Over the past week, several significant developments have occurred in the world of pickleball:
PPA Tour: Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships
The Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, held from April 27 to May 3, 2026, at Life Time Peachtree Corners in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, concluded with notable performances:
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Men’s Doubles: Top-seeded duo Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio maintained their undefeated 2026 record, defeating the 13th-seeded team of Connor Garnett and Roscoe Bellamy with scores of 11-5, 11-7, and 11-2. (pickleball.com)
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Women’s Singles: Anna Leigh Waters secured her 44th Triple Crown title, further solidifying her dominance in the sport. (pickleball.com)
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Men’s Singles: Fifteen-year-old Tama Shimabukuro from Hawaii made a remarkable run to the finals, defeating higher-seeded players before falling to world No. 1 Chris Haworth. (11pickles.com)
APP Tour: Sacramento Open
The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Sacramento Open, benefiting Shriners Children’s, featured standout performances:
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Triple Crown Achievement: Sofia Sewing achieved a rare Triple Crown by winning gold in women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, a feat accomplished only 15 times on tour. (forbes.com)
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Men’s Pro Singles: Ammar Wazir clinched the gold medal, marking his first since October 2025, by defeating Patrick Kawka in a closely contested final. (forbes.com)
Major League Pickleball (MLP)
MLP announced its full 2026 season schedule, spanning from May to August, featuring nine regular-season events, a Mid-Season Tournament, and an expanded three-week playoff. The season kicks off in Dallas, Texas, from May 22-25. (pickleball.com)
Industry Investment
The United Pickleball Association (UPA) expanded its platform through a $225 million investment led by Apollo Sports Capital. This investment integrates professional and amateur pickleball with leading technology, retail, and infrastructure platforms, positioning UPA as the largest singularly operated pickleball ecosystem. (clearygottlieb.com)
These developments highlight the dynamic growth and increasing prominence of pickleball in the sports landscape.
