APP 2026 Tour, UK Academy, India League Draft, Alshon split
Hey, hey pickleball news lovers.
Wednesday already - and as ever, so much has happened in the last 24 hours of pickleball.
So what's the latest news?
Find out below.
Pickleball Complete Academy Set to Revolutionise Youth Development in Kent
Ramsgate, UK – Scott Tift is dedicating himself full-time to launching the Pickleball Complete Academy in Kent, an initiative designed to significantly boost the sport's growth, particularly among young people. Based at St Lawrence College in Ramsgate and set to open on September 19th, the academy is supported by Pickleball Complete and Joola.
Tift, who previously directed a sports coaching company, emphasises the urgent need to invest in pickleball now, stating, "If you don’t jump into it now, you’re going to be left behind". His vision extends beyond typical adult sessions, incorporating a dedicated junior section, developing links with local schools, and offering Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and para-pickleball sessions.
The academy aims to become a national junior hub model, creating easily transferable frameworks, policies, and safeguarding measures to simplify junior set-ups for clubs nationwide. Tift highlights pickleball’s unique ability to break down barriers, fostering inclusivity through mixed doubles, men's, women's, and para categories, bringing diverse individuals together. As a player, Tift contributed to Baypoint's English Pickleball League title and is preparing for the Welsh Open, English Nationals, and Finnish Open. His academy is poised to ensure pickleball's vibrant future by nurturing its next generation.
APP Unveils Largest-Ever 2026 Pickleball Event Calendar
United States – The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has announced its most extensive event calendar yet for 2026, marking its eighth season of elite pickleball competition. The robust schedule includes 13 nationally televised APP Tour events across the United States, promising linear broadcast coverage on CBS Sports and ESPN, alongside hundreds of hours of livestream content.
APP Founder Ken Herrmann expressed excitement for "another exciting chapter of momentum and growth," highlighting the diverse offerings for all players, regardless of age, skill, or status. The APP Tour events are open to all, featuring AARP Champions (50+) and AARP Masters (60+) divisions, with enhanced prize pools for major tournaments to be announced soon.
Strategic partnerships with local entities will bring the Tour to new markets such as Detroit, Louisville, and Overland Park. Key events include the APP Humana Louisville Open, APP Detroit Open, and APP Overland Park Open. Beyond the main tour, the 2026 calendar expands the APP Selkirk Collegiate Series, culminating in the 2026 APP Selkirk U.S. Collegiate Championships in Cape Coral, FL, with $85,000 in prize money. Additionally, APP Next events will continue as player development programs for those 23 and younger, and fan-favourite APP Showcase Events, including the APP Women’s Open, will return. Registrations for APP Tour events will be available on the APP's official website in the coming months.
Christian Alshon Parts Ways with Coach Leigh Waters Amidst On-Court Conflicts
United States – Christian Alshon and his coach Leigh Waters have ended their two-year partnership, as announced by Alshon on social media on Tuesday. Waters played a pivotal role in Alshon's rapid ascent in pickleball, helping him secure 7 PPA titles, 38 PPA medals, and top-5 rankings in men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles since 2023.
The primary reason for the split was conflicts arising from Waters' primary obligation to coach her daughter, Anna Leigh Waters, the female world No. 1, particularly when they competed against each other. Waters also serves as the head coach for the New Jersey 5s in Major League Pickleball. Alshon noted, "Leigh and I found ourselves competing against each other too often... This situation was more than understandable but still very stressful for both of us. It was an arrangement that seemed doable on paper... but just didn’t work well long term”.
In 23 mixed doubles matchups over two years where Alshon and Anna Leigh Waters faced off, Leigh Waters coached her daughter, with Anna Leigh winning 21 of those encounters. Alshon has not yet named a new coach but is set to compete at this week’s Walgreens Open in Las Vegas. He will partner with Andrei Daescu in men’s doubles and Catherine Parenteau in mixed doubles.
DUPR Teams Up with TeachMe.To for Exclusive Pickleball Lesson Access
United States – DUPR has announced a new partnership with TeachMe.To, the nation's leading marketplace for in-person sports lessons, to offer an exclusive deal on pickleball instruction for DUPR+ members. This collaboration provides DUPR+ subscribers with a free first lesson and a straightforward way to connect with vetted, high-quality pickleball coaches in their local area.
Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR, emphasised the alignment with DUPR's mission "to help pickleball players at every level get rated, improve and enjoy the game". TeachMe.To, which boasts over 5,000 active instructors and has delivered over 100,000 lessons to more than 30,000 students, allows players to easily find coaches based on location, skill level, and availability, complete with verified reviews.
