The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has unveiled plans for a dramatic expansion of its tournament calendar in 2025, signaling a new era of growth for one of America's fastest-growing sports. The organization will host nearly 50 world-class competitions throughout the year, effectively doubling its current offerings and providing unprecedented opportunities for both professional and amateur players.
This expansion comes as the APP enters its seventh year and celebrates the inauguration of its new state-of-the-art headquarters at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The move represents a significant milestone in the organization's commitment to advancing the sport of pickleball on a national and international scale.
Ken Herrmann, Founder of the APP, emphasized the organization's dedication to delivering superior experiences for players of all ages and skill levels. "We remain committed to delivering the absolute best experience for all players and paving the way for America's future pickleball stars," Herrmann stated. This commitment is evident in the expanded tournament schedule, which includes 14 nationally televised APP Tour events, featuring four APP Tour Majors and eight USA Pickleball "Golden Ticket" tournaments.
The expansion goes beyond just increasing the number of events. The APP is also bolstering its investment in player development initiatives, particularly focusing on nurturing young talent. The APP Next Gen schedule will be expanded in 2025, offering more opportunities for aspiring professionals aged 23 and younger to compete and receive mentorship from top APP Tour professionals.
In a groundbreaking move, the APP will launch the world's first pickleball academy at its global headquarters in Fort Lauderdale. This academy aims to provide a structured platform for developing junior pickleball players ages 12-18, as well as supporting APP Next Gen and APP Collegiate players.
The implications of this expansion are far-reaching. For professional players, it means more opportunities to compete at the highest level and increased prize purses. Amateur players will benefit from a wider array of tournaments catering to various skill levels. The expanded nationally televised coverage, set to exceed 55 hours in 2025, will significantly boost the sport's visibility and potentially attract new fans and players.
Tom Webb, APP Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the importance of increased television coverage: "Expanding our linear TV coverage in 2025 is not only a testament to pickleball's growing national appeal but also crucial in giving our pro players the platform they deserve while driving the sport's continued growth across the country."
The APP's commitment to international growth is also evident, with plans to support several international events in 2025. This global focus positions pickleball for potential expansion beyond its current strongholds, possibly paving the way for future international competitions and even Olympic consideration.
For the pickleball industry, this expansion represents a significant opportunity for growth. Increased participation and visibility could lead to higher demand for equipment, facilities, and related services. It may also attract more sponsors and investors to the sport, further fueling its development.
As pickleball continues to gain popularity across age groups, the APP's expanded calendar and development initiatives could play a crucial role in shaping the sport's future. By providing more opportunities for competition, player development, and media exposure, the APP is laying the groundwork for pickleball to potentially become a major player in the global sports landscape.
