The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has unveiled plans for a substantial expansion of its tournament calendar in 2025, signaling a new era for the rapidly growing sport. The organization will host nearly 50 world-class competitions throughout the year, effectively doubling its current event schedule.
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 reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering the growth of pickleball and providing enhanced opportunities for both professional and amateur players.
Ken Herrmann, Founder of the APP, expressed enthusiasm about the organization’s trajectory, stating, ‘The APP has enjoyed a strong 2024, positioning us perfectly for even more significant growth in 2025. The experiences the APP provides for pickleball players, across all ages and all abilities, sets the standard in pickleball worldwide.’
The expanded 2025 calendar will feature 14 nationally televised APP Tour events, including four APP Tour Majors and eight USA Pickleball ‘Golden Ticket’ tournaments. These high-profile events will offer increased prize purses, attracting top talent and elevating the competitive landscape of the sport.
In addition to the marquee events, the APP will introduce more than 20 new competitions across the United States, catering to tens of thousands of pickleball players at both the professional and amateur levels. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for competitive opportunities across all age groups and skill levels.
The APP is also significantly increasing its national television presence, with plans to broadcast over 55 hours of pickleball action in 2025. This expanded coverage will showcase 14 APP Tour events on national television, providing unprecedented visibility for the sport’s top professionals and helping to cultivate a broader fan base.
Tom Webb, APP Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the importance of this increased media exposure: ‘We’re thrilled to provide more fans with access to pickleball’s biggest moments, helping elevate the sport to new heights. 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 player development is evident in its expanded APP Next Gen schedule for 2025. Young players aged 23 and under will have more opportunities to compete in APP Next Gen Series events, vying for prize money while receiving mentorship from established APP Tour professionals.
Furthermore, the organization is launching the APP Academy at its global headquarters in Fort Lauderdale. This pioneering initiative will be the world’s first pickleball academy, offering specialized training and development programs for aspiring players aged 12-18, as well as APP Next Gen and collegiate competitors.
The APP’s expansion plans also extend to the international arena, with several global events in the pipeline for 2025. This move underscores the organization’s role as a primary driver of pickleball’s worldwide growth and popularity.
As pickleball continues to gain momentum as one of the fastest-growing sports in America, the APP’s ambitious expansion for 2025 represents a significant milestone in the sport’s evolution. By increasing competitive opportunities, enhancing media coverage, and investing in player development, the APP is positioning pickleball for sustained growth and mainstream recognition in the years to come.
Pickleball enthusiasts and potential new fans can stay updated on the latest APP developments and the complete 2025 event schedule by visiting theapp.global. The expanded calendar and increased national exposure promise to make 2025 a landmark year for pickleball, potentially attracting new players and sponsors to this dynamic and rapidly evolving sport.
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