Gabe Tardio Joins Facolos as WPBL Secures Eurosport, PPA Masters Open
Good morning, pickleballers!
Tuesday, Tuesday - so much big news has broken in the last 24 hours though, what a start to the week.
Before we get cracking with today's pickleball news, the January issue of World Pickleball Magazine is now live and free to read. Explore global stories from Türkiye, Poland, Italy, Japan, India, Pakistan, and more, alongside wider coverage of governance, refereeing, and how the sport is developing worldwide.
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In the latest episode, which you can listen to below, I speak to the Picklebros about content creation and their journey in Pickleball.
Here's the latest pickleball news from around the world.
Vietnamese Powerhouse Facolos Signs World No. 2 Gabe Tardio
Hanoi, Vietnam – In a move that signals a major shift in the global pickleball equipment market, the Vietnamese brand Facolos has signed World No. 2 player Gabriel Tardio to a multi-year partnership. The 20-year-old Bolivian-born star will serve as a global brand ambassador through 2027, using Facolos’ flagship EliteX paddle in all professional competitions. This strategic collaboration aims to establish Facolos as a leading Asian brand with true international reach, bridging the gap between Asian pickleball and the sport's massive U.S. presence.
Beyond the individual athlete sponsorship, Facolos has secured official paddle partner status with both the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP) in the United States. Tardio, who won nine gold medals in 2025 alongside World No. 1 Ben Johns, chose Facolos over several other rumoured offers due to the EliteX paddle's high performance and the brand's long-term R&D strategy. The EliteX is engineered with a T700 Raw Carbon face for maximum grit and spin, meeting all international competition standards.
Ms. Võ Trần Quỳnh Trang, Vice General Director of Facolos, stated that partnering with world-class athletes like Tardio is a "strategic investment" to elevate the position of Asian pickleball on the world stage. Facolos and Tardio will also collaborate on a co-branded collection featuring accessories and apparel. As the brand prepares for its U.S. market debut in 2026, its aggressive expansion and high-profile partnerships are expected to make the paddle landscape more dynamic and competitive. Tardio’s first appearance with Facolos gear will take place at the PPA Masters tournament in California.
Friday Pickleball Teams Up with "ThatPickleballGuy" to Challenge Industry Giants
Kansas City, USA – Friday Pickleball has announced a strategic partnership with professional player and prominent YouTuber Kyle Koszuta, a move designed to catapult the brand into the high-performance paddle market. Koszuta, widely recognised by his online handle "ThatPickleballGuy," brings his significant digital influence and educational expertise from "ThatPickleballSchool" to the brand. This signing follows the previous addition of pro player Rachel Rohrabacher, signalling Friday’s clear intent to transition from recreational gear to professional-grade equipment.
The partnership developed organically through the digital pickleball community and solidified after a collaborative session in Kansas City produced several viral videos. Koszuta expressed his enthusiasm for the brand’s rigorous research and development process, noting the team’s dedication to testing and iterating products for months before launch. As part of this expansion, Friday has submitted its new paddle lineup for UPA-A approval. Koszuta will transition to using a new full-foam paddle as his primary equipment, which is part of an upcoming series that includes the Aura and Aura Pro models.
Friday Pickleball’s long-term vision involves establishing itself as a premier mid-size performance brand capable of competing with industry leaders like Selkirk and Joola. Founder Jake Triplett emphasised that the company’s strategy relies heavily on community engagement and high-quality content creation to ensure longevity in a tightening market. Recent innovations, such as the Fever 102 paddle featuring a rubber strip to expand the sweet spot, demonstrate the brand's commitment to technical advancement. By combining professional athletic insight with a content-driven approach, Friday aims to be one of the few dominant paddle manufacturers remaining in the next five years.
Record Participation and Big Stakes at 2026 Pickleball Championship
Kolkata, India – The Indian pickleball calendar for 2026 is gaining significant momentum as the Kolkata Pickleball Championship prepares to host over 344 players. Sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association as a PWR 200 tournament, the event is scheduled to take place from January 13 to 18 at TurfXL. This six-day competition highlights the sport's rapid growth in the country, boasting a substantial total prize pool of Rs 9,41,500.
The championship features a diverse range of divisions, including junior, beginner, intermediate, and open categories. The grassroots level is well-represented, with steady participation in the U18 and U14 singles and doubles events. In the beginner section, the Men’s Singles category led with 34 entries, while the intermediate division saw intense competition with 40 men’s singles players and 39 doubles teams. The open category serves as a major draw, featuring 30 doubles teams and 23 singles competitors. Veteran segments also show strong engagement, particularly in the 35+ divisions.
