Over the past week, several significant developments have occurred in the world of pickleball:
Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour Resumes
The PPA Tour has kicked off its 2026-2027 season with the Veolia Pickleball National Championships at the Cary Tennis Center in North Carolina. This Grand Slam event marks the beginning of a season featuring over 20 tour stops. Notably, the PPA has introduced the World Pickleball Rankings, centralizing the assessment of top players across various international circuits. (thedinkpickleball.com)
Expansion into Asian Markets
The PPA is expanding its presence in Asia, increasing from seven events in 2025 to ten tournaments across seven markets in 2026. This expansion includes stops in Vietnam, Malaysia, Macao, China, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, with the Hong Kong Slam offering up to $1.1 million in prize money. World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters made her international debut at the season-opening MB Hanoi Cup in April. (newsminimalist.com)
Upcoming Major Events
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Sun Valley Pickleball Classic 2026: Scheduled for September 17-20 in Sun Valley, Idaho, this tournament is set to attract players of all ages and skill levels. Hosted at the Sun Valley Resort, it offers a round-robin format for skill levels 3.0 to 4.5+. (sunvalleypickleballclassic.org)
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World Pickleball Convention & Conference: Set for October 16-18 at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, this event is expected to draw large crowds. The convention will feature new technology, major championships, and prominent speakers, with attendance projected to surpass all previous pickleball events. (wboc.com)
Local Initiatives
In Philadelphia, pickleball is making a comeback at Dilworth Park in Center City. CityPickle’s seasonal pop-up event, running through October 18, offers locals the opportunity to rent professional-grade courts. This initiative aims to revive local interest in the sport and address the city’s shortage of pickleball courts. (axios.com)
Highlights:
- Kind of a big dill: Pickleball returns to Dilworth Park, Published on Tuesday, September 01
