Dallas MiLP, APP Finale, IPBL Stars - World Pickleball Roundup

Good morning, pickleballers!

Halfway through the week and plenty of pickleball news for you to catch up on.

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Dallas Crowned Capital of Amateur Pickleball: Records Smash at Minor League Championship

Dallas, USA – The confetti has settled in Pickler Universe, marking the conclusion of the largest amateur team pickleball tournament in history. The 2025 Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) National Championship wrapped up this week, setting a new benchmark for the sport with a staggering 1,300 registrations and 318 teams competing for a share of the $100,000 prize purse.

Competitors converged from 35 U.S. states and eight different countries, ranging in age from 10 to 69, proving the sport's massive demographic reach. The event was a five-day spectacle of elite amateur competition, highlighted by costume contests and viral moments. Most notably, 11-year-old Carson Ngo stunned the crowd with an "ATP" (Around the Post) shot that commentators are already calling the highlight of the year.

The "Premier Ballerz" emerged as a dominant force, securing titles in both the DUPR 14 Open Age Division and the V3 DUPR 11 Gendered Divisions. Other standout champions included "Fawkes Phoenix" in the DUPR 18 division and "Netflix" taking the crown in DUPR 22. International talent also shone brightly, with Puerto Rico’s "Pretty Tough" and "The Oldies Crew" capturing titles in the V3 DUPR 13 Women's and 50+ 12 divisions, respectively.

With the trophies distributed and the costumes packed away, organisers DUPR and Minor League Pickleball celebrated the record-breaking turnout as a definitive statement that amateur pickleball has become a global phenomenon.

Finale at The Fort: Global Stars Converge for APP Tour Season Ender

Fort Lauderdale, USA – The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour has arrived at its dramatic conclusion for the 2025 season. The "Finale at The Fort," officially the GEICO APP Tour Championships, is currently underway at The Fort in Florida, running through December 14. As a Major event, the tournament features enhanced points and prize money, drawing hundreds of amateurs and the world's elite professionals to the APP’s global headquarters.

Key storylines dominate the professional brackets as players vie for year-end glory. In women’s singles, Sofia Sewing is the player to beat. Ranked No. 1, Sewing enters the championship hot on the heels of her fourth consecutive gold medal in Mesa. Meanwhile, Megan Fudge, the tour’s all-time leader in career medals with 83, looks to add to her haul after a double-gold performance at the recent Mesa Open.

On the men’s side, the "purple power" duo of Max Manthou and Erik Lange return as the No. 2 seeds in men's doubles, following their first gold of the season. All eyes are also on teenage sensation Jack Munro, who leads all pros with 13 gold medals this season. He holds the top seeds in both men's doubles (with Will Howells) and mixed doubles (with Fudge).

The event also welcomes international competitors, including Bermuda’s Imani Phillips, who arrived in Florida fresh off a silver-medal finish in the Cayman Islands to compete in women's singles,. With live coverage on ESPN+, the championship promises to place an exclamation mark on a historic season for the APP Tour.

Fieri Family Spice: Brooklyn Pickleball Team Adds Celebrity Ownership

New York City, USA – Major League Pickleball’s (MLP) Brooklyn Pickleball Team has added significant star power to its front office, selling a minority stake to media personalities Hunter and Tara Fieri. The deal, announced on December 8, 2025, sees the newly-married entrepreneurs joining an already star-studded ownership group led by Al Tylis and Sam Porter.

The Fieris bring a unique blend of culinary and sports entertainment experience to the franchise. Hunter is a well-known TV personality and event host, while Tara is a former NCAA champion softball player turned content creator. The couple expressed their enthusiasm for the venture, citing pickleball as a meaningful part of their lives. "Owning a team in the heart of Brooklyn is a dream come true," they said in a joint statement, emphasising their commitment to blending "community, competition, and fun".

The Brooklyn franchise, which originally debuted as the D.C. Pickleball Team in 2023 and won the MLP Dallas Premier Level championship that year, rebranded prior to the 2025 season. The current ownership group already boasts high-profile names such as Eva Longoria, Justin Verlander, Kate Upton, and Odell Beckham Jr. This latest acquisition by the Fieri family further solidifies the intersection of pop culture and professional pickleball as the league continues to expand its footprint.

Captain Cool on the Court: Cricket Legend MS Dhoni Spotted Playing Pickleball in Dubai

Dubai, UAE – Just days before the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, cricket icon MS Dhoni was spotted swapping his bat for a paddle in Dubai. The 44-year-old former Indian captain was seen enjoying a game of pickleball with friends on Monday, looking notably fit and energetic ahead of his 19th IPL season.

Dhoni, who has been retained by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as an uncapped player, appeared relaxed as he engaged in swift rallies and lighthearted banter. This isn't the first time "Captain Cool" has been seen on the pickleball court; two years ago, a video of him playing with teammate Rishabh Pant went viral, showcasing his sharp reflexes.

