Global Pickleball Alliance Forms as MLP Growth Breaks Records

Good morning, pickleballers - and what a morning for pickleball news it is.

We have some massive breaking news to unveil today, but before we go there I'd like to draw attention to our latest podcast - recorded yesterday.

In the latest World Pickleball Podcast, Gordo and I went on a truly global tour of the world game.

No other pickleball podcast in the world brings you the news in the way the World Pickleball Podcast does.

In yesterday's show;

🏆 MLP wrap: How did the Sliders take the crown?

🇺🇸 Alshon splits with Leigh Waters: Why has this happened, and do we overplay the role of a coach in individual/small team sports?

🇭🇰 Hong Kong: Who took the medals in the latest PPA Asia event?

🇮🇳 Hyderabad Open: A review of the first WPBL on Tour event in India

🇦🇺 Australia spat: With the tennis federation putting on pickleball events, what does this mean for pickleball in Australia?

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Welsh Open preview: It's the first-ever Welsh Open next week, and we have a small preview

🇲🇳 Mongolia: That's right, they play pickleball in Mongolia, and we can tell you all about how we know this!

Please do leave the podcast a rating and review, and be sure to subscribe/follow it on whatever platform you get your podcasts from.

Now you have done that, let's crack on with the latest world pickleball news from the last 24 hours.

Global Pickleball Alliance Unveils Unified Pro Tour and Calendar

New York, USA – A groundbreaking global alliance, led by the Association of Pickleball Players (APP), has been formed to accelerate the growth of professional pickleball worldwide. This monumental collaboration unites seven inaugural national organisations: the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL), European Pickleball Federation (EPF), India’s Global Sports, Australia’s National Pickleball League (NPL), Pickleball England, and Vietnam’s Pickleball D-Joy.

The alliance aims to create a unified, non-conflicting tournament calendar, a streamlined global-ranking system, and a tiered prize money structure, along with commercial arrangements and financial scholarship support for professional players. APP Founder Ken Herrmann emphasised the player-focused mission, stating that this initiative provides more competitive opportunities than ever before and will "evolve the credibility and growth of the sport".

At the core of this initiative is a year-round world calendar for 2026, featuring at least 30 tournaments globally, from Canada to Vietnam. Partners have collaborated to ensure no scheduling conflicts, maximising player participation. Key events will include the Canadian Open in September, the English Open, Indian Open, European Open, and the APP Tour Championships. A singular, unified global rankings system will be developed by all partners and will launch with the 2026 schedule, ensuring fair competition for international players.

Mike McAnich, Co-Founder and Commissioner of the CNPL, expressed pride in the alliance, highlighting the new level of opportunities for players in Canada and globally. This initiative signifies a major step toward unity and a clearer career pathway for athletes, demonstrating collaboration's power to professionalise the sport.

Canada's Elite Assemble for 2025 Pickleball World Cup Challenge

Fort Lauderdale, USA – The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) is set to make a significant impact at the 2025 Pickleball World Cup in Fort Lauderdale, with a formidable contingent of players, staff, and coaches representing Team Canada. This strong presence underscores the league’s growing influence on the international pickleball stage.

Key leadership from the CNPL will guide Team Canada, including General Manager Yui See Lau, co-founder and creative director of CNPL, and co-founder and commissioner Mike McAninch, who also serves on the Player Selection Committee. Other crucial staff members include Ricky Liorti, Team Operations Director and owner of Toronto United, and Bret Shepley, Team Personnel Director and Assistant Coach, who also owns the Southwestern Ontario Brewers. Coaching expertise will come from Kaytlynn Soroka (Assistant Coach for Open and Senior Teams) and Carolina Hack (Assistant Coach for Youth U16 Team).

Team Canada's roster features many current and former CNPL athletes across Open and Senior categories. Open Team members include Kyle Hermetz, Mikaël Gaumond, Caelan Sampson, Mike McCaffrey, Chris Alain, Anna Dyachenko, Jada Bui, Tara Di Giuseppe, Carolina Hack, and Casey Rodgers. The Senior Team will see Corey Osborne and Rob Krizmanich compete.

The CNPL emphasises that this achievement is a collective effort, reflecting contributions from the entire league community, including staff, owners, volunteers, and fans. The ultimate goal is to see Canada stand atop the pickleball world podium, fueled by every aspect of the sport’s development within the country. This strong unified bid highlights Canada's ambition for international pickleball success.

