Good morning, pickleballers!
Yikes, it is Friday again.
Before we get cracking with today’s pickleball news, the January issue of World Pickleball Magazine is now live and free to read. Explore global stories from Türkiye, Poland, Italy, Japan, India, Pakistan, and more, alongside wider coverage of governance, refereeing, and how the sport is developing worldwide.
If you enjoy it, please share it with your pickleball friends and communities. You can also follow @worldpickleballmagazine on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the World Pickleball Podcast on Spotify, iTunes, and many other major podcast platforms.
In the latest episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, I sit down with Leon Stanga, President and pioneering force behind Pickleball Venezuela.
Leon shares the remarkable story of how pickleball took root in Venezuela, from early grassroots efforts to building a national structure for the sport. The conversation explores the challenges of growing pickleball in emerging markets, the role of leadership and education, and what it takes to introduce a new sport in regions where resources, awareness, and infrastructure can be limited.
And then yesterday, Gordon Watson joined me for the weekly news podcast – an update on what the team has been working on behind the scenes, including the continued growth and global reach of World Pickleball Magazine. From there, the conversation moves into one of the busiest periods in recent memory for paddle sponsorships, breaking down major player signings such as Anna Leigh Waters joining Franklin, Federico Staksrud Tardio’s move to Falcolos, and wider shifts involving Friday and Engage.
Here’s the latest pickleball news.
Paddletek Reloads: Navratil, Garnett, and Newman Join Roster After Waters’ Departure
USA – In a decisive move to maintain its standing on the professional tour, pickleball equipment giant Paddletek has announced the signing of three major stars: Zane Navratil, Connor Garnett, and Riley Newman. The announcement, made on January 15, serves as a strategic rebuild following the high-profile departure of Anna Leigh Waters, who recently transitioned to a partnership with Franklin Pickleball.
Among the new signees, Zane Navratil stands out for his dual role as an elite competitor and a leading voice in the sport’s ecosystem. Currently ranked No. 21 in both Men’s and Mixed Doubles, Navratil has served as the president of the United Pickleball Association (UPA) Pro Player Committee since July 2025 and is a prolific digital content creator. Joining him is Connor Garnett, a singles powerhouse currently ranked No. 4 in the world. Garnett brings a resume featuring 22 career medals, including four golds, and significant international experience from the PPA Tour Asia.
Rounding out the trio is doubles specialist Riley Newman, who boasts an incredible 58 medals in Men’s Doubles and 38 in Mixed Doubles. Newman maintains a consistent top-tier presence, currently holding the No. 13 spot in Men’s Doubles. While the brand acknowledges that no single player can replicate the individual impact of Waters, the combined leadership, dominance in doubles, and elite performance of these three athletes signal that Paddletek remains a formidable force in the industry. This rebuilding phase underlines the brand’s commitment to the professional circuit as sponsorship landscapes continue to shift.
Palm Springs Thriller: Fahey and Staksrud Overcome Five Match Points in Masters Classic
Palm Springs, USA – The 2026 PPA Tour has already delivered a “match of the year” contender during the Carvana PPA Masters. In a high-stakes mixed doubles Round of 16 clash, No. 8 seeds Kate Fahey and Federico Staksrud triumphed over No. 18 seeds Rachel Rohrabacher and Will Howells in a three-game epic. After losing the first game 4-11 and facing five match points in the third, Fahey and Staksrud mounted a stunning comeback to win 4-11, 12-10, 14-12. Staksrud noted that such high-pressure matches on Centre Court are vital for their partnership’s growth.
Elsewhere in the Round of 16, Gabe Joseph avenged a previous loss by defeating No. 10 seed John Lucian Goins with an 11-9, 10-12, 11-3 victory. In the professional brackets, other notable Round of 16 results saw top seeds navigating a field increasingly characterised by tactical aggression.
Quarterfinal Matches to Watch Today: Fans should keep a close eye on several blockbuster matchups scheduled for today. In Women’s Singles, No. 4 Parris Todd is set to face No. 5 Catherine Parenteau in a battle of top-tier talent. Another highlight features No. 3 Lea Jansen taking on No. 7 Judit Castillo. In Men’s Doubles, the pairing of Oncins and Frazier (4) will look to hold off the duo of Garnett and Ge (8), while in the Women’s bracket, Schneemann and Dizon (4) are slated to face Jansen and Smith (8).
Indoor Warfare: Lakeville Prepares for High-Speed Action at National Championships
Lakeville, USA – The professional pickleball circuit heads to Minnesota next week for the Pickleball Central Indoor National Championships, set to begin Monday, January 19. Hosted at Life Time Lakeville, the event features a progressive draw format across all five professional divisions. With the faster conditions of indoor play, the tournament offers a “golden opportunity” for the field, as world No. 1 Ben Johns is absent from the roster and Anna Leigh Waters is competing exclusively in women’s doubles.
The recently released draws reveal Hunter Johnson as the top seed in Men’s Singles, with Federico Staksrud taking the second spot. In Women’s Singles, Kaitlyn Christian and Brooke Buckner lead the field as the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, respectively. The mixed doubles bracket sees Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin carrying the top seed, while Tyra Black and Christian Alshon seek their first breakthrough gold as the No. 2 seeds.
Matches and Storylines to Watch: The Round of 16 promises high-intensity matchups, including a potential brother-vs-brother showdown between Hunter and Yates Johnson. Another must-watch Round of 16 pairing features Connor Garnett (4) against the veteran Tyson McGuffin (18). In the quarterfinals, fans should look for Schneemann and Dizon (4) to potentially clash with Jansen and Smith (8) in Women’s Doubles, while the “Ice/Church” pairing of CJ Klinger and Federico Staksrud (3) will be tested as they look to build chemistry in the Men’s Doubles bracket. Broadcast coverage begins Thursday, January 22, on PickleballTV.
London’s Junior Academy: Cultivating the Next Generation of Pickleball “Tribes”
London, UK – At the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Roehampton, a quiet revolution is taking place on the pickleball courts. London Pickleball’s Junior Academy, overseen by Lou Stephens and lead coach Sarah Davis, is providing a dedicated space for young athletes to thrive away from the distractions of technology. Supported by FOX Pickleball, the academy focuses on Saturday sessions where youngsters play exclusively with their peers rather than adults, a format that has proven surprisingly popular even for the 13-to-18-year-old category.
The academy’s primary mission goes beyond skill development; it is about helping children “find their tribe”. Lead coach Sarah Davis, who transitioned to pickleball from squash, emphasises the importance of building a separate community outside of school, especially following the social disruptions of the pandemic. “Kids these days find it really hard to find their tribe, whereas if they get into a certain sport, they find they’ve met like-minded people,” Davis explained.
The program has seen a healthy mix of boys and girls forming genuine friendship groups. Beyond social benefits, the academy maintains a strong focus on safety—often reminding players to keep their protective goggles on—and inclusivity, welcoming players of all skill levels to increase their confidence. As the academy awaits decisions on grant funding to support future growth, it remains a vital pillar for the sport’s development in the UK, supported by guidance from Pickleball England.
Game+ Extends Exclusive Broadcast Rights for Canadian National Pickleball League
Toronto, Canada – In a major boost for professional pickleball in North America, Game+ has announced a multi-year extension of its partnership with the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL). The agreement ensures that Game+ remains the official broadcasting partner of Canada’s premier league, providing exclusive coverage as the organisation enters its fourth season in May 2026.
The upcoming season will feature seven two-day regular season events, including four regional splits and three “majors”. Fans can expect live broadcasts of Court 1 at every event on the Game+ linear network, while both Court 1 and Court 2 will be streamed via the official Game+ YouTube channel. This comprehensive coverage aims to showcase Canada’s top talent, featuring a format of women’s doubles, open doubles, and mixed doubles games.
Since its inception in 2023, the CNPL has focused on establishing Canada as a global leader in the sport. With pickleball being considered for future Olympic inclusion, CNPL Commissioner Mike McAninch highlighted that this broadcast extension provides athletes with the exposure they have earned while connecting with a rapidly growing fanbase. Game+ reaches millions of viewers across North America, and its leadership expressed pride in continuing to offer a platform for the “world-class talent” found within the league.
