Exciting New Path for Pickleball Players
Pickleball Kingdom is making waves in the world of pickleball by connecting the thrill of competition reality television with the professionalism of the APP Tour. Announced on January 22, 2026, winners of the
Pickleball Kingdom Paddle Battle will now have the opportunity to compete on the prestigious
APP Tour, thus opening new avenues for talent in the sport.
Premiering on January 14, 2026, Paddle Battle is the first reality competition series focused on pickleball. This groundbreaking show not only showcases high-level athleticism but also provides a compelling narrative surrounding each player's journey. Audiences get a closer look at the passion, pressure, and commitment required to excel in pickleball. The creators aimed to make the series not only a platform for seasoned players but also accessible to newcomers, making them feel included in the growing sport.
In a progressive move for budding athletes, winners of the Paddle Battle will officially start competing on the
APP Tour beginning in March 2026. The APP Tour is recognized as one of the premier professional pickleball tours that traverse the United States, allowing athletes to face off against top-tier competitors. According to
Ace Rodrigues, Founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom, this initiative is designed to spotlight players and provide them with significant opportunities to advance in their sport on a professional level. He believes that the APP Tour is essential for these emerging athletes to mature, grow, and carve out their own identities within the professional arena.
The collaboration between Pickleball Kingdom and the APP Tour not only benefits participants but also serves to extend the reach of the sport itself. By joining forces with Paddle Battle, the APP Tour seeks to engage a broader audience and shine a light on both established and new talent.
Ken Herrmann, the founder of the APP, echoed this sentiment, calling Paddle Battle a perfect manifestation of the spirit that the APP embodies. He states that it encapsulates passion, camaraderie, and competitive spirit, making it a perfect vehicle to help players pursue their dreams in pickleball.
Both parties recognize the partnership's potential in promoting pickleball as a mainstream sport. Mitch Kistner, Vice President of Marketing at Pickleball Kingdom, highlights that by pairing the buzz of Paddle Battle with the APP Tour, they aim to enhance visibility for pickleball, create new opportunities for athletes, and develop ways for a fresh audience to engage with the sport. Their ultimate mission is to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible in the world of pickleball.
Catch new episodes of the Pickleball Kingdom Paddle Battle every Wednesday at 8:00 PM EST on YouTube. This exciting series invites fans to witness firsthand the evolution of competition in pickleball and to join in its vibrant community.
For those eager to watch the excitement unfold and to engage with fellow fans, the show can be found
here and further insights can be gathered at the official website of Pickleball Kingdom
here.
About Pickleball Kingdom: Pickleball Kingdom stands as the foremost indoor pickleball franchise focused on making this rapidly growing sport accessible throughout the year. By providing state-of-the-art facilities and world-class training opportunities, they are committed to transforming the recreational landscape while empowering entrepreneurs to establish successful ventures.
About the APP Tour: The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tour ranks among the leading professional tours globally, orchestrating events in the U.S. and beyond. They aim to foster athletic competition across various skill levels, advancing the sport through innovative and accessible pathways.