Nick O’Brien, Co-Founder and COO of TeachMe.To, highlighted the "real demand for expert instructors" and sees the partnership as an opportunity for the DUPR community to both access great coaching and engage with their local pickleball economy. Beyond pickleball, TeachMe.To connects individuals with instructors for other sports like tennis, golf, and soccer. This partnership underscores both companies' commitment to nurturing the rapidly expanding pickleball community nationwide.
Global Pickleball Ranking Pioneer Jan Papi Drives Inclusive Growth Worldwide
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Jan Papi, founder of Pickleball Global and the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) series, is championing an age-based Global Pickleball Ranking (GPR) system to ensure fairness and motivate players across all skill levels. Papi, who developed the GPR in 2019 after observing a lack of proper rating systems in the sport, believes this structure allows more players to be recognised for their achievements.
After two decades in the tennis industry, Papi embraced pickleball in 2012 and relocated to Asia in 2022 to spearhead its growth, now residing in Bali, Indonesia. He praises Malaysia for its "fantastically" supported growth, driven by entrepreneurs investing in facilities, a stark contrast to Indonesia, where the sport is perceived as "cheap". Papi also recounted the initial resistance from the U.S. Tennis Association, which eventually conceded to pickleball's unstoppable rise due to its short learning curve and social nature.
Malaysia recently hosted the World Pickleball Championship Asia Grand Slam 2025, the largest tournament in Asia with over 1,500 participants, and the inaugural Asia Pickleball Summit. The Malaysia Pickleball Association signed an MOU with WPC, officially endorsing GPR for local players and national team selection. Papi emphasises pickleball's unique ability to bring three generations together on one court, fostering camaraderie and offering significant health benefits, including a reported 10-year increase in life expectancy for racket sport players. He firmly believes pickleball is "here to stay," offering many "a second chance in life" to compete.
Hyderabad Open 2025 Ignites World Pickleball League Tour with High Stakes
Hyderabad, India – The Hyderabad Open 2025 successfully kicked off the World Pickleball League (WPBL) On Tour, marking the debut leg of a six-city series. Co-organised with the Hyderabad Superstars franchise, the event attracted over 250 participants competing across three days for a total prize pool of Rs. 15 lakhs.
The tournament featured 60 diverse competitive categories, from U-18s to over-50 divisions, employing DUPR-based draws to ensure fair and engaging matches. Star players from WPBL's previous season, including local favourite Kuldip Mahajan of the Hyderabad Superstars, headlined the competition. Kuldip Mahajan triumphed in the Pro Men's Singles, while other notable winners included Anuja Maheshwari (Pro Women's Singles), Vanshik Kapadia (Pro Men's and Mixed Doubles), and Vrushali Thakare (Pro Women's and Mixed Doubles).
WPBL Founder and CEO Gaurav Natekar announced ambitious plans for over 50 events under the WPBL On Tour banner, culminating in Season 2 in Mumbai. Hyderabad Superstars co-owners Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani expressed enthusiasm for the turnout, aiming to attract over 500 players for the next edition, showcasing the strong community support for pickleball in Hyderabad. The WPBL On Tour now heads to New Delhi for the Delhi Open from August 28 to 31, 2025, continuing its mission to expand the sport across India.
Hyderabad Pickleball League Drafts Star-Studded Rosters for Inaugural Season
Hyderabad, India – The Hyderabad Pickleball League (HPL) held its inaugural player auction on August 20th, 2025, at Zero40 Brewing, setting the stage for its first season to commence on October 10th, 2025. Conceptualised by Centre Court Sports and Entertainment, the HPL is introducing a franchise-style pickleball competition to India, blending regional talent with IPL-style entertainment.
Eight franchises—All Stars, Credicon Mavericks, Dasos Dynamos, Keerthi Warriors, Nandi Chargers, Starry Smashers, Teramor Titans, and The Raptors—participated in fierce bidding for players. Marquee players, including Asia’s 8th-ranked Sameer Varma, tennis ace Vishnu Vardhan, and Kidambi Nandagopal (brother of Indian badminton player Kidambi Srikanth), were directly drafted for ₹2 lakhs.
Each team was required to select 10 players, including at least one over 35 years old and a minimum of two female players, ensuring a diverse mix of talent and experience. Notable selections included Veda Raju Prapurna (All Stars, ₹78K), Sama Sathwika (Credicon Mavericks, ₹85K), Sowmya Pulumati (Dasos Dynamos, ₹82K), and the promising 14-year-old Gia Gandhi (Keerthi Warriors). The auction showcased strategic team building, promising a highly competitive season aimed at growing pickleball's fan base and presence in India.
