Good morning, pickleballers!
It’s the weekend and it is in the end of the month! You know what that means? The World Pickleball Magazine February 2026 issue is coming very soon…
Before all that though, check out the latest World Pickleball Podcast.
As ever, Gordon Watson and I break down a packed week of professional and international pickleball news.
Our chat opens with analysis of the first two days of the World Pickleball League (WPBL), including early performances, standout moments, and what the opening matches reveal about the direction of the league. From there, we turn to growing rumours linking Sofia Sewing to a potential move to the PPA, examining what such a shift could mean for both player and tour.
We also cover PPA Indoors in Minnesota, with insights into the event, conditions, and its place on the professional calendar. Attention then shifts to Paddle Battle, the new Pickleball Kingdom reality TV show, where winners earn a coveted spot on the APP Tour, blending entertainment with competitive opportunity.
Listen in below.
And here’s today’s world pickleball news.
Silencing the Court: Jack Munro Inks Deal with Low-Noise Paddle Pioneer OWL Sport
USA – American pickleball sensation Jack Munro has officially announced a major shift in his equipment sponsorship, partnering with OWL Sport in a move that highlights the growing market for specialised paddle technology. The announcement, made via social media on January 29, sees the World No. 31 men’s doubles player joining a brand renowned for its “Quiet the Competition” motto and innovative low-noise technology.
Munro, who recently competed for the Capital Warriors Gurgaon in the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) 2025, stated that his decision was the result of extensive testing. “I trained with and tested virtually every high-performance paddle on the market, and what stood out was how strategic and intentional this brand is,” Munro explained in an Instagram post. He emphasised that OWL Sport’s vision of pushing the game forward aligns perfectly with his own career approach.
This partnership arrives during a turbulent season for sponsorships, as high-profile athletes like World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters and Asian star Quang Duong have also recently realigned with new brands. Munro brings significant momentum to OWL Sport, having recently secured a title at the Vietnam Masters and displaying strong leadership in the IPBL. He described the new deal as a long-term collaboration intended to grow the game globally.
Bhatia Retains Top Spot: Indian Pickleball Ace Dominates DUPR Standings After Historic Season
Mumbai, India – Armaan Bhatia has successfully defended his position as India’s number one men’s pickleball player, topping the latest Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) standings with a commanding rating of 5.900. Despite a stumbling start to 2026 with an upset loss at the PPA Masters, Bhatia’s ranking remains secure thanks to a meteoric rise throughout the previous season.
Bhatia’s dominance is underpinned by a series of historic firsts for Indian pickleball. In May 2025, he became the first Indian to win an APP Tour crown, claiming the singles title at the New York City Open after a thrilling victory over Alex Crum. He followed this success by signing professional contracts with both the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP) in August, marking India’s arrival on the sport’s biggest global stages. Domestically, he solidified his status with a triple crown victory at the PWR DUPR India Masters in New Delhi.
The current rankings highlight a significant gap between Bhatia and the field, with Santosh Narayanan holding second place with a rating of 5.497, followed closely by Aditya Ruhela. The list also features emerging talent, most notably 15-year-old sensation Arjun Singh, who has crashed into the top six with a rating of 5.397, signalling a bright future for the next generation of Indian talent.
Global Leadership: India’s Aditya Khanna Named Asia Director for Global Pickleball Federation
Mumbai, India – In a significant development for the administration of the sport, Aditya Khanna, a pioneering figure in Indian pickleball, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). As of January 31, Khanna assumes the role of Asia Continental Director, placing him among an elite group of five administrators tasked with steering the sport’s global growth.
Khanna’s resume makes him a natural fit for the role; he is the CEO of the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), the founder of Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), and was instrumental in launching the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) in 2025. A former professional tennis player and current captain of the Indian 40+ Tennis Team, Khanna brings extensive experience in sports management and international relations to the table.
He joins a diverse board that includes Mexico’s Javier Regalado (Americas), Australia’s Jen Ramamurthy (Oceania), Nigeria’s Babatunde Epoyun (Africa), and Poland’s Marcin Matysik (Europe). The GPF, which represents over 80 member nations, is currently focused on standardising rules, developing coaching infrastructure, and pursuing recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Khanna’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage his experience to professionalise and expand the sport across the Asian continent.
Roster Shakeup: Chicago Slice Acquires Hunter Johnson in First Blockbuster Trade of 2026 Season
Dallas, USA – Major League Pickleball (MLP) has confirmed its first trade of the 2026 season, a significant deal that sends top men’s singles player Hunter Johnson to the Chicago Slice. In the exchange, the Los Angeles Mad Drops receive lefty specialist Max Freeman, while the Slice acquires Johnson along with cash considerations.
The trade addresses critical needs for both franchises. For the Chicago Slice, the acquisition is a vital step in rebuilding a roster that was depleted after the offseason contract terminations of Vivian Glozman and James Ignatowich. By securing Johnson, the PPA Tour’s number one-ranked men’s singles player, Chicago aims to rectify the DreamBreaker struggles that plagued them in 2025, where they posted a dismal 3-9 record. The additional cash received will also bolster their buying power in the upcoming Free Agency Draft on February 27.
For Los Angeles, the move pairs Max Freeman with franchise cornerstone Ben Johns. Johns has historically thrived with left-handed partners, having won a title in 2023 alongside Tyler Loong. However, the trade dissolved the successful Johnson-Kawamoto mixed doubles partnership, which had been a reliable asset for the Mad Drops over the past two seasons.
