An Epic 2025 Debut: APP Tour Kicks Off New Season in Fort Lauderdale

The Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) Tour is set to launch its highly anticipated 2025 season with a bang at the Humana APP Fort Lauderdale Open. This premier event marks the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating year for pickleball enthusiasts and professionals alike. Taking place at the APP’s newly established global headquarters, The Fort, this tournament sets the stage for an action-packed season ahead.

The Fort: A New Home for Pickleball Excellence

The The Fort, APP’s state-of-the-art facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a testament to the sport’s growing popularity and the tour’s commitment to providing world-class venues for players and fans. Boasting an impressive 43 pickleball courts and the distinction of housing the world’s first dedicated pickleball stadium, The Fort represents a significant milestone in the sport’s evolution. This venue not only elevates the playing experience for athletes but also enhances the spectator experience, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before.

The choice of The Fort as the season opener’s location underscores the APP’s vision for the future of pickleball. By hosting the event at their new headquarters, the APP is making a bold statement about the sport’s trajectory and their role in shaping its future. The facility’s advanced amenities and pickleball-specific design elements are poised to set a new standard for professional pickleball tournaments worldwide.

A Diverse Field of Competitors

The Humana APP Fort Lauderdale Open is set to feature a diverse array of talent, showcasing the depth and breadth of the pickleball community. From amateur enthusiasts to seasoned professionals, the tournament’s inclusive format ensures that players of all skill levels have the opportunity to compete and shine. This approach not only fosters a spirit of inclusivity but also provides a platform for emerging talent to test their mettle against established stars.

Key divisions in the tournament include:

• Professional divisions for elite players
• Amateur categories catering to players of various skill levels and age groups
• AARP Champions (50+) and Masters (60+) divisions, highlighting the sport’s appeal across generations
• The Humana Cup competition, adding an extra layer of prestige to the event

This diverse field of competitors ensures that the Humana APP Fort Lauderdale Open will offer something for every pickleball enthusiast, whether they’re competing or spectating.

Golden Ticket Opportunity

Adding to the event’s significance is its status as a USA Pickleball Golden Ticket event. This designation means that gold medalists in Fort Lauderdale will secure their spots at the 2025 USAP National Championships. This opportunity adds an extra layer of excitement and motivation for competitors, as they vie not only for immediate glory but also for a chance to compete at the highest level of the sport later in the year.

Enhanced Broadcast Coverage

Recognizing the growing demand for pickleball content, the APP has significantly expanded its broadcast coverage for the 2025 season opener. Fans can look forward to:

• National television coverage on CBS Sports Network, bringing pickleball to a broader audience
• Four full days of livestream coverage on Championship Court via APPTV on YouTube
• A new second broadcast featuring exciting matches throughout the day on the Players Court

This comprehensive coverage ensures that pickleball enthusiasts around the world can follow all the action, even if they can’t be present at The Fort. The introduction of a second broadcast stream is particularly noteworthy, as it allows fans to catch more matches and follow their favorite players throughout the tournament.

Top Players and Storylines to Watch

As the 2025 season kicks off, several players and storylines are capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike:

Megan Fudge: The Reigning Queen

Coming off a stellar 2024 season where she led all APP Tour pros in total medals (22) and gold medals (10), Megan Fudge enters 2025 as the player to beat. Ranked No. 1 in both women’s singles and doubles in the APP World Rankings, all eyes will be on Fudge to see if she can maintain her dominance.

Chris Haworth: The Singles Sensation

After a breakout 2024 season that saw him claim seven gold medals in men’s pro singles, Chris Haworth enters the new year as the top-ranked singles player. His performance in Fort Lauderdale will set the tone for his 2025 campaign.

Will Howells: The Rising Star

Will Howells emerged as a force to be reckoned with in 2024, leading all APP Tour men’s pros with 12 total medals. Now ranked No. 1 in men’s doubles, Howells will be looking to build on his success and cement his status as one of the sport’s elite players.

Dynamic Duos to Watch

Several impressive partnerships will be on display in Fort Lauderdale, including:

• Jill Braverman and Megan Fudge in women’s pro doubles
• Max Manthou and Erik Lange in men’s pro doubles
• Susannah Barr and Brandon Lane in mixed pro doubles

The Significance for Pickleball’s Growth

The Humana APP Fort Lauderdale Open represents more than just the start of a new season; it’s a testament to pickleball’s rapid growth and increasing mainstream appeal. By hosting the event at The Fort and expanding broadcast coverage, the APP is positioning pickleball as a serious contender in the world of professional sports.

This tournament serves as a showcase for the sport’s potential, demonstrating to sponsors, media outlets, and potential new fans the excitement and athleticism that pickleball has to offer. The diverse field of competitors, ranging from amateurs to pros and spanning multiple age groups, highlights the sport’s accessibility and broad appeal.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for the 2025 Season

As the first major event of 2025, the Humana APP Fort Lauderdale Open will set the stage for what promises to be a transformative year in professional pickleball. The tournament’s success could pave the way for:

• Increased media coverage and sponsorship opportunities for the sport
• Growing interest in pickleball at both recreational and competitive levels
• Further development of professional pickleball infrastructure, including more dedicated facilities like The Fort
• Continued evolution of playing styles and strategies as top players push the boundaries of the sport

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Pickleball History

The 2025 Humana APP Fort Lauderdale Open marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the history of professional pickleball. With its world-class venue, diverse field of competitors, and expanded broadcast coverage, this event exemplifies the APP Tour’s commitment to elevating the sport to new heights.

As players take to the courts at The Fort, they’re not just competing for titles and rankings – they’re participating in the ongoing evolution of pickleball as a professional sport. For fans, officials, and players alike, the Fort Lauderdale Open represents an opportunity to be part of pickleball’s growing legacy and to witness firsthand the sport’s bright future.

Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball enthusiast or new to the sport, the Humana APP Fort Lauderdale Open promises to deliver thrilling matches, remarkable athleticism, and a glimpse into the future of one of America’s fastest-growing sports. As the 2025 APP Tour gets underway, all eyes will be on Fort Lauderdale, where the next chapter in pickleball’s exciting story is about to unfold.