Leading pickleball’s explosive revolution in India since its founding in 2021, Global Sports has sparked a nationwide frenzy through its innovative 360-degree ecosystem, expert coaching, and thrilling flagship events like the star-studded Indian Open and Monsoon Pickleball Championships, captivating global talent, celebrities, and communities while evolving the sport into a vibrant lifestyle phenomenon ready for worldwide expansion. Now, in a landmark development for professional pickleball, India’s Global Sports has joined the Association of Pickleball Players (APP), Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL), European Pickleball Federation (EPF), Australia’s National Pickleball League (NPL), Pickleball England, and Vietnam’s Pickleball D-Joy to form the world’s first global alliance, set to accelerate the sport’s worldwide growth.
This collaborative coalition brings together established leaders in the pickleball community to establish a cohesive, non-overlapping event schedule, an integrated worldwide ranking framework, graduated prize pools, enhanced business partnerships, and funding for scholarships, all aimed at unlocking unprecedented career pathways and financial rewards for elite and up-and-coming pros across the globe.
“This is a monumental day for pickleball worldwide, and the APP is honoured to be officially partnering with such a passionate and professional group of organisations,” said APP Founder Ken Herrmann. “The APP always has been player-focused, and now, we’re able to continue that mission worldwide and provide more competitive opportunities for players than ever before. It is our steadfast focus to evolve the credibility and growth of the sport to a place where pros are free and supported to chase their career dreams.”
“The decision to announce a World Calendar in alliance with APP and other Pickleball organisations across the World, is part of our commitment to grow Pickleball, offer Pro Players a structured path to make formidable career’s and to build a world community, as it’s this sense of community which is the soul of Pickleball,” said Shashank Khaitan, Founding Partner, Global Sports.
“Collaboration is key to growing pickleball globally. This Alliance ensures players can plan their season with confidence, knowing the major events complement each other rather than compete. It’s good for the players, good for the sport, and it demonstrates Pickleball England’s commitment to bringing the international community together,” said Karen Mitchell, Chair & Co-Founder, Pickleball England & English OPEN.
“Unity and pathways are the lifeblood of any sport, and this alliance represents a major step forward for pickleball. From the beginning, the NPL has been committed to building opportunities for players and raising the standard of competition across Australia. By joining forces with this incredible group of organisations, we can now extend those opportunities onto the world stage. Together we will bring the world’s best to Australia, showcase our own homegrown talent abroad, and ensure that players everywhere have the support and clarity they need to pursue their dreams. This partnership is proof of what can be achieved when we put players first and work together for the good of the game,” said David Anjou, COO, National Pickleball League (NPL).