The APP Tour Solidifies Global Expansion in Pickleball

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour has announced a strategic new partnership and the continuance of another partnership in professional international pickleball.

“Uniting the APP with Global Sports and Pickleball England is monumental for the growth of pickleball worldwide. Together, we’ll collaborate on long-term success plans, share resources, and support one another unequivocally as we embark on an exciting new journey for our sport.” - Ken Herrmann, APP Founder.

The APP Tour has announced a new partnership with Global Sports. Global Sports is an Indian based organization that has run quite a few pro tournaments and events throughout India over the past few years. 

“Global Sports is very excited to collaborate with the APP, in its pursuit of creating exciting opportunities for players to make careers in pickleball. We have always collaborated very well with the APP, and our interactions with Ken and the whole team have always been wonderful.” - Shashank Khaitan, Partner at Global Sports.

While Global Sports is based in India, the APP Tour and Global Sports partnership has larger goals than just India, with Vietnam and Dubai events on the horizon. The Global Sports Pro and Challenger League events will be played in several countries throughout Asia.

The top 12 men and women on the APP Tour will earn spots in the Global Sports league events throughout Asia. Additionally, top-ranking APP Tour pros and members of the 2025 APP U.S. National Team will also compete in the 2025 Monsoon Pickleball Championship, the largest pickleball event in India, held July 29–August 3, 2025, in Mumbai.

Likewise, the top ranked Global Sports league players will compete on the APP Tour in the US, including the APP Tour Championships, at the APP Headquarters, The Fort, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

In addition to the new partnership with Global Sports, the APP Tour has extended its partnership with Pickleball England for the fourth straight year. The APP has been a partner with Pickleball England for three straight years, and 2025 is their fourth straight partnership.

Outside the United States, the English Open has been the largest pickleball tournament, hosting over 2,000 players from over 50 countries.

The event will be played at the Telford International Centre, in western England, from August 6–10, 2025.

“Pickleball England is delighted to continue our partnership with the APP for the fourth consecutive year. Welcoming the APP Pro Players and the APP U.S. National Team to the English Open gives top British and European players a unique chance to test themselves under pressure against world-class competition. It’s opportunities like these that elevate the level of play and make the English Open such a compelling event—whether you're on court or in the stands.” - Karen Mitchell, Chair & Tournament Director of Pickleball England

As pickleball continues to grow globally, so does the pro game. The partnerships between the APP Tour, Pickleball England, and Global Sports are solidifying the pro scene not only in the US, but globally.