Early results from the opening day saw Karan Singh Siddhu clinch the Beginners Men's Singles title after a hard-fought final against Mufaddal Faizullabhoy. Other notable performances included runners-up Prajnesh and Sai Siddharth in the Men’s Doubles 30+ category. This tournament is expected to play a vital role in shaping the competitive narrative for the 2026 Indian season. With packed schedules and a high calibre of play across all age groups, Kolkata has firmly established itself as a hub for the growing pickleball community.
The Delrays Claim Inaugural U.S. Legends Pickleball League Title
New York, USA – The U.S. Legends Pickleball League has successfully concluded its inaugural season, crowning the Delrays as the first-ever champions. The Delrays maintained a flawless performance throughout the year, finishing with a perfect 11-0 record. Their dominance culminated in a thrilling final match where they faced a stiff challenge from the Royals. The championship was ultimately decided in a high-stakes "dreambreaker," a close tie-breaker format that saw the Delrays secure the first-place trophy and a significant prize check.
Owners Aila Winkler Main and Karen Urban celebrated the team’s hard-earned victory as the league wrapped up its historic first chapter. Behind the Delrays and the runner-up Royals, the NY Ballers secured a respectable third-place finish, followed by the Rocketeers in fourth. League Correspondent Michele Ferran Spahr provided extensive coverage and social media updates throughout the tournament to keep fans engaged. The season’s success was further bolstered by the support of key sponsors, including Diadem Sports and Dink Eyewear, who provided equipment and backing throughout the year.
Organisers expressed deep gratitude to the players, owners, and referees who dedicated their time and skill to making the debut season a reality. For fans who missed the live action, the league has made full replays of the matches available on their official YouTube channel. As the league looks toward future seasons, the inaugural success of the Delrays sets a high standard for competition within the professional legends circuit. The combination of undefeated consistency and a dramatic finale has established a strong foundation for the continued growth of the U.S. Legends Pickleball League.
High Seeds Set for Season-Opening Clashes at PPA Masters
Palm Springs, USA – The professional pickleball world has converged in the California desert for the Carvana PPA Masters, the premier opening event of the 2026 tour season. As the Round of 64 kicks off across several showcase courts, the draws have revealed the early paths for the sport’s elite stars, many of whom are awaiting qualifiers to emerge from a dense TBD (to be determined) field.
In the men’s singles bracket, top-ranked Hunter Johnson (1) leads the charge on the Grandstand Court, awaiting the winner of the qualifying rounds. He is joined in the "waiting game" by other heavy hitters, including Christian Alshon (3) and Connor Garnett (4) on Showcase Court #1, as well as Jaume Martinez Vich (5) and Chris Haworth (6) on other showcase venues. While many top seeds wait for the brackets to solidify, JW Johnson (23) faces an immediate and physical challenge against 42nd seed Tama Shimabukuro.
The women’s singles draw also features several marquee names entering the fray early. Seventeenth seed Jessie Irvine is drawn against 42nd seed E. Elenga Satuala on Showcase Court #2, while Jalina Ingram (18) prepares to face Caroline Trevino (48) on the Grandstand Court. Nearby on Showcase Court #6, Adam Harvey (16) will duel with Luc Pham (52) in a battle of established talent versus rising contenders.
Mixed doubles action remains a major draw on the Grandstand Court, where the sibling duo of JW and Jorja Johnson (2) and the powerhouse pairing of Anna Bright and James Patriquin (3) sit at the top of their respective brackets, waiting for their first opponents to be decided. With prestigious early-season momentum and significant prize money on the line, the PPA Masters is poised to deliver the "big moments" that define the competitive landscape for the year ahead.
Toronto’s Pickleplex Tapped to Host Prestigious 2026 Canadian National Championships
Toronto, Canada – Pickleball Canada has officially selected the Pickleplex Social Club as the host venue for the 2026 Pickleball Canada National Championship. Scheduled to take place from August 25 to 30, 2026, the event will utilise Pickleplex’s state-of-the-art facilities in both Downsview and Vaughan. This landmark tournament will feature 21 purpose-built indoor courts, providing a premier environment for athletes, officials, and spectators in the Greater Toronto Area.
The championship will offer competition across five days in several categories, including men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. A significant highlight of the week will be the Provincial Team Competition (PTC), which will serve a more critical role in 2026. The PTC will be used as a key evaluation criterion for the National Development Program, helping to identify top talent for Canada’s international pickleball efforts. Executive Director Barry Petrachenko noted that the event aims to provide a "first-class player experience" while fostering the growth of the national pickleball community.
The selection of Pickleplex underscores the rapid expansion of the sport in Canada, which recently celebrated surpassing 90,000 members nationwide. Co-founder and CEO of Pickleplex Social Club, Steven Fry, stated that his team is already working closely with Pickleball Canada to ensure a fantastic experience for players travelling from across the country. As one of the largest and most diverse metropolitan regions in Canada, Toronto is expected to draw a massive crowd of volunteers and fans. This championship represents a significant milestone in the continued evolution of Canadian pickleball.
