The Only Pickleball Tour Built by Seniors for Seniors, Ages 50 to 85+

Everything you need to know about US Senior Pickleball, how to get involved, and why this year's National Championship will be their biggest one yet

Pickleball's growth story is often told through participation numbers, celebrity investors, and pro tours.

But the sport's foundation has always been seniors.

That's the idea behind US Senior Pickleball (USSP), a nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to players ages 50 and older.

In a sport where seniors helped fuel pickleball's rise from niche pastime to national phenomenon, USSP believes older players deserve a fun and competitive playing experience designed specifically for them.

Its tagline says it all: built by seniors, for seniors.

And this year is shaping up to be their biggest one yet.

About US Senior Pickleball

Unlike traditional governing bodies or tournament organizations that serve every age group, USSP focuses entirely on the senior player experience.

And whereas other senior-based organizations are getting younger, building out divisions for the 30+ and 40+ crowds, USSP is proudly and uniquely positioned as the only major organization that caters to a player base from 50 years old to well over 80.

On the court and off, that means age- and skill-based competition, senior-specific resources, grassroots programming, and a nationwide tournament circuit tailored to older athletes, including a burgeoning new wheelchair division they're adding to events this year.

The organization traces its roots back to 2016 and now serves thousands of members across the country.

Its mission is simple: inspire seniors to live life to the fullest through the joy of pickleball.

Says USSP President Tony Schneider:

In addition to its nationwide championship tournament series, USSP also brings non-competitive social pickleball events to seniors through clinics, ladders, leagues and other recreational pickleball events.

Join the Largest Senior Pickleball Community on Earth

Open play at your local court is fun and all, but how does a competitive tournament with hundreds of potential new best friends sound instead?

That's the promise and the potential of USSP.

USSP tournaments are always round robin and provide competitive play in 5-year age brackets for players age 50 to 85+.

The 2026 USSP National Championship presented by Humana will be held at Palm Creek Resort in Casa Grande, Arizona from Nov. 30 – Dec. 5, 2026.

Last year’s National Championships brought close to 1,000 players; this year even more are expected to compete for national titles in the men's, women's, mixed doubles, and singles divisions.

But first, in order to compete in Nationals, you must enter a separate USSP Circuit, Regional, or Zone Championship event.

Here's what's coming up:

More Than Just Tournaments

While tournaments are a major part of the offering, USSP's focus extends well beyond medals and rankings.

The organization supports introductory workshops, ambassador programs, local community events, and educational resources designed to help seniors stay active, social, and engaged through pickleball.

Its membership program includes tournament discounts, a senior-focused rating system, points races, newsletters, and access to a nationwide community of players just like you.

Think of it like a club that understands your pace, your priorities, and, honestly, your sense of humor.

What to Expect at the USSP 2026 Nationals

Image via Palm Creek Resort

So what makes this championship stand out? For starters, it’s the only national pickleball championship designed exclusively for players ages 50 to 85+.

And it's coming up sooner than you might think.

• When: Nov. 30 – Dec. 5, 2026
• Where: Palm Creek Resort in Casa Grande, Arizona
• Who: Players in five-year age brackets (Masters Divisions at 50+, 55+, 60+; Legends Divisions at 65+, 70+, 75+, 85+)

Last year’s USSP National Championships brought close to 1,000 players and this year even more are expected to compete for national titles in mens’, womens’
and mixed doubles as well singles.

And because of the round-robin format, everyone gets meaningful matches – no flying across the country only to be bounced after two games.

Palm Creek Resort also makes it feel like more than just a pickleball tournament. This is a destination, famous for the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, the Neon Sign Park, and more dining and outdoor recreation that you can possibly fit into one weekend.

What Makes US Senior Pickleball So Special

Pickleball may be attracting younger players at a rapid pace, but seniors remain one of the sport's most passionate and active demographics.

USSP's position is that a 50-year-old player and an 85-year-old player shouldn't be treated as an afterthought within a broader pickleball ecosystem. They deserve programming, competition, and community built around their needs.

That's why USSP organizes competition in five-year age brackets, hosts senior-only championships, and creates opportunities for players to compete against peers rather than athletes decades younger.

And with members ranging from newly retired competitors to players well into their 80s, it's proving that the fastest-growing sport in America doesn't belong to one generation.

It belongs to everyone.