Key takeaways
- The PPA Tour chose Italy as its first European stop, signalling strategic intent to establish a foothold in the continent’s largest sports market.
- Italy’s existing padel infrastructure and racquet-sport culture make it a natural entry point for professional pickleball in Europe.
- The move raises the question of whether European pickleball will develop under American tour structures or build its own competitive identity.
By Andrea Visibelli, Italy correspondent and pickleballspot.eu
The most important development in European pickleball this month wasn’t a result.
It was a choice.
The Professional Pickleball Association is coming to Europe. And it is not starting in Spain, or the UK, or any of the markets that have traditionally led the sport’s growth.
It is starting with Italy.
That choice tells you where the balance of European pickleball may be shifting.
Rome Is Not New to This
To understand why Italy, you have to start with what is already happening on the ground.
The Rome Open Championship VI was not just another stop on the calendar. It was another example of Rome repeatedly delivering events that attract international players and produce high-level competition.
That matters.
Rome hosted the European Championships in 2025. Now it is hosting strong open events with depth across divisions and a growing international presence.
This is not a one-off spike.
It’s consistency. And consistency is what attracts tours.
On Court in Rome
The level reflected that.
- Thaddea Lock delivered a Triple Crown across singles, doubles, and mixed
- James Chaudry added the men’s singles title and featured in multiple finals
- Ben Cawston / Theo Platel produced one of the highest-quality doubles matches seen in Europe this year
Alongside them, Italian players continued to appear across podiums and categories, from developing divisions through to senior competition.
👉 The gap is still there.
👉 But the structure underneath it is growing.
Italy’s Advantage Isn’t Just Talent
What separates Italy right now is not just players.
It is alignment.
- Events are being staged regularly
If you\u2019re following how the global game is shifting week by week, the World Pickleball Report breaks this down every Wednesday.
- Venues are improving
- International players are showing up
- Domestic players are entering structured competition
Put simply:
👉 Italy is becoming easier to play in, compete in, and return to
👉 And right now, it’s the only European market doing all three consistently
The PPA Decision Changes the Stakes
This is where the story shifts.
The Professional Pickleball Association does not expand into markets on speculation.
It goes where:
- there is existing demand
- there is operational reliability
- and there is a pathway to build something bigger
What’s Confirmed
- Portorož, Slovenia (July 2026) — opening European event, positioned within reach of the Italian base
- Brescia, Italy (January 2027) — a direct commitment to Italy as a long-term host
This is not just a European expansion.
It is a decision to build around a specific region.
Why Not Spain? Why Not Elsewhere?
This is the question worth asking.
Spain has depth. The UK has visibility. Other regions have strong pockets of growth.
But right now:
👉 Italy has momentum and repeatability
- Rome continues to deliver events
- Northern Italy offers infrastructure and accessibility
- The calendar is starting to feel connected, not scattered
👉 That combination is what attracts a tour like the PPA.
What This Means for Europe
For years, European pickleball has been described as emerging.
This is different.
The arrival of the Professional Pickleball Association creates:
- a higher competitive ceiling
- a clearer pathway for European players
- and a reason for international talent to travel in
👉 It also creates pressure.
Other countries will now have to match:
- event quality
- organisation
- player experience
A Shift, Not a Finish Line
Italy is not “ahead” in a permanent sense.
But right now, it is the place where things are happening consistently enough to matter.
Closing Thought
The Rome events showed there was appetite.
The PPA decision confirms there is belief.
And once a tour of that scale commits to a market, the conversation changes.
It’s no longer about where pickleball might grow next.
It’s about who is now behind.
This article appeared in the April 2026 issue of World Pickleball Magazine.
If you want the full breakdown, including deeper analysis, additional insights, and exclusive content, you can download the full April issue of World Pickleball Magazine here:
