The China Masters in Hainan didn’t just showcase talent—it revealed how pickleball is growing globally through shared competition, thoughtful organization, and genuine community.

Pickleball sponsorships are changing. Park Place Technologies partnering with PPA and MLP signals a shift toward infrastructure, technology, and long-term investment in the pro game.

2025 was the year pickleball stopped feeling temporary. From standardized systems and serious sponsorship dollars to global leagues drawing stadium-sized crowds, the sport moved from rapid growth into long-term legitimacy. These were the moments that changed the game—and set the direction for what comes next.

Empower Pickleball was built to tell the stories most pickleball media ignored. Founded by Kim Bastien in 2024, the platform focuses on everyday players, local communities, and the people shaping the sport beyond the pro spotlight.

Every December, pickleball players brace for chaos. Facebook debates heat up, group chats spiral, and half the internet is convinced the serve is about to be outlawed. Now that USA Pickleball has officially released the 2026 Rulebook, it’s time to separate fact from speculation. Here’s what actually changed, what didn’t, and what players need to know heading into the new year.

Pickleheads just rolled out Plus and refreshed Pro, two updates designed to make finding games easier for players and running them easier for organizers. From smarter matching and cleaner discovery to real tools for leagues and hosts, here’s how Pickleheads is quietly reshaping how pickleball happens on the ground.

USA Pickleball has officially adopted DUPR as its exclusive rating system for all USA Pickleball-owned events. While DUPR itself isn’t new, this move makes it the national standard for sanctioned play, changing how tournaments are seeded, how ratings travel, and how players are placed across leagues and competitions.

Pickleball is taking off across Asia and it’s already changing what the sport looks like for women in the U.S. From travel opportunities and community-building to Olympic momentum and global visibility, this boom isn’t happening “over there.” It’s shaping the future of the game right here, right now.

Confusion in the global pickleball world may finally be ending. Two major international federations—the UWPF and GPF—have announced a historic merger to create a single governing body. We break down what this means for the sport’s Olympic dreams and why U.S. players don’t need to worry about changes to their local leagues.

The Pickleball Champions League heads to Manila for a record-breaking weekend of elite play, celebrity matches, and community celebration at the SM Mall of Asia. With thousands of fans expected and a shot at setting a new world record, the Philippines is ready to make pickleball history.

The Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) just launched the Certified Pickleball Player™ Program—the first official recognition for players, not just coaches. Backed by USA Pickleball, this new certification celebrates dedication, connection, and community on and off the court.

A viral pickleball video sparked debate after a man interrupted two women mid-game to ask what they were playing. It’s 2025—women shouldn’t have to defend their right to play in peace.

Pickleball Canada’s growth shows no signs of slowing. With national recognition, record membership, and a renewed focus on community, the organization is shaping the sport’s future across the country.

October 10, 2025 isn’t just World Pickleball Day — it’s the official launch of Pickleball for Good, a nonprofit committed to making pickleball a force for accessibility, inclusion, and sustainability. Through grants, volunteer programs, crowdfunding, and eco-conscious initiatives, Pickleball for Good is transforming the game into a tool for social impact worldwide.

Drury University just became the first college in the nation to make pickleball a varsity sport — complete with funding, coaches, travel, and scholarships.

PPR (Professional Pickleball Registry) has named Empower Pickleball its official media partner. The collaboration will deliver coaching education, training tips, and player development content to Empower’s audience while spotlighting certification pathways for coaches.

USA Pickleball (USAP), the sport’s official governing body, has been driving growth since 1984. From setting rules and certifying referees to expanding tournaments and membership programs, USAP’s mission is to make pickleball accessible to all. Recent membership updates and a focus on youth, Olympic recognition, and new courts show how the organization is shaping the game’s future.

APP unveiled its 2026 pickleball schedule—13 televised events, new cities like Detroit & Louisville, youth and college circuits, and showcase tournaments that welcome every level of player.

Pickleball influencers aren’t just filling your feed with drills, wins, and court humor — they’re shaping the culture of the sport. Here’s how clout, ego, and authenticity collide on and off the court.

Pickleball’s fast rise in the Deaf community isn’t just about accessibility; it’s about ownership. With visual cues, shared culture, and growing tournament scenes, Deaf players are reshaping how the game is played. Here’s how they’re building their own space, and what everyone else can learn from it.