What’s the Score?
Game+ has officially solidified its commitment to Canadian pickleball by signing a multi-year extension as the broadcasting partner of the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL). This partnership ensures exclusive coverage as the league enters its fourth season in May 2026. With pickleball being considered for future Olympic inclusion, this deal provides Canada’s elite talent with a high-profile platform to showcase their skills to millions of viewers across North America.
Hit it deeper!
The upcoming 2026 CNPL season is structured to maximise engagement, featuring seven two-day regular season events. These are divided into four regional splits and three “majors,” including the Season Opener in May and a Midseason Major in June. The season will culminate in September with a special three-day playoff featuring a new series format. Game+ will broadcast live action from Court 1 at every event on its linear network, while both Court 1 and Court 2 will be available for streaming on the official Game+ YouTube Channel.
CNPL Commissioner Mike McAninch highlighted that this extension is about giving athletes the exposure they have earned. The league utilises a unique team format where eight franchise teams compete in women’s doubles, open doubles, and mixed doubles games. These six-player co-ed rosters battle for both prize money and national pride. VP of Content for Anthem Sports Group, Chad Midgley, noted that the third season was a “tremendous hit” with audiences, prompting the multi-year commitment to follow the league’s journey as it aims to make Canada a global leader in the sport.
The World Pickleball Verdict
This broadcast extension is a landmark moment for the professionalisation of the sport in Canada. By securing long-term, multi-platform coverage, the CNPL is moving beyond a niche interest and into the mainstream sports landscape of North America. For the players, this exposure is the “vital platform” needed to prepare for the world stage, potentially including the Olympics. For the fans, it offers a consistent and professional way to follow the fastest-growing sport in the world.
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.