Jack MacGregor Secures MVP Honours as Premier Pickleball League Title Race Heats Up
Tunbridge Wells, UK – The Premier Pickleball League (PPL) has crowned its first standout performer of the new year. Jack MacGregor of the Pure Pickleball team has been named the first PPL MVP of 2026 following a dominant display during match weekend 4 in Tunbridge. MacGregor maintained an impressive four-match unbeaten streak, a performance that propelled his team to second place in the overall standings.
As the league moves toward its conclusion, the race for the regular season title remains tightly contested. R3 continues to hold the top spot with a record of seven wins and only one loss, but they are closely trailed by the Pure Pickleball Pythons. Surrey Smash, currently in third place, also remains a mathematical contender for the championship. The final outcome of the season will likely be decided next month during match weekend 5, scheduled to take place in Swindon.
The PPL has become a centrepiece of the UK’s burgeoning pickleball scene, showcasing elite regional talent. The recognition of MacGregor highlights the league’s focus on individual excellence within a team framework. With the European Open dates also recently confirmed for 2026, the momentum for professional pickleball in the United Kingdom continues to build as teams prepare for the final regular-season push.
Thai Football Legend “Madam Pang” Makes Pickleball Debut Amid SEA Games Push
Khao Yai, Thailand – The president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), popularly known as Madam Pang, has officially joined the pickleball craze. The high-profile sports figure made her debut on the court this week at the five-star Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa in Khao Yai. Dressed in her signature luxury-sporty aesthetic, including a Louis Vuitton T-shirt and a Richard Mille watch, Madam Pang shared her experience on social media, noting that she initially arrived to cheer before being inspired to pick up a paddle herself.
Her appearance highlights the explosive growth of pickleball across Southeast Asia, where it is currently ranked as the fastest-growing sport. Data from UPA Asia indicates a 152% surge in awareness in Vietnam and a 132% increase in Malaysia. Despite this popularity, pickleball was not included in the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
The focus has now shifted to the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia. While the provisional list of 38 sports for the 2027 edition—set to be held across Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Penang, and Johor—does not currently include pickleball, the Asian Pickleball Federation (AFP) is actively lobbying for its inclusion. The AFP’s strategy involves introducing pickleball as an exhibition sport first to demonstrate its viability for full competitive status.
PPA Tour Asia Partners with ANCHOR Sports to Conquer Chinese Digital Landscape
Hanoi, Vietnam – The PPA Tour Asia has announced a landmark partnership with ANCHOR Sports to serve as the tour’s official social media partner in China. The agency is tasked with strengthening the tour’s digital presence and building an active community among the massive Chinese audience as the sport experiences “explosive growth” across the region.
ANCHOR Sports brings a prestigious pedigree to the partnership, with a client list that includes the NFL, MLB, NBA, FC Barcelona, and Chelsea. Tristan Chen, CEO and Founder of ANCHOR Sports, expressed confidence that pickleball will soon become a staple of the “leisure sports lifestyle” for urban residents in China. Marketing Director at UPA Asia, Josephine Tan, noted that the agency’s experience in building fan communities for global sports properties makes them an ideal partner for the tour’s expansion.
The next phase of this strategy begins in April with the MB Hanoi Cup 2026, marking the start of the tour’s second season. This follows a successful inaugural year that concluded in December with the Vibrant Linping Hangzhou Open, the tour’s first event in mainland China. The 2026 season aims to deepen engagement in key markets, leveraging ANCHOR Sports’ expertise to cultivate a dedicated fanbase hungry for emerging sports.
Global Alignment: PPA Tour Australia Integrates into Unified World Rankings for 2026
Sydney, Australia – PPA Tour Australia has unveiled a transformative competition framework for 2026, officially aligning the continent with the unified global PPA ranking system. Under this new structure, results earned in Australian professional events will contribute directly to a single international leaderboard and pro pathway, providing local athletes with a clear route to the world stage.
The 2026 season will feature PPA 125 and PPA 250 classified events, awarding points that mirror PPA Tour events worldwide. Pro draws will utilize double-elimination formats for 125-level events and single-elimination progressive draws for 250-level events, with prize money paid down to 8th place in the higher-tier tournaments. Notably, the tour will discontinue Pro Masters (50+) events to shift focus toward strengthening the junior pathway and supporting athletes aged 18 and over.
