Pickleball's Explosive Growth: APP Doubles 2025 Event Calendar

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has unveiled plans to dramatically expand its 2025 tournament calendar, 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, 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 opening of its new state-of-the-art headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The move reflects the sport's surging popularity and the APP's commitment to fostering its development at all levels.

The expanded calendar includes 14 nationally televised APP Tour events, featuring increased prize purses and four major tournaments. These events will offer 'Golden Ticket' opportunities for USA Pickleball tournaments, further integrating the APP into the sport's national framework. Additionally, more than 20 new APP Tour competitions will serve tens of thousands of players across the United States, catering to both professionals and amateurs.

In a significant boost for the sport's visibility, the APP is expanding its linear broadcast schedule to over 55 hours in 2025. This increased television coverage will bring pickleball to a broader audience, potentially accelerating its growth and attracting new players and sponsors.

The APP's commitment to player development is evident in its expanded APP Next Gen schedule, which provides opportunities for aspiring professionals aged 23 and younger. The launch of the APP Academy at The Fort, the world's first pickleball academy, further underscores the organization's focus on nurturing young talent and establishing a solid foundation for the sport's future.

This expansion has significant implications for the pickleball industry. The increased number of events and television coverage is likely to attract more sponsors and investment, potentially leading to higher prize money and better facilities. For players, it means more opportunities to compete and earn a living from the sport. For fans, it offers more chances to watch high-level pickleball and engage with the sport.

The APP's focus on international events also signals pickleball's potential for global growth. As the primary steward of the sport's international expansion, the APP's initiatives could pave the way for pickleball to become a truly global phenomenon, potentially even leading to Olympic recognition in the future.

As pickleball continues its rapid ascent in popularity, the APP's ambitious plans for 2025 represent a pivotal moment in the sport's evolution. By providing more opportunities for competition, development, and exposure, the APP is laying the groundwork for pickleball's sustained growth and mainstream acceptance in the years to come.