Hawaii Family's Cross-Country Pickleball Adventure Yields National Qualification

Greensboro, USA – The Nicol family from Kula, Hawaii, embarked on a remarkable cross-country journey of over 4,600 miles to compete in the USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina, in late May 2025. Father Scott Nicol, son Connor Nicol, and daughter Sierra Nicol all participated, creating lasting memories both on and off the court.

The trip was a carefully balanced endeavour, as Connor Nicol, 30, had just graduated from law school and was preparing for the bar exam, while 17-year-old Sierra Nicol combined the tournament with East Coast college tours. The strategic planning allowed the family to merge academic pursuits with their shared passion for pickleball.

Their dedication paid off on the court. Connor Nicol secured a spot in the 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships in singles after his performance on May 30. He then teamed up with his father, Scott, in doubles, and the duo qualified for Nationals for the second consecutive year. The 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships are scheduled for November 15–23 in San Diego. Sierra also made her pickleball tournament debut, competing in mixed doubles with Connor.

Pickleball serves as a strong family bond for the Nicols, introduced by Scott, with Sierra noting they even have a court at their house. While her mother prefers casual home games, the competitive spirit runs high for the others. The journey, encompassing travel, competition, and quality time together, proved to be an unforgettable experience.

Chicago Readies for Seventh Annual APP Open, Featuring Top Pros

Chicago, USA – The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour is celebrating its roots by returning to its birthplace for the seventh annual APP Chicago Open, the ninth tournament of its 2025 season. Running for five action-packed days from Thursday, August 28, to Sunday, August 31, the event will host elite pickleball at Danny Cunniff Park and the new Club Pickle & Padel in Highland Park.

The tournament will feature a diverse lineup, including amateurs of all ages, the world’s elite pros, and competition in the AARP Champions (50+) and AARP Masters (60+) divisions. Fans can catch the action through national television coverage on CBS Sports Network and extensive livestream coverage on APPTV on YouTube and Marquee Sports Network.

Several top pro storylines are unfolding for the Chicago Open:

• Sofia Sewing, the top-ranked APP Tour women's singles pro, aims for a Triple Crown after recent gold medals in doubles events.
• Megan Fudge, the APP Tour's all-time leader in career medals with 75, is a top seed in women's pro doubles.
• Richard Livornese, Jr. and Tanner Tomassi are chasing their third consecutive men's pro doubles title.
• Local favorite Ammar Wazir, a former Univ. of Illinois-Chicago tennis standout, will compete after earning his first career APP Tour gold medal in singles at the Great Lakes Open.
• Jack Munro ties for the most medals among APP Tour men's pros in 2025 with 13.

With top talent and diverse divisions, the APP Chicago Open promises to be a thrilling showcase for the sport in its hometown.

Pickleball Debuts at Davao City's Kadayawan Festival with Doubles Tournament

Davao City, Philippines – The renowned annual Kadayawan Festival in Davao City saw an exciting new addition to its 2025 festivities: the 2025 Kadayawan sa Dabaw Pickleball Doubles Tournament. Held on August 24, 2025, at the Crisron Pickleball Court in Maa, the tournament marked pickleball's official integration into the vibrant cultural celebration that honours bountiful harvests and Davao's rich heritage.

The one-day competition drew an impressive approximately 200 players from across Mindanao, including Cotabato, General Santos City, and various Davao provinces. This significant turnout clearly indicates pickleball’s burgeoning popularity in the southern Philippines. Tournament director Juanito “Titong” Cansino oversaw play across four categories: intermediate, beginners, 40-and-above, and 50-and-above.

The intermediate division title was clinched by the formidable pair of Ahmil Hussein “Kaka Jeng” Ampatuan Macapendeg and Sigmond Escalona of Cotabato City, who bested Gérard Cole Pinili and Euriz Tanucan in a tight 15–12 final. Other winners included Dionar Nico Suson and Ruskin Flexner Suson in the beginners’ category, Max Montecillio and Ali Serquina in the 40-and-above division, and Jeffrey Galinato and Bernard Rosanto in the 50-and-above division.

