A CAPACITY CROWD LOOKS ON AT THE MEN’ S PRO DOUBLES GOLD MEDAL MATCH AT THE 2025 APP FORT LAUDERDALE OPEN, HELD AT THE FORT ON APRIL 6.
Last year, the Association of Pickleball Players( APP) saw not only some of the best pro pickleball action ever witnessed on court or on TV, but also the organization formalizing its role as a steward of the sport worldwide with the formation of the Global Pickleball Alliance.
We may be firmly into 2026, but let’ s look back on another year of sustained growth and success for the APP.
APP TOUR CONTINUES TO SHOWCASE TOP TALENT AND VENUES
The APP Tour featured 12 exhilarating events across the country, welcoming thousands of participants and spectators. Millions of viewers tuned in to ESPN and CBS Sports Network broadcasts showcasing the very best players in the sport. The Fort, the APP’ s state-ofthe-art global headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hosted four APP Tour events in 2025 including the season opener in January and season finale in December, providing perfect bookends to the year.
LEADING YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
The Fort also serves as the official training ground for the APP U. S. National Team, APP Academy, and
APP Touring Pro Program— a first-of-its-kind U. S. and international boarding program providing a clear ladder to the top for aspiring pros. Under the leadership of APP founder Ken Herrmann and a dedicated staff, these programs are true catalysts for growing the next wave of aspiring pickleball professionals.
“ I am exceptionally proud of our APP Academy, National Team and APP Touring Pro young athletes, and all they have done this year,” said Herrmann.“ It’ s been a fantastic year in Fort Lauderdale, and I’ ve enjoyed seeing their progress day after day. The future of pickleball truly does start with the APP.”
The youth movement was on full display at various APP Next events— tournaments exclusively for players 23 and younger, who also receive coaching, mentorship and an introductory taste of life as a touring professional. Ranking points from APP Next events now count toward the APP Tour, providing an even closer link between the young player platform and the full tour. The APP will host seven APP Next events in 2026.
Additionally, the APP partnered with Selkirk, the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association, and USA Pickleball to enhance its collegiate
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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026 | MAGAZINE 45