Visit Overland Park and the Association of Pickleball Players have reached a five-year agreement that will bring an annual APP Tour to the Kansas destination starting in 2026. The APP Overland Park Open will be one of 12 stops on the national APP Tour, with the tournament staged at AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk beginning September 16–20, 2026.

“The selection of Overland Park as a tour stop for the APP is another confirmation of Overland Park’s appeal as a place to visit and compete,” said Eric Olson, vice president of sports and events for Visit Overland Park. “Hosting the APP Overland Park Open reflects Visit Overland Park’s commitment to attracting world-class sporting events that drive tourism and economic growth. We’re eager to showcase our facilities, hospitality and community spirit to thousands of athletes and visitors from across the country.”

Established in 2019 as the first professional pickleball tour, and officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball, the APP Tour offers singles, doubles and mixed play, alongside amateur brackets, clinics and community events.

“The APP is proud to set down roots in Overland Park in 2026, bringing three incredible world-class pickleball events to the city for all to enjoy,” said Ryan McSpadden, APP chief revenue officer. “Pickleball fans across the Midwest will see the world’s best pro players at our APP Tour event, the sport’s rising superstars at APP Next, and the nation’s top college teams battle it out at our collegiate qualifier event. With plenty of action in store, we’re pleased to have a terrific partnership with Visit OP to help make these events the best experience possible for both players and fans alike.”

The APP estimates the event will attract 200 professional athletes and roughly 1,000 amateur players from across the United States. Similar tournaments in Overland Park in previous years resulted in more than $1 million in direct economic impact, according to Destination International’s event impact calculator.

That past success inspired two years of discussions with APP to pair its tour with Overland Park and Bluhawk’s purpose-built facilities, benefiting the entire region.

“Hosting major sports events provides a positive economic impact to local businesses and provides another opportunity to strengthen Overland Park as a place to visit, live and work,” said Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog. “This announcement is another example of Visit Overland Park’s continued success in securing Overland Park as a premier host of visitors and athletes.”

The Association of Pickleball Players, National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association, Selkirk Sport and USA Pickleball are joining forces to serve and grow college pickleball across the United States.

Since debuting in the 2023-24 academic year, the APP Selkirk Collegiate Series will be a NIRSA Championship Series event sanctioned by USA Pickleball. The APP will host seven regional qualifiers across the country and culminate the season with the 2026 APP Selkirk U.S. Collegiate Championships hosted at The Courts, Cape Coral in March 2026.

“I am so grateful for the incredible collaboration between the APP, NIRSA, Selkirk and USA Pickleball,” said Shannon Dan, EVP of Strategy and Growth at the APP. “Our collective mission is to grow the game of pickleball on college campuses and each organization has stepped up to bring meaningful benefits to college programs and players. From funding and education to equipment and a national competition platform, this offering will be transformational for college pickleball.”

In total, college players will battle for $85,000 in prize money, including $5,000 per qualifier and $50,000 in the APP Selkirk U.S. Collegiate Championships. Pickleball joins basketball, flag football, soccer, and tennis as part of the NIRSA Championship Series portfolio, expanding experiential learning opportunities for thousands of NIRSA members.

“USA Pickleball is committed to nurturing the growth of pickleball within the collegiate space, recognizing the unique opportunity colleges present for expanding our sport,” said Chris Zukas, vice president of membership development and service at USA Pickleball. “We’re focused on equipping administrators, coaches, and students with meaningful resources and dedicated support that they need. By investing in college pickleball today, we’re shaping the future of our sport, building a strong foundation for continued growth.”

2025-26 Season Schedule

October 25-26: APP Selkirk Collegiate Qualifier – Idaho (The Flying Pickle Boise, Idaho)
November 8-9: APP Selkirk Collegiate Qualifier – Arizona [held alongside the APP Mesa Open] (Arizona Athletic Grounds Mesa, Arizona)
November 15-16: APP Selkirk Collegiate Qualifier – Colorado (Chicken N Pickle Thornton, Colorado)
November 22-23: APP Selkirk Collegiate Qualifier – Kansas (Chicken N Pickle Overland Park, Kansas)
January 10-11: APP Selkirk Collegiate Qualifier – Florida (The Courts Cape Coral, Florida)
January 24-25: APP Selkirk Collegiate Qualifier – Texas (Chicken N Pickle Webster, Texas)
January 31-February 1: APP Selkirk Collegiate Qualifier – New Jersey (Pickleball Kingdom Hamilton, New Jersey)
March 6-8: APP Selkirk U.S. Collegiate Championships (The Courts Cape Coral, Florida)

USA Pickleball has announced the recipients of its 2025 Play It Forward Court Grant program, awarding two $50,000 grants to support community-driven pickleball court development efforts in Eugene, Oregon, and South Hadley, Massachusetts.

