GLOBAL PROFESSIONAL PICKLEBALL TOUR LAUNCHES
- David Anjou
- Aug 28
- 6 min read
NPL helps pioneer a true global pickleball alliance; seven inaugural national organisations join forces to grow international pickleball with introduction of year-long global tournament schedule for professional pickleball players.
MELBOURNE (August 27, 2025) — The National Pickleball League (NPL), Association of Pickleball Players (APP), Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL), European Pickleball Federation (EPF), India’s Global Sports, Pickleball England, and Vietnam’s Pickleball D-Joy are uniting to announce the formation of a new global alliance that will supercharge the growth of professional pickleball worldwide. In this newly formed alliance, some of the most reputable and established executives and organisations in the sport will work together to create a unified, non-conflicting tournament calendar, a streamlined global-ranking system, a tiered prize money structure, additional commercial arrangements and financial scholarship support, all to benefit career and earning opportunities for the world’s current and aspiring professional players.
“Unity and pathways are the lifeblood of any sport, and this alliance represents a major step forward for pickleball. From the beginning, the NPL has been committed to building opportunities for players and raising the standard of competition across Australia. By joining forces with this incredible group of organisations, we can now extend those opportunities onto the world stage. Together we will bring the world’s best to Australia, showcase our own homegrown talent abroad, and ensure that players everywhere have the support and clarity they need to pursue their dreams. This partnership is proof of what can be achieved when we put players first and work together for the good of the game.” David Anjou, COO and NPL Founder.
2026 Global Pickleball Event Calendar
At the heart of the alliance is a year-round world calendar, inclusive of at least 30 pickleball tournaments in 2026, greatly enhancing international opportunities for players across the globe from Canada to Vietnam, India to England and Australia to the United States.
The seven initial partner organisations collaborated to ensure no scheduling conflicts occur across each organisation’s premier events, ensuring maximum opportunities to take part in competitions for players. The tournaments will be designated into tiers, each with progressive prize pools and point earnings.
* Dates and locations may vary
Additional Dates
NPL will add additional tournaments and its 2026 Pro Season dates to this calendar. Every effort will be made to ensure players can participate in all major events. We are excited to ensure a collaborative approach to
A few of the worlds best player provided early comment on the news:
“The partnership is so exciting for the future of pickleball within Australia and globally.” Said Joey Wild, Australia’s Number 1 ranked mens player. “A unified international ranking system will open up more opportunities for Aussies to compete on the world stage and push our level higher, while laying down a pathway for the next generation of talent to follow. With so many new countries now embracing the sport worldwide, I’m excited to see the organisations involved work collectively to grow our sport”
"I'm thrilled to help usher in a new era of growth for professionals around the globe," said Megan Fudge, the APP Tour's all-time career medals leader. "With more international pros than ever, the competition will be next-level. I'm grateful for the support of the APP and all the alliance leaders to make it happen."This global alliance and world tournament schedule is open to welcoming additional organisations to further bolster pickleball's global potential.
Unified Rankings System
Each of the events will contribute to a singular, unified global rankings system for professional players, a system that is being developed now by all seven partner organisations. This will ensure all international competitors take part in events on the same playing field, regardless of where they are based, and will launch at the commencement of the 2026 schedule.
Supporting the Future of International Pickleball
Alliance members also will work together on cross-promotional commercial opportunities for players and their events, including sponsorship, revenue splits and a unified governance structure. With the initial group of participating global pickleball leaders, support for growing the future of pickleball has never been stronger.
What Other Organisations are Saying About the Alliance:
“This is a monumental day for pickleball worldwide, and the APP is honored to be officially partnering with such a passionate and professional group of organisations. The APP always has been player focused, and now, we’re able to continue that mission worldwide and provide more competitive opportunities for players than ever before. It is our steadfast focus to evolve the credibility and growth of the sport to a place where pros are free and supported to chase their career dreams.” - Ken Herrmann, Founder of The Association of Pickleball Players (APP)
"Collaboration is key to growing pickleball globally. This alliance ensures players can plan their season with confidence, knowing the major events complement each other rather than compete. It’s good for the players, good for the sport, and it demonstrates Pickleball England’s commitment to bringing the international community together.” - Karen Mitchell, Chair and Co-Founder of Pickleball England and English Open
“The decision to announce a world calendar in alliance with APP and other pickleball organisations across the world is part of our commitment to grow pickleball, offer pro players a structured path to make formidable careers and to build a world community, as it’s this sense of community which is the soul of pickleball.” - Shashank Khaitan, Founding Partner of Global Sports
“This alliance points the way toward the unity our sport desperately needs. For too long administrative division and opposing factions have held pickleball back. This agreement demonstrates how collaboration can deliver a coordinated international calendar, shared rankings and clearer career pathways for players - bringing higher competitive standards, greater commercial investment, and real opportunities for athletes and organisers alike. Today’s breakthrough shows the path forward and gives us a concrete blueprint to keep pushing toward a truly united world game. The European Pickleball Federation will continue to work with partners to turn this promise into reality.” - Frank Arico, President of European Pickleball Federation
"This global alliance among respected worldwide pickleball leaders marks a groundbreaking milestone for the sport. It reinforces our shared commitment to its growth and highlights Pickleball D-Joy’s dedication to expanding the game worldwide—especially in vibrant, emerging communities like Vietnam." - Dang Quang Anh, Vice President and Founder of Pickleball D-Joy
"The CNPL is proud to be a part of this alliance which will provide players a new level of opportunity in Canada and globally. This alliance delivers; a year-round schedule that is based on alignment rather than overlap or conflicts, transparent global rankings, and a new level of resources. We are dedicated to fostering excellence through inclusive, innovative platforms that give our athletes a clear and fair pathway to compete globally, inspire community, and build sustainable careers in pickleball. Together, from Canada to England, India, Australia, Vietnam, and the U.S., we’re accelerating the sport’s next stage of professionalisation." - Mike McAnich, Co-Founder, Commissioner of Canadian National Pickleball League
Stay Connected with the NPL
Additional details on the full 2026 NPL Tour schedule will be announced later this year. Season 4 kicks off on September 20. All updates available via https://www.nplpickleball.com.au/.
About National Pickleball League (NPL):
NPL is Australia's premier Pickleball organisation, offering a professional national league, tournaments, corporate events, school and university programs, social leagues, and introductory pickleball days. NPL is dedicated to growing the number of pickleball players in Australia through professional league pathways, marketing, content creation, and venue investments.
Website: www.nplpickleball.com.au Instagram: @nplpickleball Facebook: @nplpickleball
