Major Collegiate Pickleball Initiative Launches: APP Tour Partners with NIRSA, Selkirk, and USA Pickleball
A New Era for College Pickleball
In a groundbreaking development for collegiate pickleball, the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has announced a major partnership initiative that promises to revolutionize the sport at the college level. This collaborative effort brings together several heavyweight organizations including NIRSA, Selkirk Sport, and USA Pickleball to create the first-ever officially sanctioned collegiate pickleball tour.
Understanding the Initiative
For those new to pickleball or collegiate sports, this partnership represents a significant milestone in the sport’s evolution. The initiative introduces the APP Selkirk Collegiate Series, which will become the first and only collegiate pickleball tour sanctioned by USA Pickleball, the sport’s governing body. The series encompasses seven regional qualifiers across the United States, culminating in a championship event in Florida.
Tournament Structure and Prize Money
The series offers an impressive total prize pool of $85,000, structured as follows:
- $5,000 prize money at each regional qualifier
- $50,000 for the championship event in Cape Coral, Florida
- Seven qualifying events across different regions
- Championship finals scheduled for March 6-8, 2026
Leadership and Management
The program will be led by two notable figures in the pickleball community:
- Dominic Catalano – Director of the Collegiate Series (20-year pickleball veteran and APP Tour broadcaster)
- Susannah Barr – College Player and Program Liaison (professional player)
Partner Organizations’ Roles and Contributions
NIRSA’s Role
The National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) brings significant collegiate sports expertise to the partnership. They have designated the series as part of their Championship Series portfolio, placing pickleball alongside established collegiate sports like basketball, flag football, soccer, and tennis. This integration legitimizes pickleball within the collegiate sports framework and provides essential organizational infrastructure.
Selkirk Sport’s Contribution
As the title sponsor, Selkirk Sport’s involvement includes:
- Providing equipment to participating schools
- Creating sponsorship opportunities for top players
- Broadcasting matches through Selkirk Pickleball TV
- Reaching over one million monthly viewers through their platforms
USA Pickleball’s Support
The governing body’s involvement includes:
- Official sanctioning of all events
- Discounted student memberships
- Equipment and infrastructure grants through USA Pickleball Serves
- Program support and development resources
Impact and Future Prospects
This initiative represents more than just a tournament series – it’s a comprehensive approach to developing pickleball at the collegiate level. The partnership creates a structured pathway for student-athletes while providing the necessary resources, exposure, and competitive opportunities to help the sport grow within academic institutions.
Schedule and Locations
The 2025-26 season schedule includes:
- Opening event: October 25-26, 2025 – Boise, Idaho
- Additional qualifiers in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Florida, Texas, and New Jersey
- Championship Finals: March 6-8, 2026 – Cape Coral, Florida
Long-term Vision
This collaborative effort aims to establish college pickleball as a significant component of the sport’s national growth strategy. By combining official recognition, substantial prize money, broadcast coverage, and comprehensive support systems, the initiative creates a sustainable framework for collegiate pickleball’s long-term development.