Launched through USA Pickleball Serves, the Play It Forward grant program is designed to fund impactful court enhancement projects in under resourced or high–demand areas. This year marks the first time USAP Serves has awarded monetary grants.

“The ‘Play it Forward’ grant is an opportunity for USA Pickleball Serves to meet the moment and assist communities in need of places to play,” said Brenda Puga, director of community relations at USA Pickleball. “USAP Serves is committed to supporting court enhancements and making the sport more accessible to players of all ages and levels. For the first time we are excited to award two organizations with a $50,000 grant each and put the funds in their court(s).”

The Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation in Eugene is developing a 24-court Regional Pickleball Complex on the Lane Community College campus. The complex will feature 10 covered courts, two championship courts with spectator seating and design elements to ensure ADA accessibility. The facility will serve players across the region and host events ranging from local play to national tournaments.

“We are incredibly grateful to USA Pickleball for awarding our Foundation a generous $50,000 grant,” said Eric Wold, board member and secretary of the Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation. “This support will contribute to our ability to construct a 24–court pickleball complex on the campus of Lane Community College in Eugene that will be open to the public and that will be built to host local, regional and national tournaments. We are so excited to have USA Pickleball as a funding partner on this project.”

Friends of Buttery Brook Park/South Hadley Pickleball will use the grant to construct four new dedicated courts, bringing the total to eight. With over 3,000 expected users and 110,000 annual park visitors, the expanded facility will allow for more play opportunities, community events and inclusive programming.

“Receiving the Play It Forward grant is a game changer for our community,” said Kim Prough, president of Friends of Buttery Brook Park. “We would not be in a position to complete our courts without it. We are truly grateful to USA Pickleball.”

The Grand Rapids Pickleball Club has announced the return of the Grand Rapids Beer City Open Pickleball Championships, July 8 through July 13 at Belknap Park.

Presented by title sponsor and official hotel partner AHC Hospitality, the tournament has grown to where general admission will be ticketed this year.

This year’s event is the only tournament in the 2025 Major League Pickleball season where all 22 professional teams will compete. The tournament will welcome more than 1,000 amateur players from 36 states and Canada.

“With the Major League Pickleball Mid-Season Tournament returning and a growing field of elite players, this year marks a new chapter for the Beer City Open,” said Andrea Remynse Koop, the Beer City Open’s tournament director and nationally renowned professional pickleball player. “This evolution highlights the sport’s growth and Grand Rapids’ emergence as a premier host city.”

Beyond the court, the tournament grounds will have a family-friendly atmosphere with local food trucks, New Belgium Brewery beer garden, refreshment center and a Vendor Village with pickleball brands.

USA Pickleball, in partnership with UTR Sports, has announced the creation of the Overland Park Open, an official USA Pickleball Golden Ticket tournament hosted by Visit Overland Park in Kansas.

The tournament will take place May 14–18 at SERV pickleball and entertainment venue and will be free to the public.

“Pickleball’s Most Obsessed City is thrilled to welcome the Golden Ticket tournament back to Overland Park,” said Eric Olson, Visit Overland Park vice president of sports and events. “As our sports tourism strategy continues to evolve, pickleball is a perfect example of how we’re embracing new, engaging events. We can’t wait to host the athletes, families and fans who will experience all that Overland Park has to offer.”

The Overland Park Open is the only USA Pickleball Golden Ticket tournament in the Midwest. Division winners earn a “Golden Ticket,” granting them with priority registration for the 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships, taking place this November in San Diego.

UTR Sports, a company that specializes in statistics and rankings for tennis and pickleball, will assist USA Pickleball with the event.

