By CHRIS BEAUMONT, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
PIC courtesy of APP
The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has officially unveiled the 2026 roadmap for the world’s premier pickleball circuit for professionals aged 50 and older. In a major expansion of senior professional play, the APP announced the schedules for both the AARP Champions (50+) and AARP Masters (60+) Divisions, as well as the return of the season-long Humana Cup team competition.
With a calendar spanning ten events across the United States, the 2026 season promises to showcase elite, seasoned professionals to a global audience, reinforcing the APP’s commitment to the sport’s intergenerational appeal.
A “Sport for Life” Returns to Seattle
The centrepiece of the new season is the return of the headline event, the AARP Open, which is scheduled for March 26-29 in Seattle. As the state where pickleball was invented, Washington serves as a fitting backdrop for a tournament that celebrates the sport’s longevity. Barbara Shipley, Senior Vice President of Brand Integration at AARP, noted that bringing the event to Seattle is “especially meaningful” as it welcomes players of all ages into the game.
“Pickleball is truly a sport for life—it keeps people active, competitive, and connected,” said Shipley.
The AARP Open will feature competition ranging from the 3.0 amateur level up to the pros. APP Founder Ken Herrmann emphasised that the energy and passion displayed by the Champions and Masters divisions serve as a testament to the sport’s inclusivity.
The Humana Cup: Team Warfare Continues
Entering its third full season, the Humana Cup will run concurrently with specific tour stops, offering a unique team-based format. This competition will feature six Champions pro teams and six Masters pro teams, comprised of more than 150 players drafted by team captains.
The format for the Cup includes men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles played in a round-robin style at each designated tour stop. Teams will vie for the title throughout the year, culminating in a championship weekend at The Fort, the APP’s global headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during the APP Tour Championships in December.
“Last year’s competition came down to the wire, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store in 2026,” Herrmann said regarding the team format.
2026 Schedule Highlights
The AARP Champions and Masters Divisions will compete across ten APP Tour events. However, the Humana Cup team competition will take place at seven of these specific events.
The full 2026 docket includes major stops in Cincinnati, Chicago, and a newly announced stop in Louisville, which serves as the corporate hometown for Humana.
The 2026 AARP Champions and Masters Division Schedule
- Mar. 26-29: AARP Open – Seattle (Humana Cup Event)
- Apr. 30-May 3: APP Sacramento Open
- June 11-14: APP Vlasic Classic – Cincinnati (Humana Cup Event)
- July 23-26: APP Chicago Open benefitting Shriners Children’s (Humana Cup Event)
- Aug. 20-23: APP Detroit Open (Humana Cup Event – Champions 50+ pros only)
- Sept. 17-20: APP Overland Park Open (Champions Division only)
- Oct. 1-4: APP Columbus Open presented by The James (Champions Division only)
- Oct. 15-18: Humana APP Louisville Open (Humana Cup Event)
- Nov. 12-15: APP Arizona Open (Humana Cup Event)
- Dec. 3-6: APP Tour Championships – Fort Lauderdale (Humana Cup Finals)
Note: Dates and locations are subject to change.
Player registration for these divisions will become available via the APP website in the coming weeks.
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Chris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at all levels of pickleball. Chris is also an avid player, currently struggling to make the breakthrough from 4.0 to 4.5.