The APP Tour’s Global Expansion: A New Era for International Pickleball

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour is making significant strides in its global expansion efforts, solidifying its position as a major force in the international pickleball scene. With new partnerships and continued collaborations, the APP Tour is paving the way for a more interconnected and competitive global pickleball community.

APP Tour’s Strategic Partnership with Global Sports

In a groundbreaking move, the APP Tour has announced a new partnership with Global Sports, an Indian-based organization with a strong track record of organizing professional tournaments and events throughout India. This collaboration marks a significant step towards expanding the reach of professional pickleball beyond North American borders.

Ken Herrmann, the founder of the APP Tour, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, stating, “Uniting the APP with Global Sports and Pickleball England is monumental for the growth of pickleball worldwide. Together, we’ll collaborate on long-term success plans, share resources, and support one another unequivocally as we embark on an exciting new journey for our sport.”

The partnership between the APP Tour and Global Sports extends far beyond the Indian subcontinent. While Global Sports is based in India, their collaborative vision encompasses a broader Asian market, with plans for events in Vietnam and Dubai on the horizon. The Global Sports Pro and Challenger League events are set to take place in several countries throughout Asia, offering a platform for pickleball to flourish in new territories.

Shashank Khaitan, a partner at Global Sports, shared his excitement about the collaboration: “Global Sports is very excited to collaborate with the APP, in its pursuit of creating exciting opportunities for players to make careers in pickleball. We have always collaborated very well with the APP, and our interactions with Ken and the whole team have always been wonderful.”

Cross-Continental Opportunities for Players

This partnership opens up exciting new opportunities for players on both sides of the globe. The top 12 men and women on the APP Tour will earn coveted spots in the Global Sports league events throughout Asia. This not only provides these players with international exposure but also helps to elevate the level of competition in Asian tournaments.

Additionally, top-ranking APP Tour pros and members of the 2025 APP U.S. National Team will have the chance to compete in the 2025 Monsoon Pickleball Championship. This event, scheduled for July 29–August 3, 2025, in Mumbai, is set to be the largest pickleball event in India, further cementing the sport’s growing popularity in the country.

In a reciprocal arrangement, the top-ranked Global Sports league players will have the opportunity to compete on the APP Tour in the United States. This includes participation in the prestigious APP Tour Championships, held at the APP Headquarters, The Fort, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This cross-pollination of talent is expected to raise the overall standard of play and foster a more globally competitive pickleball landscape.

Continued Partnership with Pickleball England

In addition to its new venture with Global Sports, the APP Tour has extended its partnership with Pickleball England for the fourth consecutive year. This continued collaboration underscores the APP Tour’s commitment to nurturing pickleball’s growth in Europe.

The English Open, which has been the largest pickleball tournament outside the United States, will once again benefit from this partnership. The event, scheduled for August 6–10, 2025, at the Telford International Centre in western England, has historically attracted over 2,000 players from more than 50 countries.

Karen Mitchell, Chair & Tournament Director of Pickleball England, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “Pickleball England is delighted to continue our partnership with the APP for the fourth consecutive year. Welcoming the APP Pro Players and the APP U.S. National Team to the English Open gives top British and European players a unique chance to test themselves under pressure against world-class competition. It’s opportunities like these that elevate the level of play and make the English Open such a compelling event—whether you’re on court or in the stands.”

The Impact on Global Pickleball

These strategic partnerships and expansions are set to have a profound impact on the global pickleball landscape. By fostering international competition and cross-cultural exchanges, the APP Tour is not only elevating the level of play but also contributing to the sport’s worldwide popularity.

The collaboration between the APP Tour, Global Sports, and Pickleball England creates a bridge between different pickleball communities, allowing for the exchange of skills, techniques, and cultural perspectives. This global approach to the sport has the potential to accelerate its growth and development on an international scale.

Looking Ahead: The Future of International Pickleball

As pickleball continues to gain traction around the world, these partnerships position the APP Tour at the forefront of the sport’s global expansion. The integration of diverse playing styles, the exposure to different tournament formats, and the opportunity for players to compete on an international stage all contribute to the evolution of pickleball as a truly global sport.

The coming years are likely to see an increase in international tournaments, cross-continental player exchanges, and a more interconnected global pickleball community. As the sport grows, we can expect to see the emergence of new talent from various parts of the world, further enriching the competitive landscape.

Understanding the Significance for Newcomers to Pickleball

For those who may be new to pickleball or unfamiliar with the professional tour structure, these developments represent a significant leap forward in the sport’s global recognition and organization. Pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has been rapidly growing in popularity, particularly in the United States.

The APP Tour’s expansion into international markets signifies that pickleball is no longer just a niche American sport, but a global phenomenon with professional opportunities for players worldwide. This growth opens up new avenues for aspiring players, coaches, and enthusiasts to engage with the sport on a professional level, regardless of their geographical location.

Moreover, the increased international exposure is likely to lead to innovations in playing styles, equipment development, and training methodologies. As different regions bring their unique approaches to the sport, pickleball will continue to evolve and adapt, making it an exciting time for both players and spectators alike.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Pickleball’s Global Journey

The APP Tour’s partnerships with Global Sports and Pickleball England mark a significant milestone in the globalization of pickleball. These collaborations not only expand the reach of professional pickleball but also create a more diverse and competitive international playing field.

As the sport continues to grow globally, these strategic alliances will play a crucial role in shaping the future of pickleball. From fostering new talent to creating exciting international tournaments, the APP Tour’s global expansion efforts are set to elevate pickleball to new heights on the world stage.

For players, fans, and industry stakeholders, this global expansion heralds an exciting era of growth, opportunity, and international camaraderie in the world of pickleball. As we look to the future, it’s clear that pickleball’s journey as a global sport is just beginning, with the APP Tour leading the charge in this thrilling new chapter.