“UTR Sports is excited to visit Overland Park for the USA Pickleball Golden Ticket event,” said Chase Hodges, senior vice president of UTR Sports. “Our partnership with Visit Overland Park and SERV will provide a first-class experience for all participants. We’re looking forward to five days of competitive play, community, and fun.”

Overland Park, which has more than 80 pickleball courts across 12 facilities, has become one of the Midwest’s biggest pickleball hotbeds over the past few years.

“We are thrilled to partner with UTR and Visit OP to bring Kansas City’s first-ever UTR Sports-sanctioned pickleball event to SERV,” SERV said in a statement. “Hosting an official USA Pickleball Golden Ticket tournament is an incredible opportunity to showcase not only our top-tier pickleball facilities but also the energy and connection that make SERV a standout destination. We’re ready for five unforgettable days of pickleball, entertainment, and community.”

The 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships will take place at Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego from November 15–23, building on the 2024 event that had over 2,600 athletes from 47 states and 13 countries, along with more than 10,000 spectators.

“As the pinnacle tournament in our sport, the 2025 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships in San Diego will feature elite-level competition,” said USA Pickleball Chief Executive Officer Mike Nealy. “The Barnes Tennis Center will provide an exceptional backdrop, offering a dynamic atmosphere for both participants and spectators alike.”

The 2025 edition marks the 17th year of the USA Pickleball National Championships. Last year’s event generated an estimated $3.6 million in economic impact for the host city of Mesa, Arizona. This year’s nationals will also feature initiatives through USA Pickleball’s charitable arm, USA Pickleball Serves.

“We are excited that the great team at USA Pickleball has chosen San Diego and the Barnes Tennis Center as the site for the 2025 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships,” said Mark Neville, chief executive officer of Sports San Diego. “We can’t wait to roll out the red carpet for pickleball players from all around the country who will be filling hotel rooms and making an impact on this beautiful city. They will most assuredly have a wonderful experience here in San Diego.”

Barnes Tennis Center is located five miles from San Diego International Airport and less than 15 minutes from downtown. The facility features 19 dedicated pickleball courts.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships to Barnes Tennis Center in 2025,” said Jesse Steinberg, Barnes Tennis Center chief operating officer. “This is an incredible opportunity for San Diego to shine as a premier destination for the sport and we can’t wait for players and fans from across the country to experience everything our city has to offer.”

For decades, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association has been polling Americans about their participation levels in more than 100 sports and activities. The data, released annually in their Topline Participation Report, breaks those numbers down by individual sports and activities, types of sports like water sports, winter sports or racquet sports, and also by gender, age and income levels. The result is an incredibly comprehensive look at who is playing what and what the barriers might be for others based on their gender, age and income levels among other factors. Their latest report, whose research was led by senior director and head of research Alex Kerman — our guest on this episode — is filled with interesting data.

As far as the headlines go, the great news is that people are moving more. For the first time, the report concluded that over 80 percent of Americans are active in something, which means they participate in one of those sports or activities at least once last year. And what are they playing? Well, once again pickleball is by far the fastest-growing sport, at least by percentage of new people reporting that they play. Pickleball, however, isn’t the only success story. Team sports in general are trending upward, including many that were on the program at the last Olympic Games or that will make their debut at the 2028 Olympic Games, like flag football, which was another winner. In this conversation, we break down the numbers from this fascinating report, talk about why the growth sports are growing and what the next big thing may be in the years to come.

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The city of Cape Coral, Florida, has officially opened its rebranded racquet sports facility called The Courts, Cape Coral.

The venue, which had a grand opening on February 22, includes tennis, pickleball and more. The event featured an open house, live programming and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Sports Facilities Companies will manage and operate the facility.

“We have sold over 2,600 memberships in the venue’s pre-opening phase,” said Joe Petrella, Cape Coral director of parks and recreation. “The overwhelming interest demonstrates the excitement and demand for a facility of this caliber. We are proud to provide our residents with a venue that sets a new standard for excellence in recreational offerings.”

The Courts, Cape Coral features 32 pickleball courts designed to host large-scale tournaments and events alongside 12 tennis courts ideal for competitive leagues. The facility has a capacity to accommodate over 1,000 tournament participants.