PCL Asia Launches "Rising Stars" Program for Elite Youth Development
Beijing, China – The Pickleball Champions League (PCL Asia) has announced the launch of "PCL Rising Stars," a comprehensive youth development program for athletes under the age of 19. This initiative is designed to identify and elevate the next generation of elite pickleball players across Asia by providing a structured professional pathway. Teams consisting of two male and two female players will compete through national and regional qualifiers to earn a spot in the prestigious Finals.
The PCL Rising Stars Finals will be hosted at the Asia Elite Pickleball Academy (AEPA), currently under construction at the Beijing Haidian Foreign Language Experimental School’s Hainan Campus. The AEPA is envisioned as a high-performance hub, modelled after Olympic-level training programs in other sports like tennis. Standout players from the program will be eligible for life-changing scholarships to attend the academy, providing them with world-class training and education in a professional environment.
Alex Yuen, President of PCL, emphasised that investing in young talent is critical to ensuring that youth development keeps pace with the sport's rapid growth in the region. Unlike traditional junior tournaments, Rising Stars focuses on long-term athlete development, fairness, and visibility. By standardizing equipment and offering regional exposure, PCL Asia aims to professionalize the sport while remaining athlete-first. This program represents a major step forward in building a sustainable foundation for pickleball excellence across the Asian continent.
Rising Stars and Veterans Clash at the PPA Challenger Series
Punta Gorda, USA – The 2026 PPA Challenger Series kicked off with an action-packed weekend at PicklePlex in Punta Gorda, Florida, hosting 396 players for the season's first event. The tournament showcased the increasing depth of the sport, as no single player managed to earn more than one title. Fans witnessed a compelling mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, with intense matches that often came down to the final points.
In a standout performance, 46-year-old veteran Ewa Radzikowska secured the women’s doubles gold alongside Tammy Emmrich. Following their 11-4, 11-9 victory, Radzikowska revealed that 2026 will be her final year of professional competition, stating she wants to "finish strong" and "enjoy every moment" of her last season. Meanwhile, the men’s doubles final featured a dramatic comeback by Juan Benitez and 14-year-old prodigy Camden Chaffin. The pair trailed 4-9 in the final game and saved four match points before clinching a gritty 6-11, 11-0, 13-11 win.
The singles divisions also saw familiar faces on the podium, with Seone Mendez earning her third career PPA Challenger singles gold and George Rangelov taking the men's singles title. Mixed doubles gold went to the pair of Paula Rives and Christopher Crouch. Despite the sweltering Florida heat, the competition remained fierce, and many athletes immediately travelled to Palm Springs for the season's first major tour event. This successful opening event sets a high bar for the Challenger Series as it continues to develop the next generation of professional talent.
Football Legends Back New Wave of Racket Sports Gear with "Third Shot" Launch
Sheffield, United Kingdom – A new sportswear brand, Third Shot, has officially launched with a primary focus on meeting the specific needs of the rapidly growing padel and pickleball communities. Founded by Joe Matthewson, an avid pickleball player who noticed a gap in the market for high-quality, independent gear, the business is co-led by commercial expert Kevin Johnson. The brand’s debut collection includes hoodies, active tops, skorts, and even a custom-made padel racket.
Third Shot has garnered significant attention due to its impressive roster of backers, which includes former professional footballers Matt Le Tissier, David Hirst, and Mark Crossley. Other notable investors include Paul Heckingbottom and Paddy Kenny. Matthewson explained that the clothing is specifically designed to accommodate the unique movements and physical demands of racket sports. By positioning itself as an independent alternative to large, established sportswear giants, Third Shot aims to build authentic momentum within local communities.
The brand has already established strong trade relationships with several key venues in Yorkshire, such as Peak Pickleball in Sheffield and Salus Padel in Bradford. In addition to its clothing line, Third Shot is actively signing rising athletes and content creators to represent the brand. Matthewson expressed pride in the early positive response, noting that the backing from high-profile athletes shows the brand is "building real momentum". As the popularity of padel and pickleball continues to surge across the UK, Third Shot is well-positioned to become a staple for both competitive and recreational players.
Melbourne’s Iconic Laneways Return to the Court for the 2026 AO Pickleball Slam
Melbourne, Australia – The AO Pickleball Slam (AOPS) is set to return to Melbourne Park in 2026, further cementing its place as a cornerstone of the professional pickleball calendar. Running from January 30 to February 1, the event will take place on the iconic ANZ Arena during the final weekend of the Australian Open. The tournament features 12 male and 12 female superstars from Asia, Australia, and North America, all competing for a share of a $100,000 prize pool.