Winners were awarded ₱6,000 in cash each, with runners-up receiving ₱4,000, courtesy of the City Mayor’s Office. The successful debut of pickleball at the Kadayawan Festival highlights the sport's growing presence and the community's enthusiastic embrace of this fast-rising game in the region.

Major League Pickleball Concludes Record-Breaking Season with High Viewership and Ambitious Expansion Plans

New York, USA – Major League Pickleball (MLP) wrapped its 2025 season with a spectacular Finals weekend, held August 22-24 at CityPickle in Wollman Rink, Central Park, delivering record attendance and robust television ratings. The CBS broadcast of the Finals between the Columbus Sliders and New Jersey 5s attracted an average of 433,000 viewers, marking it as the second-most-watched professional pickleball match of all time. This viewership surpassed other nationally broadcast weekend sports such as LIV Golf and the LPGA.

The event saw sold-out crowds, with 1,300 fans daily on Saturday and Sunday, contributing to a projected over $400,000 in ticket sales. This caps a season of remarkable year-over-year growth across key areas, including more than double sponsor revenue, a 28% increase in ticket revenue, and a staggering 277% surge in social media impressions.

MLP Commissioner Samin Odhwani unveiled ambitious plans for the league's future, signalling a bold new chapter for professional pickleball. Expansion is a key focus, with a new team, the Palm Beach Royals, joining in 2026 with a record $16 million valuation. Odhwani confirmed plans for 23 teams in total. The United Pickleball Association, which oversees both MLP and the PPA Tour, is also on track for profitability by late 2026, ahead of its initial 2027 target, having raised $15 million in new investment.

A significant shift in player compensation is also on the horizon, moving towards a prize-money-based model with base salaries, aiming for million-dollar purses at major events. These developments, coupled with plans for international expansion and a focus on junior programs, underscore MLP's position as one of the fastest-growing emerging sports globally.

Mumbai Masters Cup Returns with Elite Players and Significant Prize Pool

Mumbai, India – The second edition of the Mumbai Masters Cup is set to thrill pickleball enthusiasts at Maks Pickleball Academy, Mira Road East, on August 30-31, 2025. This highly anticipated tournament will feature competitive play across intermediate and advanced categories, boasting a substantial total prize pool of Rs 6.5 lakh.

The event will draw a packed field, showcasing Mumbai's rising prominence as a pickleball hub. Players will navigate a straightforward format: intermediate matches begin with round-robin groups leading to knockout rounds, while advanced and pro categories will feature a league stage followed by knockouts.

Key players to watch include Vivin Singh, known for his quick rallies; Aahana, a promising young talent with recent Delhi circuit wins; Vishal Laungani, a double crown winner at PicklePulse 2025; and Shashank Subramanian, celebrated for his consistency in doubles. These confirmed participants are expected to elevate the level of competition.

Cash prizes are allocated across categories, with winners in advanced men’s and women’s doubles taking home Rs 15,000, and singles winners earning Rs 11,000. Intermediate winners can expect prizes ranging from Rs 6,500 to Rs 9,500. To manage the high demand, players are limited to one category per time slot, ensuring fierce competition for the coveted spots. The Mumbai Masters Cup offers a prime opportunity for both established and emerging players to test their skills and further establish Mumbai's reputation in the pickleball world.

Former NFL Quarterback Matt Leinart Endorses Pickleball for Pro Athlete Transitions

Los Angeles, USA – Former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart is championing pickleball as the ideal sport for professional athletes transitioning from their careers. At 42, Leinart himself has embraced the sport, enjoying its competitive, casual, and social aspects with friends and family.

Leinart, quoted by the Conway Bulletin, draws compelling parallels between his football background and pickleball. He highlights the necessity of "footwork and lateral movement" and "good reaction times," skills crucial for a quarterback and equally vital for quick hands at the pickleball net. This crossover, he believes, makes the sport a natural fit for athletes from various disciplines.

The accessibility of pickleball is a key factor in its appeal, according to Leinart. He emphasises its fun and social nature, making it playable for all ages and capable of filling the void for retired athletes seeking team-based competition. Leinart is confident that as pickleball continues its rapid growth, more athletes from all sports will transition to it.

