The Association of Pickleball Players (APP), 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 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 organizations 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.
“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 organizations,” said APP Founder Ken Herrmann. “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.”
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 organizations collaborated to ensure no scheduling conflicts occur across each organization’s premier events, ensuring maximum opportunities to take part in competitions for players. The tournaments will be designated into three tiers, each with progressive prize pools and point earnings.
Dec. 5-7, 2025: NPL Invitational (Australia)
End of Jan: Australian Open
Feb. 3-8: Indian Open (Global Sports)
Feb. 18-22: APP Daytona Beach Open
Mar. 9-15: Global Sports Pickleball Event (India/Dubai)
Mar. 19-22: Pickleball D-Joy Event (Vietnam)
Mar. 25-29: APP Fort Lauderdale Open
Apr. 13-19: U.S. Open
Apr. 29 – May 3: APP Sacramento Open
May 13-17: APP Southern California Open
May 27-31: APP Virginia Beach Open
June 10-14: APP Vlasic Classic - Cincinnati
June 18-21: Pickleball D-Joy Event (Vietnam)
July 22-26: APP Chicago Open
July 28 – Aug. 2: Monsoon Open (Global Sports)
Aug. 12-16: English Open powered by the APP
Aug. 19-23: APP Detroit Open
Sept. 3-6: Canadian Open (CNPL)
Sept. 10-13: Pickleball D-Joy Event (Vietnam)
Sept. 16-20: APP Overland Park Open
Sept. 30 – Oct. 4: APP Women’s Open
Oct. 6-11: European Open (EPF)
Oct. 14-18: Humana APP Louisville Open
Oct. 21-25: Dubai Open (Global Sports)
Oct. 28 – Nov. 1: APP Arizona Open
Nov. 12-15: APP Pro-Invite Event
Nov. 16-22: USA Pickleball National Championships
Nov. 30 – Dec. 6: APP Tour Championships + Atlantic Cup
Dec. 11-20: Indian Grand Slam (Global Sports)
* Dates and locations may vary
"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 organizations 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 organizations. 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 Organizations are Saying About the Alliance:
"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 professionalization."
- Mike McAnich, Co-Founder, Commissioner of Canadian National Pickleball
League
“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 of National Pickleball League
Stay Connected with the APP
Additional details on the full 2026 APP Tour schedule are available via theapp.global. The pickleball community can stay aware on the latest APP updates by following the APP’s Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn channels.