The AOPS utilises a unique team format where players are assigned to one of six teams named after Melbourne’s famous laneways, such as Degraves, Flinders, and the defending champions, Hosier. The competition follows a round-robin draw where each rubber consists of eight matches, including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Matches are time-based and use a rally-scoring system, where points are awarded to the winner of every rally regardless of who served. If a matchup ends in a tie, a high-speed "AOPS Showdown" singles tiebreaker is used to determine the winner.
Beyond the record prize money—with the first-place team taking home $40,000—players receive an elite experience including exclusive gym and locker-room access. Grounds Pass holders at the Australian Open can watch the action for free at ANZ Arena, which is located directly beside Rod Laver Arena. Tennis Australia’s inclusion of pickleball in its Grand Slam programming highlights the sport's growing global prestige. With its innovative format and world-class setting, the 2026 AOPS is poised to be the premier pickleball event of the Australian summer.
World Pickleball League Brings the Action to 70 Million Eurosport Homes
Paris, France – The World Pickleball League (WPBL) has announced a monumental partnership with Eurosport, naming the network its official broadcast partner for Season 2. This strategic alliance is set to bring professional pickleball to more than 70 million homes across Europe and beyond. Following a highly successful debut season, the league aims to capitalise on its initial popularity by providing consistent, high-quality "sportainment" to a global audience.
The partnership represents a significant step in the WPBL’s mission to revolutionise the sport and expand its viewership base. By utilizing Eurosport’s extensive reach and broadcasting expertise, the league ensures that the fast-paced action of professional pickleball is accessible to both long-time fans and newcomers to the sport. This expansion into mainstream television signifies the growing commercial appeal of pickleball as it continues to trend upward in the international sports landscape.
Fans can expect comprehensive coverage of the league's upcoming season, featuring the sport's top athletes and most exciting matchups delivered directly to their screens. The WPBL’s commitment to high production values and engaging content is expected to be further enhanced by Eurosport’s professional broadcasting standards. As the "pickleball revolution" continues to sweep across the globe, this partnership ensures that the WPBL remains at the forefront of the sport's digital and television expansion.
Hundreds Gather in Sutherland for High-Heat Tournament Action
Sutherland, Australia – The Sutherland Basketball Stadium recently transformed into a hub of competitive pickleball as it hosted 481 players for The Spirit of Pickleball Tournament. The three-day indoor event was marked by high temperatures, but the heat did not dampen the "fantastic spirit" of the competitors. Matches were played across various age and skill divisions, with a heavy emphasis on friendly but fierce competition and sportsmanship.
Day 1 saw significant success for local members, including a notable clean sweep in the 55+ 2.99 & Under division. Gold medalists included the pairs of Kim Foster and Catherine Hughes in the Split Age 2.99 & Under category, as well as Peter Acret and Graeme Sussmilch in the 55+ division. Other standout gold performances came from Greg Loupos and Garry Sheffield, who dominated their respective age-group brackets. In the younger divisions, Lillie Johnson and Alicia Callanan secured gold in the 16+ 3.0–3.49 category.
Organisers praised the volunteers and officials for ensuring the tournament ran smoothly despite the challenging weather conditions. The event featured a wide range of skill levels, from beginners in the 2.99 and under brackets to more experienced players in the 3.49 divisions. Photos from the event captured the "big smiles" and athletic intensity that defined the weekend. By fostering an environment of respect and high-level play, the Sutherland tournament has established itself as a premier community event on the Australian pickleball calendar.
New Club League Structure Promises National Growth for Pickleball
Cardiff, Wales – The Welsh Pickleball Club League (WPCL) has officially detailed its national inter-club structure, aiming to unify players of all ages and skill levels across the country. Led by Directors Joel Baker and Matthew Hazlehurst, the league is designed to function similarly to a traditional football league, featuring promotions and demotions based on seasonal performance. The WPCL is divided into three distinct regions—North, South East, and South West Wales—to facilitate regional play and reduce travel time for participating clubs.
The league offers both an "Open League" for teams of six and a "Women's League" for teams of four, with women allowed to compete in both categories. Each season lasts four months, with two full seasons planned per year. Matches follow a home-and-away format, where the home team is responsible for providing equipment, booking suitable venues, and choosing the balls used. This structure encourages local communities and groups to register as official clubs, provided they have a fixed base location for regional placement.
Registration for the first season concludes on February 21st, with the official start date set for March 1st. To ensure flexibility, teams are encouraged to carry extra players to accommodate changing schedules. Matches consist of multiple games played to 11, with the Women's League utilising a "Dream Breaker" tie-breaker format if scores are even. This professionalised league structure represents a major advancement for Welsh pickleball, providing a consistent competitive framework for the sport’s ongoing development.