He encourages everyone to experience the game firsthand, urging them to "Go watch it. Go buy a couple of paddles and go play with your wife, your friend, your brother, your cousin, your kids, whoever. Go play and you’ll see how fun the game is and how competitive it can be". Leinart's endorsement underscores pickleball's rising status and its potential to become a mainstream pursuit for former professional athletes.

US Pickleball Growth Shows Signs of Stabilisation After Explosive Rise

Washington, USA – A new mid-year report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) indicates that while pickleball remains the fastest-growing sport in the United States, its explosive growth may be showing early signs of slowing. This suggests the sport is entering a new phase of stabilisation after years of meteoric ascent.

In March, the SFIA's annual report highlighted 19.8 million people playing pickleball in the U.S. in 2024, representing a remarkable 45.8% increase from 2023 and an astonishing 311% growth over the preceding three years. However, the projected growth rate for 2024-2025 stands at 14.7%, a significant dip from previous years' dramatic increases.

Despite this projected slowdown, experts confirm that pickleball's popularity is "here to stay" and that this shift is not a cause for alarm. The SFIA's data, extrapolated from approximately 20,000 online interviews nationwide, is an "early snapshot," and numbers could still adjust.

Crucially, the report notes a rising interest in professional pickleball, with one Saturday match at the MLP Finals in New York City drawing 433,000 average viewers on CBS. This indicates that consumption of the professional product is growing alongside participation. The sport's next major challenge, according to the report, is not to attract more players, who are already "hooked," but rather to build sufficient infrastructure to support the existing and growing demand.

The Picklr Launches Integrated Academy and P-Series for Global Pickleball Training

Salt Lake City, USA – The Picklr, recognised as the world’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise, has unveiled two significant initiatives: The Picklr Academy, its official instructional arm, and the innovative P-Series training framework. This launch positions The Picklr as the only indoor pickleball facility globally to offer such a comprehensive and integrated training system.

The Picklr Academy establishes a new benchmark for structured pickleball instruction, designed to support players from their initial introduction to the sport through advanced tournament preparation. It offers a curated blend of free onboarding classes, paid skill-based training, and intensive development camps, providing a continuous growth journey.

At the heart of the Academy is The Picklr P-Series, a progressive player development framework with four distinct levels (P1-P4). P1 introduces new members to the sport, while P2 focuses on building foundational skills. P3 supports recreational players through clinics and leagues, and P4 delivers elite training, pro camps, and DUPR-integrated performance development for advanced athletes. Matt PaneGasser, Vice President of Pickleball at The Picklr, highlighted that these programs set "the new standard for how pickleball should be taught, played, and advanced".

The system seamlessly integrates Wingfield technology and DUPR performance data for objective progress tracking. This robust framework not only enhances player development but also provides franchise owners with a turnkey instructional system designed to maximise member engagement and retention. With recent expansions announced for Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, The Picklr's new training initiatives are set to influence pickleball development on a global scale.

Weyburn's Deana Mainil Secures National Gold at Canadian Pickleball Championships

Winnipeg, Canada – After a dedicated six-year pursuit, Weyburn’s Deana Mainil achieved her "golden dream" at the Myoflex Canadian National Pickleball Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mainil secured a gold medal in the Women’s Full Court Singles 55+ category, remaining undefeated throughout the demanding singles play. The tournament, held from August 19-24, 2025, brought together over 720 athletes from across Canada.

Mainil's victory marked a deeply personal milestone, fulfilling a goal she set on her 50th birthday. She described singles as gruelling but found success by covering the entire court. In addition to her gold, Mainil also earned a bronze medal in Women’s Doubles alongside partner Brenda Hawryluk of Spruce Grove, Alberta, battling through the B-side to reach the podium. She also represented Team Saskatchewan in Mixed Doubles and the inaugural Provincial Team Competition.

No stranger to high-level competition, Mainil's impressive history includes three gold medals at the 2019 International Indoor Pickleball Championships and a silver at the 2019 USA Nationals. Her success is attributed to rigorous preparation, including practising with partners and consistent drills.

Mainil's passion for pickleball ignited eight years ago, leading her to become a "pickleball addict" and a certified coach in Weyburn. Her husband even built an indoor court at their family cabin to support her love for the sport. Growing up on a farm with 13 siblings, sports were always a part of her life. Through teaching and competing, Mainil continues to inspire others, embodying the spirit of lifelong dedication to the game.