The unannounced session offered fans a glimpse of Dhoni’s offseason regime. Despite his age, his agility on the pickleball court mirrors his enduring prowess behind the stumps, where he recently became the first player in IPL history to record 200 dismissals. As the cricket world turns its eyes to Abu Dhabi for the upcoming auction, Dhoni’s detour into pickleball highlights the sport's growing appeal among elite athletes using it for fitness and recreation.

Atlantic Breakthrough: CNPL Expands Reach with Historic Maritimes Qualifier

Halifax, Canada – The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) has officially touched down in Atlantic Canada. In a landmark moment for the sport in the region, Crosscourt Pickleball in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, hosted the first-ever CNPL qualifier event in the Maritimes on December 6.

The event drew athletes from across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland, offering them a direct local pathway to professional pickleball for the first time. Competitors in the DUPR 22 division battled for a chance to be selected in the upcoming 2026 CNPL Draft. Organisers hailed the event as a significant step in the league's national expansion, stating, "The Maritimes are now officially part of the conversation".

The road to the pros continues this weekend in Ontario. On December 13, Smash Pickleball London will host a final "Showdown" qualifier. This represents one of the last opportunities for hopefuls to prove their mettle before the draft registration deadline closes on January 19, 2026. The league has confirmed that the official draft day is set for January 27, where the next generation of Canadian pickleball stars will be selected.

Streaming Spotlight: New Documentary ‘The Power of Pickleball’ Explores Cultural Phenomenon

Los Angeles, USA – A comprehensive new documentary chronicling the meteoric rise of America's fastest-growing sport has officially hit the airwaves. Titled The Power of Pickleball, the film is now streaming on Documentary+ and is slated for release on Amazon and Apple platforms in early 2026.

Directed by Alexander Jeffery, the documentary offers a deep dive into the sport's history and its explosion in popularity during the 2020s. The film features interviews with some of the biggest names in the game, including world number one Ben Johns, pro Catherine Parenteau, and MLP founder Steve Kuhn. It also shines a light on historical figures like the Pritchard family, credited with inventing the game, and historian Jennifer Lucore.

Jeffery, inspired by his own family's obsession with the sport, took his crew across the United States to capture the unique community aspect that defines pickleball. "We really wanted to focus on those perennial, evergreen aspects of the sport," Jeffery noted, emphasising how the game has fostered connection and improved health for millions,. The release comes at a pivotal time, as pickleball continues to gain mainstream traction and major corporate sponsorship.

Manila’s Major Bid: Philippines Eyes Hosting 2027 Global Championship

Manila, Philippines – Following the successful hosting of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) Congress, the Philippines has formally announced its ambitious bid to host the Global Pickleball Championship in 2027. The announcement was made by Sherry Ann Cu, Tournament Chair of the Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF).

The bid is bolstered by significant infrastructure plans, specifically the construction of "Helios," a massive multi-story indoor pickleball facility. Once completed in 2027, Helios aims to be the first of its kind in Asia, featuring a 2,000-seat stadium and 25 championship courts. "We’re pitching for the first Global Pickleball Championship to be held in the Philippines," Cu confirmed, noting the strong support from the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The Philippines recently welcomed delegations from 35 countries for the GPF Congress, asserting its role as a key player in the sport's Asian expansion. With the country being the first in the world to receive National Olympic Committee recognition for pickleball, officials believe they are uniquely positioned to bring the global championship to Manila as they push for the sport's inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Island Silver: Bermuda’s Phillips Shines at Cayman Islands Open

George Town, Cayman Islands – The Total Health Cayman Islands Open concluded this week with a strong showing from international competitors, including a silver-medal performance by Bermuda’s Imani Phillips. Playing in the 4.5 and above mixed doubles division, Phillips partnered with Israel’s Yaniv Semo to reach the finals.

In a tightly contested championship match, Phillips and Semo fell just short against the local Cayman duo of Jess Murie and Michael Carse, losing in three sets (9-11, 11-9, 8-11). Despite the loss, Phillips expressed relief at finding her form on the final day after a challenging start to the tournament in the women’s singles draw, where she reached the quarterfinals.

"I feel like I'm just coming out of it and gaining my confidence back," said Phillips, who has since travelled to Florida for the APP Tour Championships. The tournament also saw success for other Bermudian players; Leslie Jackson and Emma Simmons were crowned champions in the senior women's doubles (50+) division, going undefeated throughout the round-robin stage. Naphisa Smith also secured a bronze in the mixed doubles 4.0 division, rounding out a successful Caribbean campaign for the visiting delegation.

Gridiron to Court: Heisman Legends Swap Helmets for Paddles in NYC

New York City, USA – College football royalty is descending on Manhattan this weekend, but they won't be throwing passes. On Saturday, December 13, former Heisman Trophy winners Tim Tebow, Danny Wuerffel, Eric Crouch, and Johnny Rodgers will compete in the "2025 PickleBowl: Heisman Edition" at Life Time Penn 1.

The event serves as a prelude to the official Heisman Trophy announcement later that evening. Organised by The Wuerffel Foundation and the Heisman Trophy Trust, the charity exhibition will see these gridiron legends paired with top professional pickleball players, including Riley Newman and Kyle Yates.

