APP Announces Full 2026 Tour Schedule: 13 Nationally Televised Events
The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has unveiled its complete 2026 event schedule, marking the organization’s eighth full season of elite pickleball competition. The comprehensive calendar features 13 nationally televised APP Tour events, expanded APP Next tournaments, and an exciting international component.
APP Tour 2026: 12 Stops, National Coverage
The flagship APP Tour will visit 12 cities across the United States, with every event receiving national broadcast coverage on CBS Sports and ESPN, alongside extensive livestreaming options. The tour remains open to amateurs of all ages and skill levels, while also featuring professional divisions.
2026 APP Tour Schedule
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 18-22 | Daytona Beach Open | Holly Hill, FL |
| Mar. 25-29 | Fort Lauderdale Open | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Apr. 29-May 3 | Sacramento Open | Roseville, CA |
| May 13-17 | Southern California Open | Newport Beach, CA |
| May 27-31 | Virginia Beach Open | Virginia Beach, VA |
| June 10-14 | Vlasic Classic - Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH |
| July 22-26 | Chicago Open | Highland Park, IL |
| Aug. 19-23 | Detroit Open | Novi, MI |
| Sep. 16-20 | Overland Park Open | Overland Park, KS |
| Oct. 14-18 | Humana Louisville Open | Louisville, KY |
| Oct. 28-Nov. 1 | Arizona Open | Mesa, AZ |
| Dec. 2-6 | APP Tour Championships | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
Major tournament designations with enhanced prize pools and ranking points will be announced in the coming weeks.
Special Divisions
The 2026 tour continues to feature specialty divisions for senior players:
- AARP Champions: 50+ age division
- AARP Masters: 60+ age division
These divisions will compete across all 12 APP Tour stops, with the headline AARP Open taking place March 26-29 in Seattle.
APP Next Circuit: Developing Tomorrow’s Stars
APP Next, founded in 2021 as the only dedicated player development tour in professional pickleball, returns with seven events designed for athletes 23 and under. All events take place at Chicken N Pickle venues nationwide.
2026 APP Next Schedule
- Jan. 16-18: Houston
- Feb. 13-15: San Antonio
- Mar. 20-22: Las Vegas
- June 19-21: Dallas
- July 31-Aug. 2: St. Louis
- Oct. 23-25: Kansas City
- Dec. 11-13: Fort Lauderdale (Finale)
Collegiate Championships
The APP Selkirk Collegiate Series returns with regional qualifiers leading up to the U.S. Collegiate Championships in Cape Coral, FL (March 6-8, 2026). Schools will compete for a total prize pool of $85,000, including $50,000 at the championship event.
Strategic Partnerships
Several 2026 events benefit from partnerships with city tourism boards and sports commissions:
- Humana Louisville Open: Supported by Humana Inc., Louisville Tourism, and Louisville Sports Commission
- Detroit Open: Backed by the Detroit Sports Commission
- Overland Park Open: Hosted in partnership with Visit Overland Park
From the Founder
“Another exciting chapter of momentum and growth is upon us, as we launch season eight of the APP,” said APP Founder Ken Herrmann. “Our event portfolio has expanded far beyond just APP Tour events, and we truly have something for everyone. We stay committed to being a resource for pickleball players worldwide, and giving our pro players a global stage to shine.”
Key Highlights
- 12 APP Tour stops with CBS Sports and ESPN national broadcast coverage
- 7 APP Next development tour events for players 23 and under
- AARP Champions and Masters divisions at all tour stops
- $85,000 in collegiate prize money, including $50,000 at the championship
- Strategic partnerships with major cities and corporate sponsors
- Season culminates with APP Tour Championships in Fort Lauderdale (Dec. 2-6)
The 2026 APP Tour represents the organization’s most ambitious season yet, offering opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to compete on pickleball’s biggest stages.
Source: The Dink Pickleball