Strategy Wars: MLP Teams Face Tough Keeper Decisions Ahead of February Deadline
Dallas, USA – With the 2026 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season opener looming in May, general managers are facing a high-stakes game of chess ahead of the February 15 “keeper” deadline. Teams must decide which players to retain at 50% of their original draft price, a rule that is expected to trigger a flurry of unexpected roster moves and strategic drops.
Analysts predict that some franchises may choose to drop their entire rosters to free up cap space and target emerging talent. Specifically, a “youth movement” is anticipated, with teams looking to draft teenage sensations like Andre Mercado and Tama Shimabukuro, who have recently impressed at PPA events. These younger players offer high potential at a lower acquisition cost compared to established veterans.
The Dallas Flash faces perhaps the most scrutinised decision: choosing between retaining JW Johnson or Tyra Black. While Johnson is a top talent, analysts suggest that retaining Black is the statistically superior move due to the scarcity of elite female players compared to the depth of the men’s talent pool. Additionally, new rules allowing bench players to substitute in single games—such as DreamBreakers—are expected to influence strategies, with top teams likely paring down rosters to afford specialists for specific match scenarios.
Queen of the Court: Mihika Yadav Cements Status as India’s Number One Pickleball Player
Mumbai, India – Following a spectacular 2025 season, Mihika Yadav has been confirmed as India’s top-ranked women’s pickleball player in the latest Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) standings. With a rating of 5.174, Yadav holds the top spot after a year of relentless consistency that saw her named Women’s Player of the Year by Pickleball Now.
Yadav’s rise to the summit was powered by multiple high-profile victories, including the Rise Up Championship and the IPA Nationals in Bengaluru. Her success wasn’t limited to domestic play; she also made her mark internationally by securing a bronze medal at the Pickleball World Cup in Florida and competing across the PPA Tour Asia in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Japan.
The rankings reveal a competitive field chasing Yadav. Aaliya Ebrahim, representing the Chennai Super Warriors, holds the second spot with a rating of 4.937, followed closely by Snehal Patil at 4.878. Shraddha Damani, fresh off a triple-title performance at the Indian Masters in Ahmedabad, sits in fourth place. Yadav’s ability to deliver under pressure was highlighted during the Indian Pickleball League Eliminator, where she secured a crucial win for the Lucknow Leopards despite the team’s exit.
Edinburgh Ready: Scottish Open Unveils Schedule for Massive Spring Showdown
Edinburgh, Scotland – The provisional timetable for the highly anticipated Scottish Open has been released, setting the stage for a week of intense competition at Edinburgh’s Meadowbank Sports Centre this spring. Scheduled to run from Wednesday, May 27 to Sunday, May 31, the event promises to be a comprehensive showcase of the sport, featuring categories for all ages and abilities.
The tournament will open on Wednesday with senior doubles categories (50+ and 60+), followed by Mixed Doubles for seniors and Wheelchair Doubles on Thursday. The intensity is set to ramp up on Friday, May 29, with the introduction of Men’s and Women’s Singles (18+ and 50+) and Youth Singles for players aged 12 to 17. The weekend will feature the marquee Open Doubles events, culminating in the 18+ Mixed Doubles finals on Sunday.
Organisers have announced that registration for the tournament opens on Sunday, February 1. With the inclusion of dedicated youth and wheelchair brackets alongside the standard open divisions, the Scottish Open is positioning itself as a major inclusive event on the European pickleball calendar.
Rising Star Secured: Sofia Sewing Signs UPA Deal, Enters 2026 Major League Pickleball Pool
Dallas, USA – In a significant talent acquisition for the United Pickleball Association (UPA), rising star Sofia Sewing has signed a contract that places her in the player pool for the 2026 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season. The deal, confirmed by UPA leadership, ensures that one of the sport’s most promising talents will be available for selection in the upcoming draft on February 27.
The structure of Sewing’s contract mirrors a “transition” model previously used for players like Will Howells. Sewing will compete in the MLP in 2026 while fulfilling existing obligations on the APP Tour, before transitioning to a full schedule on the PPA Tour and MLP in 2027. This hybrid approach allows the league to secure top-tier talent immediately while respecting prior athlete commitments.
Sewing is widely regarded as a top-10 calibre women’s singles player and is considered one of the few female athletes capable of competing at an elite level across all three divisions—singles, doubles, and mixed. Her entry into the draft pool is expected to shake up team strategies, as she represents a high-value “cornerstone” player for franchises looking to bolster their female roster depth.
Unstoppable Force: Chennai Super Champs Extend Winning Streak in World Pickleball League
Mumbai, India – The Chennai Super Champs have solidified their dominance in the World Pickleball League (WPBL) 2026, extending their unbeaten run with a gritty 3-2 victory over the Rajasthan Titans at the Jio World Garden. The win propels Chennai to the top of the league table with 33 points, having won all three of their ties so far.
Chennai stormed to an early lead, securing the first three matches to establish an unassailable 3-0 advantage. Rika Fujiwara opened with a decisive 24-11 singles victory, followed by a mixed doubles win from Ly Hoang Nam and Carlota Trevino. Ly Hoang Nam, the former Wimbledon boys’ doubles champion, returned to the court to defeat Jack Foster 13-9 in men’s singles, earning him the “Player of the Tie” honours and the top spot on the “Band of Honour” for most points scored by a male. Although Rajasthan rallied to win the final two doubles matches, the damage was already done.
In other league action on January 30, Dilli Dillwale secured a vital victory over the Bengaluru Jawans. Dilli Dillwale won the men’s singles, men’s doubles, mixed doubles, and women’s doubles to improve their standing to second place on the leaderboard with 24 points. The league continues on January 31 with Mumbai Pickle Power facing Bengaluru Jawans.
Chris Beaumont
Founder and Editor-in-ChiefChris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at…
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