Pickleball has exploded in popularity over the last few years, quickly becoming one of the fastest growing sports in America. And with its growth comes exciting new professional leagues, competitive tournaments, and thousands of players battling it out on courts across the country. The APP Tour’s partnership with the American Cancer Society as part of a year-round fundraising program highlights the sport’s commitment to community engagement and social impact.
As an avid player myself, I’m pumped to share the latest on the coolest leagues and top tournaments every fan should know about. Whether you’re a beginner looking to find a local league or a pro searching for the next big competition, this guide will give you the inside scoop on all the action. Let’s dive in! And don’t forget to check out our paddle recommendations for those of you looking for a quality paddle for your play! Let’s dive in!
Major Pickleball Leagues
Major League Pickleball (MLP)
The biggest pickleball news right now is the launch of Major League Pickleball (MLP) – the professional league that’s taking the sport by storm. MLP burst onto the scene in 2022 with 12 teams and over 50 of the top pro players in the world. The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) also plays a significant role in the professional pickleball landscape, contributing to the sport’s growth and competitive environment.
Some pickleball legends playing in the league include Tyson McGuffin, Catherine Parenteau, Riley Newman, and the “Mayor of Pickleball” himself, Kenny Solomon. The crazy skills, intense matches, and larger-than-life personalities make MLP a blast to watch.
MLP’s inaugural season runs from July to November with stops in major cities like Austin, Dallas, Atlanta, and more. Matches air live on TV along with behind-the-scenes coverage. Whether you catch it in person or on your screen, MLP brings next-level excitement that gives fans a front-row view of the game at its highest level.
National Pickleball League (NPL)
With over 100,000 registered players across the U.S., the National Pickleball League (NPL) is hands down the largest and fastest growing pickleball league around. The NPL offers competitive team play in an open format, meaning anyone 14+ at any skill level can join.
Divisions range from 2.0 beginners to solid 5.0 players. Teams battle it out to earn a golden ticket to the National Championships held in Indian Wells, California every year. Even if you don’t make Nationals, joining a local NPL team is a fantastic way to take your game to the next level and be part of the huge pickleball community.
USTA Pickleball Leagues
Another exciting development is pickleball leagues sponsored by the United States Tennis Association. As part of a new pilot program, the USTA is bringing its expertise in recreational leagues to the pickleball world.
The USTA leagues follow a popular tennis format that’s new to pickleball. Teams compete in a series of matches over several weeks to crown a winning club. USTA pickleball leagues are currently available in select states like Missouri, Utah, and Wisconsin.
USA Pickleball Association Leagues
For recreational and competitive league play, look no further than the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA). With hundreds of affiliated places to play across the U.S., the USAPA sanctions leagues at clubs, community centers, parks, schools, and more.
The USA Pickleball Association serves as the national governing body for the sport, setting rules and guidelines.
The USAPA offers league divisions for all ages and abilities. You’ll find recreational leagues focused on fun and socializing along with advanced competitive leagues to challenge your skills. And you can feel good knowing you’re part of the official national organization growing the sport.
Local Recreational Leagues
In addition to national leagues, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of recreational players in local rec leagues run by your city or town. They’re a super convenient, affordable way to play regularly and meet fellow picklers in your community.
Most Popular Upcoming Tournaments
USA Pickleball National Championships
The USA Pickleball National Championships in Dallas, Texas is the granddaddy of them all. With over 2,500 registered players, including many amateur players, this mega tournament sells out within minutes every year. Watching the best in the world battle for gold medals in the scorching Palm Springs heat is an absolute thrill.
The 2023 National Championships take place November 4-12 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden with divisions for pros, amateurs, juniors, and seniors. If you want to experience pickleball at its most intense and see incredible shotmaking up close, this is the tournament for you.
Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships
Another massive tournament drawing elite talent is the Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championship, held every April in Naples, Florida. Taking place at the luxury Margaritaville Resort along the Gulf Coast, this event boasts a festive atmosphere to go along with fantastic pickleball. UTR Sports has also launched a recreational competition series to lower the bar for entry for amateur players, partnering with them to diversify their business and emphasize a healthy relationship with players of all abilities.
In 2023, the Margaritaville National Championships run April 22-30 with over 800 players competing. Fans can watch top pros like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters battle on center court or enter to play in amateur and senior divisions themselves. A trip to Naples for this tourney promises sun, fun, and a whole lot of pickleball.
Huntsman World Senior Games
If you’re a senior player, one tournament you absolutely have to experience is the Huntsman World Senior Games held annually in St. George, Utah. Part of the largest multisport event for athletes 50 and over, the pickleball tournament at the Huntsman Games draws over 600 players every year.
The 2023 competition takes place October 7-21, with athletes ages 50-99 competing. The rowdy crowds packing the stands create an electric atmosphere you’ll never forget. And the senior talent on display is just as impressive to watch.
Leisure World Mesa Grand Prix
If you’re a senior player, one tournament you absolutely have to experience is the Huntsman World Senior Games held annually in St. George, Utah. Part of the largest multisport event for athletes 50 and over, the pickleball tournament at the Huntsman Games draws over 600 players every year.
The 2023 competition takes place October 7-21, with athletes ages 50-99 competing. The rowdy crowds packing the stands create an electric atmosphere you’ll never forget. And the senior talent on display is just as impressive to watch.
Leisure World Mesa Grand Prix
Some of the biggest pickleball tournaments are actually held at – you guessed it – retirement communities! One of the best is the Leisure World Mesa Grand Prix in Arizona.
The Leisure World Grand Prix takes over the Mesa community every March, with over 600 fired-up seniors battling for gold In 2023 it’s scheduled for March 18-26.
Let the Adventures Begin!
There you have it – a small list of the most exciting leagues and top tournaments going on in the world right now. From professional leagues to local rec play, there are endless ways to get in on the action. See you on the courts!
Fun Facts about Pickleball
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington.
It was invented by 3 fathers – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum – who were looking for a way to entertain their bored kids.
The sport is named after Pritchard’s dog Pickles, who would chase the ball and run off with it during their games.
The original pickleball paddles were made from plywood and the ball was a perforated plastic whiffle ball
Pickleball Popularity
There are over 4.8 million pickleball players in the US.
It is the fastest growing sport in the US.
From 2019 to 2021, the sport grew by 39.3%.
The average age of a player is 38.
Fun Figures
The average speed of a serve is 15-25 miles per hour.
The fastest recorded serve is 48 miles per hour.
The average length of a game is 15-45 minutes.
The average court size is 20×44 feet.
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Nice summary. Thanks