumpur Open, held at PLAYA Racquet Club in February.
The tournament attracted 1,760 player participations from 28 countries and regions, making it the largest pickleball tournament ever staged in Malaysia and earning recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records.
The event generated more than 3.23 million social media engagements, attracted over 5,000 spectators, and produced nearly 8 million digital impressions and interactions.
More importantly, it demonstrated that Asian markets are capable of hosting major international events that attract players, sponsors, media attention and large local audiences.
The success of Kuala Lumpur reinforced what many within the sport already believed.
Asia is ready for a more structured international circuit.
Leadership for a Global Future
Supporting the APP’s international ambitions are two appointments focused specifically on global expansion.
Yui See Lau has been named Senior Vice President of Global Expansion, bringing experience from both sports business and pickleball development, including her role as co-founder of the Canadian National Pickleball League and her work helping expand DUPR throughout China.
Joining her is Yuki Chen, who assumes the role of Director of Global Expansion after helping build DUPR China’s tournament ecosystem and player community.
Together, they will oversee APP’s international growth initiatives, support strategic partnerships, and strengthen the organisation’s presence across emerging pickleball markets.
Their appointments reflect an important reality: meaningful international growth requires local expertise, regional understanding and leadership embedded within the markets themselves.
Asia Takes Centre Stage
The launch of the APP Asia Tour marks another milestone in pickleball’s global evolution.
For years, Asia was viewed as one of the sport’s most promising growth markets.
Today, it is becoming one of its most important.
The significance of the tour extends beyond the tournaments themselves. It signals a broader shift in where pickleball’s future may be shaped.
As participation rises, infrastructure expands, and international pathways become more connected, Asia is no longer simply adopting a sport that grew elsewhere.
It is becoming one of the regions helping define what the sport looks like next.
From Kuala Lumpur and Penang to Bangkok, Taipei, India, China and Ho Chi Minh City, the APP Asia Tour represents more than a series of events.
It is another sign that the geography of pickleball’s growth is changing.
And increasingly, that map runs through Asia.
Further Reading
- Latest pickleball news from around the world
- Tournament coverage and results
- Rankings and player profiles
- Regional pickleball coverage
Did you enjoy this June magazine article? You can download the whole issue to read at your own leisure here.
Chris Beaumont
Founder and Editor-in-ChiefChris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at…
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