Malaysian MP Dr Kelvin Yii Appointed Advisor to Boost Pickleball Growth
Kuching, Malaysia – The Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) has appointed Bandar Kuching Member of Parliament, Dr Kelvin Yii, as an advisor in a significant move to further develop pickleball across the nation. This appointment, led by MPA Acting President Delima Ibrahim, aligns perfectly with Dr Yii's long-standing ambition to drive the sport's growth, especially at the grassroots level.
Dr Yii will contribute to governance, structural frameworks, and strategic policies to ensure pickleball meets international standards and achieves sustainable growth in Malaysia. He has already been actively collaborating with the Youth and Sports Ministry and the Education Ministry to integrate pickleball into Malaysia's sports ecosystem. His ultimate vision is for pickleball to be recognised as a mainstream sport, paving the way for its inclusion in national events like Sukma and international games such as the Olympics.
The appointment comes at a crucial time, as pickleball is experiencing an "explosion" in Malaysia; the Klang Valley alone reported over 40,000 monthly court bookings in Q1 2025, with over 150,000 active weekly players nationwide. Dr Yii emphasised, "Pickleball is no longer just a trend; it’s a movement," underscoring the need for structured development, grassroots accessibility, and talent discovery to build a "rock-solid foundation" for the sport's future.
Metro Vancouver Set to Unveil Region's Largest Pickleball Hub This Fall
Metro Vancouver, Canada – Metro Vancouver will soon boast its largest pickleball facility when the Fairgrounds Public Racket Club opens inside Capilano Mall in North Vancouver this fall. This expansive new indoor venue is set to transform the region's sports scene, featuring 12 courts, a lounge, and a café, offering significantly more space for players to enjoy the rapidly growing sport.
The facility, built in the former Sears space, will serve as Fairgrounds' Vancouver flagship. Drummond Munro, co-founder of Fairgrounds, expressed excitement, emphasising the club's belief in "the power of racket sports to create meaningful connections, support wellness, and bring people together across generations".
Players at the new hub will have access to a comprehensive range of activities, including league play, coaching, clinics, mixers, and themed pickleball parties, alongside a pro shop. Emily Kim, General Manager of Capilano Mall, noted that Fairgrounds aligns with the mall owner's vision for community engagement, promising "memorable experiences" for North Shore residents. With pickleball recognised as the fastest-growing sport in North America, this new year-round facility is expected to be a central hub, attracting both newcomers and seasoned players, further fueling the sport's rapid expansion in the region.
India's Pickleball Star Vishal Laungani Calls for Government Support After Double Gold Win
India – Vishal Laungani, a prominent figure in Indian pickleball, secured two gold medals at PicklePulse 2025, triumphing in both Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles with partner Craig Correa. Following his victories, Laungani, often called a "poster boy" for the sport in India, is now urging the government to provide crucial support to ensure pickleball’s continued growth.
Laungani attributed his success, which included beating close friend Dhanvin Bhole in the singles final, to fundamental principles: discipline and sacrifice. He elaborated on the need to "show up when no one’s looking to train, practise, and get better," emphasising consistency and mental strength developed through rigorous, unsung preparation.
Looking ahead, Laungani believes that for more Indian players to follow in his competitive footsteps, systemic changes are needed. He explicitly called for "more coaches, more courts, and more affordable ways to play courtesy of the government". Comparing it to the provision of public cricket grounds in India or tennis courts in the U.S., he stressed that widespread governmental investment in public courts would truly allow the sport to flourish. Laungani’s advocacy aims to establish a robust pipeline of talented, disciplined players capable of achieving greatness in the rapidly expanding Indian pickleball scene.
USA Pickleball Partners with RSPA to Elevate National Coaching Standards
United States – USA Pickleball has announced a pivotal partnership with the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), designating RSPA as its official coaching partner. This collaboration aims to revolutionise pickleball coaching nationwide by integrating RSPA’s comprehensive pickleball certification program directly into USA Pickleball’s education system.
The alliance is designed to strengthen training for instructors across the country, fostering the development of highly skilled coaches and supporting the sport's broader expansion. RSPA, boasting over 14,000 members and a rich history dating back to 1927 (formerly the United States Professional Tennis Association), conducts over 200 educational events annually and is dedicated to raising coaching standards across various racquet sports, including tennis, padel, and squash.
Chris Zukas, Vice President of Membership Development and Service at USA Pickleball, lauded RSPA's "decades of coaching excellence and comprehensive certification programs" as perfectly aligned with USA Pickleball’s vision for global leadership in coach education. RSPA CEO Brian Dillman echoed this sentiment, stating that the integration of their curriculum will create "more opportunities for coaches to thrive" and ensure that certified professionals receive the highest level of training. This partnership is poised to establish consistent coaching standards, making pickleball more accessible and professional as it continues its rapid growth at both local and national levels.