“The Courts, Cape Coral represents progress, innovation and community spirit,” said Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter. “This facility reflects our commitment to offering exceptional recreational opportunities while driving economic growth and strengthening our identity as a vibrant destination for sports tourism.”

In addition to catering to local sports enthusiasts, The Courts, Cape Coral will aim to make an impact on the region by hosting tournaments and attracting visitors to local businesses, hotels and restaurants.

“Facilities like The Courts, Cape Coral are crucial in positioning Florida as a leader in the racquet sports industry,” said Adrian Moses, SFC regional general manager. “We are thrilled to play a key role in shaping the future of this space and bringing exceptional experiences to the community and visitors alike.”

The Professional Pickleball Association will bring the inaugural season of the PPA Tour Challenger Series to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in April for the Baton Rouge PPA Challenger at the Stacks Pickleball sports complex.

Stacks Pickleball is located on the campus of Celtic Studios and is Louisiana’s first and largest climate controlled pickleball facility. It features 12 indoor courts and will host the first professional pickleball tournament held in Louisiana.

“Visit Baton Rouge is excited to partner with Stacks Pickleball and welcome the PPA Challenger Series to our community,” said Jason Suitt, director of sports development for Visit Baton Rouge. “We look forward to sharing our unique culture with the players and their guests by providing a rich Louisiana experience. As the first professional pickleball tournament held in Louisiana, this event will help elevate Baton Rouge’s position within the fast-growing pickleball community within the state, region and nationally.”

The PPA Tour Challenger Series will create an avenue for players to break into professional pickleball and earn their way onto the PPA Tour. The series will feature amateur and aspiring professional pickleball players battling it out at more than a dozen tour stops in 2025.

“We have been excited to create more grassroots opportunities for amateur players as well as a structured pathway to the Carvana PPA Tour for aspiring professionals for a long time and we have done just that with the Challenger Series Powered by JOOLA,” said Connor Pardoe, founder and chief executive officer of the Carvana PPA Tour. “This new tour will not only elevate the level of play but also inspire and motivate amateurs to reach new heights in their pickleball journey while bringing the PPA Tour’s brand of electric pickleball action to new levels of intensity.”

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association has released its 2025 Topline Participation Report, which annually tracks how many Americans are being active and participating in certain sports.

For the first time since SFIA began tracking physical activity figures, the participation rate for active Americans reached 80 percent, which means 247.1 million Americans participated in at least one activity in 2024 — an increase of 25.4 million more active Americans per year since 2019.

“This milestone, highlighted in our 2025 Topline Participation Report, underscores the positive trends and momentum within the sports and fitness industry,” said Alex Kerman, SFIA senior director and head of research. “We are thrilled to see such robust engagement across all activity categories, from team and racquet sports to fitness activities. It’s clear that Americans are prioritizing activity more than ever and the sports and fitness industry looks forward to continuing to support a healthier, more active nation.”

SFIA’s Topline Participation Report tracks rates of activity for Americans aged six and older across 124 different sports, fitness and outdoor activities. It includes 10-year trend analyses by activity category, data deep-dives into inactivity and surveys of Americans’ aspirations to take on new activities in 2024.

For the fourth consecutive year, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States. In 2024, 19.8 million Americans participated in pickleball, a 45.8 percent increase from the 2023 figure and a 311 percent increase from three years ago. Racquet sports as a whole continued to be in a growth phase, with five out of seven racquet sports that SFIA tracks increasing their year-over-year participation totals.

Olympic sports benefitted from the bounce of the 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris. Many of the sports featured last summer saw significant participation increases in 2024 as basketball, gymnastics, volleyball (court), and track and field all saw increases of nearly 7 percent or higher. Leading the way was wrestling, which had the largest increase of the Olympic sports, as well as all team sports, with an 8.6 percent increase since 2023.

The team sports category continued its momentum in 2024 and saw significant increases in participation as 20 of 24 team sports increased their participation levels from 2023, with eight team sports increasing by over 7 percent.

In the fitness category, many activities saw significant increases for the first time since the pandemic. Every activity in the strength category increased participation for the first time since the pandemic, and class-based activity had its best year since 2020. Hiking and trail running continued their decade-long growth trend and running/jogging surpassed 50 million participants for the first time since 2020.