To reward consistency, the “PPA Tour Australia Race” will offer bonus prize money to the top eight ranked male and female signed professionals at the season’s end. Junior development is also receiving a boost with the introduction of Junior Mixed events and the opportunity to compete for the first-ever PPA Junior Triple Crown. Pickleball Australia Executive Officer Brendan Lee hailed the move as a critical step for elite athletes, ensuring that “every tournament matters and every point counts” on a global scale.
Junior Legends Clash: Luzon Open Set for Grand Finale at The Dink Lab
Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Pickleball League (PPL) is set to crown its next generation of champions at the PPL Luzon Open 2026. The atmosphere at The Dink Lab has reached a fever pitch as the tournament enters the 17 & Under Junior Mixed Doubles Grand Finals. This championship showdown is being hailed as one of the most significant junior pickleball spectacles in Asia, drawing elite talent from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The gold medal match features two powerhouse duos: Chrystelle Marjh J. Elisan and Jacob Van Edrian Cagas vs. Sean Mattheiu A. Canieso and Syesha Bree Rivera. These young athletes are described by the league as the “heartbeat” of a nationwide pickleball revolution in the Philippines. The winners will walk away as the first-ever Junior Mixed champions of the year.
Powered by Polland Hopia, the Luzon Open emphasises its mission as “A League for the People”. Beyond the high-stakes competition, the event has engaged the community with spectator passes that include entries into a raffle for premium prizes, such as a home sauna. Organisers are already looking toward the future, opening registration for subsequent tournaments as they continue to build the infrastructure for “Future Champions” in the region.
Integrity on the Court: Pickleball Australia Unveils National Participant Code of Behaviour
Melbourne, Australia – In a move to safeguard the sport’s reputation as it scales nationally, Pickleball Australia (PA) has announced the introduction of a comprehensive Participant Code of Behaviour Policy. Set to take effect on March 1, 2026, the policy will apply to all PA-sanctioned tournaments and leagues, establishing clear standards of conduct for players, officials, spectators, and even parents.
At the core of the new initiative is the “SPIRIT of Australian Pickleball,” an acronym representing the values of Sporting, Passion, Inclusivity, Respect, Integrity, and Trailblazing. The code outlines specific expectations, such as treating all participants with dignity and communicating concerns through appropriate channels. Conversely, it strictly prohibits unsporting conduct, audible obscenities, and the abuse of equipment or officials.
For professional events involving prize money, the code includes stringent rules against “no shows” and late withdrawals to protect competitive integrity. A transparent disciplinary framework has been established, featuring technical warnings, code violations, and a 12-month rolling point system that can lead to suspensions or fines. PA emphasised that the policy is a shared responsibility designed to ensure that passion and competitiveness coexist with respect, preserving a safe and welcoming environment for the sport’s diverse and rapidly growing participant base.
Agassi Joins the Kitchen: “Pickleballers” Podcast Moves to PickleballTV for Season 3
New York, USA – One of pickleball’s most influential media properties is making a major move. “Pickleballers,” the popular podcast hosted by The Kitchen founder Jared Paul and professional player Roscoe Bellamy, has been picked up by PickleballTV. The show is now officially streaming via the PickleballTV app, YouTube TV, and Amazon Prime, offering fans a deeper look into the lives of pro players off the court.
Since its launch in the spring of 2025, the podcast has hosted a “who’s who” of the sport, including Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and PPA CEO Connor Pardoe. The upcoming Season 3, which launches next week, is set to feature tennis legend and pickleball enthusiast Andre Agassi in its premiere episode. Bellamy expressed excitement about the partnership, noting that it provides a unique platform to humanise the athletes that fans see competing in live tournaments.
The expansion comes as PickleballTV reports significant audience growth, with viewer numbers increasing by more than 64% in 2025. In addition to new episodes throughout 2026, the partnership includes access to the full archive of the show’s previous 26 episodes. By integrating this personality-driven content with live event coverage, the network aims to solidify its position as the central hub for the global pickleball community.
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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