Fans can purchase tickets to watch the action courtside or buy VIP packages that allow them to play alongside the Heisman winners. The event aims to celebrate athleticism and camaraderie while raising funds for charity. As anticipation builds to see whether current nominees like Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love or Colorado’s Travis Hunter take home the 2025 trophy, the PickleBowl offers a unique opportunity to see past legends compete in the country's fastest-growing sport.

Rallying for a Cure: St Albans Group Raises £15,000 in Pickleball Marathon

St Albans, United Kingdom – The St Albans and Harpenden Pickleball Group (SHARP) has successfully raised over £15,000 for charity following an exhausting but triumphant nine-hour pickleball marathon. The event, held on December 8, saw dedicated players take to the courts to support Parkinson’s UK and the Chilterns Neuro Centre.

The marathon was a test of endurance and community spirit, with local radio stations attending to chronicle the day's efforts. The funds raised will provide vital support for the approximately 150,000 people in the UK living with Parkinson’s, as well as those supported by the Chilterns Neuro Centre, which offers therapies for people with Multiple Sclerosis and stroke survivors.

Organisers celebrated the event's success, noting that smiles remained on the players' faces right until the final bell rang to mark the end of the nine-hour session. This significant contribution highlights the growing role of local pickleball clubs in community philanthropy across the UK.

Queen of the Court: Méndez Dominates Pickle Pro Tour Season Rankings

Madrid, Spain – As the 2025 Pickle Pro Tour season comes to a close, one name stands above the rest in the Spanish pickleball scene: Sabrina Méndez. The Madrid native has finished the year as the undisputed number one in the women's individual rankings, amassing 5,000 points—nearly double that of her closest competitor.

Méndez's season was nothing short of spectacular, claiming victory in four of the five finals she contested. Her dominance was cemented at the season finale, the Gran Canaria Open, where she once again displayed the lethal consistency that has defined her year. Rocío Cardo finished the season in the second spot, despite an early lead after winning the opener in Málaga, while María Pintor secured third place after a strong showing in Mijas.

On the men’s side, Pep Canyadell was crowned the number one player in the individual category, recognised for being the most consistent player on tour throughout 2025. The season concluded with a flourish in the Canary Islands, showcasing the high level of talent now competing across Spain.

Borneo Rising: Sarawak Announces Major 2026 Youth Championship

Sarawak, Malaysia – The Sarawak Chinese Association (SCA) has unveiled plans to host the TOBC Borneo Pickleball Championship in March 2026. Scheduled to take place at the Paragon Pickleball Sports Centre, the tournament will serve as a curtain-raiser for the Taste of Borneo Cultural Carnival 4.0.

The event is designed with a strong focus on youth development, targeting students aged 10 to 18. SCA President Harry Lee emphasised that the championship is "more than just a competition," describing it as a high-impact initiative to empower youth and strengthen unity among Sarawak's diverse ethnic groups.

A unique feature of the tournament is its integration with the local education system; students participating will earn points for their school-based co-curricular assessments. The championship aims to draw participants from neighbouring Sabah, Brunei, and Indonesia, fostering cross-border connections while promoting sports tourism in the region.

Enter the Yeti: York Region Gains Pro Team as Brewers Relocate

York Region, Canada – Professional pickleball has a new home in the Greater Toronto Area. The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) franchise, formerly known as the Southwest Ontario Brewers has officially relocated and rebranded as the "York Yeti".

The move is spearheaded by new owner and former NHL player Cody Hodgson, a York Region native. Hodgson is joined in the ownership group by fellow NHL alumnus T.J. Brodie. Hodgson described the acquisition as a "full-circle moment," expressing a desire to reinvest in the community where his own athletic journey began.

The York Yeti brand aims to symbolize strength and resilience, reflecting the team's northern identity. Beyond professional competition, the franchise plans to establish a high-performance venue that will host youth programming, clinics, and corporate events. "The area has emerged as a thriving hub for pickleball," the team statement read, citing York Region's family-oriented communities and recreational culture as the ideal foundation for the new franchise.

India’s Next Gen Arrives: Young Stars and Global Vision Define IPBL Season

New Delhi, India – The inaugural Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) 2025 has concluded at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, leaving a legacy of breakout stars and a bold vision for the sport's future in the country. While the Mumbai Smashers claimed the championship title, the headlines belonged to a wave of young Indian talent that stood toe-to-toe with global pros.

Teenager Pearl Amalsadiwala (19) was instrumental in Mumbai’s victory, winning a crucial women’s doubles match in the final. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Arjun Singh of the Bengaluru Blasters and 17-year-old Stavya Bhasin of Capital Warriors Gurgaon stunned audiences with their maturity. Bhasin, partnering with Jack Munro, secured a memorable victory over Vietnamese star Quang Duong, signalling that Indian players are ready for the world stage.

The event also served as a platform for global strategy. Javier Regalado, President of the Global Pickleball Federation, attended the league and identified India as a critical market. Speaking in New Delhi, Regalado championed the concept of "street pickleball" as the key to mass adoption. "If street Pickleball explodes, it will reach every corner of India," Regalado stated, predicting that India, alongside China, will become a central revenue hub for the sport.