The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has announced a multi-year partnership with Charles Smith Wines, becoming the official wine partner of the APP Tour and the APP’s global headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, The Fort. Charles Smith Wines is making its first foray into sports sponsorships with the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., and with the APP Tour - the world’s first and world’s best pickleball tour.
“We are honored that Charles Smith Wines chose the APP as they venture into the world of pickleball for the first time,” commented APP Chief Revenue Officer Ryan McSpadden. “Their commitment to quality and sharing passions make them a perfect fit for growing the sport together and elevating the pickleball experience for players and fans alike.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Association of Pickleball Players and bring together two passions that inspire connection and community—wine and sport,” said Brandon Ackley, CEO of Ackley Brands. “As a Washington State brand known for bold winemaking, we see a natural fit with the energy and excitement of the APP Tour. This partnership is about more than just great wine and great games—it’s about celebrating the spirit of adventure and passion that both our wine and pickleball enthusiasts share. We look forward to an unforgettable season ahead!”
The 2025 APP Tour calendar features 12 nationally televised events and more than 55 hours of linear broadcast coverage, giving Charles Smith Wines, alongside the nation’s top pickleball pros, unprecedented visibility on a national stage. In addition, Charles Smith Wines will provide its award-winning wine selection in VIP and other premium seating experiences at APP Tour events across the country.
Charles Smith Wines will also be an associate partner of the 2025 APP Women’s Open presented by The James at Ohio State, a vibrant, multi-day event exclusively for women’s pickleball players. This one-of-a-kind event will be a global platform for female competitors at all levels and feature social programming and entertainment designed to celebrate and fuel the growth of pickleball for women, ultimately creating a healthier and more active community.
Home of the APP, The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a state-of-the-art global pickleball hub. Through its partnership with The Fort, the APP became the first pickleball organization ever to establish an official headquarters and training center. The world-class facility features 43 courts and the world’s first pickleball stadium, and further support the APP’s mission in developing the sport’s talent and growing pickleball at all levels. The Fort recently hosted the APP Tour’s first Major tournament of the 2025 season, the APP Fort Lauderdale Open, April 2 through 6.
Player registration for 2025 APP Tour events is now live via theapp.global. The pickleball community can stay in the know on the latest APP updates by following the APP’s Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn channels.
