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APP vs. PPA Pickleball: Understanding the Key Differences

  • Date: June 3, 2023
  • Time to read: 4 min.

app tour vs ppa tour

Are you looking to compete in a pickleball tournament but unsure which league to choose? The two most popular pickleball associations are the APP Tour and PPA Pickleball. While both offer high-quality tournaments and opportunities for players to compete at the professional and amateur levels, there are some differences between the two that may influence your decision.

One of the primary differences between the APP Tour and PPA Pickleball is the way they handle USA Pickleball sanctioning. Another important factor to consider is the use of referees during matches. Additionally, the cost to play, total prize money payouts, player rankings, contracts, and appearance fees can vary between the two associations. These are just a few of the factors you should consider when deciding which league to compete in.

App-Based Pickleball

app tour vs ppa tour

App-based pickleball has become increasingly popular in recent years, with players using apps like the PickleballTournaments.com app to register for tournaments, check schedules, and track their progress. While there are benefits to using app-based pickleball, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

Benefits of Using App-Based Pickleball

One of the primary benefits of using an app for pickleball is convenience. Players can easily register for tournaments and check schedules from their mobile devices without having to navigate through a website or call a tournament director. This can save time and make the registration process more efficient.

Another benefit is the ability to track progress and view rankings. Many apps allow players to see their win-loss record, as well as their ranking among other players in their division. This can help players set goals and track their improvement over time.

Apps can also provide real-time updates during tournaments, including scores and scheduling changes. This can be especially helpful for players who are competing in multiple events or are traveling to tournaments.

Interesting Read: Is Pickleball a Thing in Europe?

Drawbacks of Using App-Based Pickleball

One potential drawback of using app-based pickleball is the reliance on technology. If the app crashes or there are issues with connectivity, players may not be able to access important information or register for tournaments. This can be frustrating and may cause players to miss out on opportunities.

Another drawback is the potential for errors in scheduling or registration. While apps can make the process more efficient, they are still reliant on accurate data entry and communication. If there are errors or miscommunications, it can cause confusion and frustration for players.

Finally, some players may prefer a more personal touch when it comes to registration and communication. They may feel more comfortable speaking with a tournament director directly rather than relying on an app.

Overall, app-based pickleball can be a convenient and efficient way to register for tournaments and track progress. However, players should be aware of the potential drawbacks and consider their own preferences when deciding whether to use an app for pickleball.

PPA-Based Pickleball

app tour vs ppa tour

PPA-based pickleball is a type of professional pickleball tournament tour that is gaining popularity in the pickleball community. The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) is one of the two most popular leagues in pickleball, and it offers a variety of benefits and drawbacks for players who use it.

Benefits of Using PPA-Based Pickleball

One of the main benefits of using PPA-based pickleball is the increased prize purses that come with participating in PPA tournaments. The PPA has been known to offer some of the largest prize purses in the sport of pickleball, which makes it an attractive option for players who are looking to make a living from playing pickleball.

Another benefit of using PPA-based pickleball is the increased exposure that comes with participating in PPA tournaments. The PPA has been known to broadcast its events on national TV, which helps to increase the visibility of the sport of pickleball and the players who participate in it.

PPA-based pickleball also offers players the opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the sport. The PPA attracts some of the top players in the world, which makes it a great platform for players who are looking to improve their skills and compete at a higher level.

Must Read: What Is Rally Scoring In Pickleball?

Drawbacks of Using PPA-Based Pickleball

One of the main drawbacks of using PPA-based pickleball is the increased competition that comes with participating in PPA tournaments. The PPA attracts some of the top players in the world, which makes it a more challenging environment for players who are looking to win tournaments and earn prize money.

Another drawback of using PPA-based pickleball is the increased travel that comes with participating in PPA tournaments. The PPA tournaments are held in different locations across the country, which can make it difficult for players to travel and compete in all of the events.

Finally, PPA-based pickleball can be more expensive for players who are looking to participate in tournaments. The increased prize purses and exposure come at a cost, which means that players may need to spend more money on travel, lodging, and other expenses in order to participate in PPA tournaments.

Overall, PPA-based pickleball offers a variety of benefits and drawbacks for players who are looking to participate in professional pickleball tournaments. Players who are looking to make a living from playing pickleball and compete at a higher level may find that PPA-based pickleball is a great option, while other players may prefer to participate in other leagues or tournaments that offer different benefits and drawbacks.

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app tour vs ppa tour

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Which Event Is Better? APP vs PPA Tournaments Compared

app tour vs ppa tour

If you’re interested in pickleball tournaments, the APP and PPA are the two most popular leagues to compete in. But you may wonder which association holds its tournaments better. To find out, we traveled to Arizona where both associations held their events in the same exact location a month apart. Here’s our unbiased review of the APP vs PPA tournaments and who did a better job of putting on an event.

APP vs PPA Tournaments

Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) are the two most popular leagues in pickleball. As fellow pickleball enthusiasts, we decided to venture to Arizona back to back to give a good comparison.

Considering both tournaments were held in the same venue at Legacy Sports stadium only a month apart, it was a fair comparison for how both associations held their tournaments. The APP tournament we attended was the APP Mesa Open and the PPA event was the PPA Foot Solutions Arizona Grand Slam.

While these two tournaments are specific events for both the APP and PPA, it gives great insight into what you can expect as a tournament goer or supporter. This review and comparison are limited to the average pickleball amateur who’s competing at a non-pro level.

Registration

app tour vs ppa tour

Let’s start off with the number of people that were registered for both events. The number of players that were registered for the $75k Mesa Open was 495. With PPA drawing in more market share, there were 1303 registered players for the PPA Foot Solutions Arizona Grand Slam.

As a player or eventgoer, here is a breakdown of the costs for each tournament.

Since the APP is a USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournament, you are required to have a membership with them. This is an additional one-time cost, in addition to the fees related to each specific APP tournament. You will have to go to USApickleball.org and pay for a plan. The USA Pickleball membership is not required to play at a PPA tournament.

What The PPA Did Well Over The APP

Coming fresh off of the PPA Foot Solutions Arizona Grand Slam tournament, we find that the PPA did an overall better job of planning and running the event. These are specific points that the APP did not do or did as well on.

Players Orientation Before Event

One of the most helpful things that the PPA did for those that are new to tournaments is the players’ orientation before each event. This was a quick five-minute orientation, letting players know what to do, and how to get in contact for their matches.

They do a quick roll call and will include the following information. You will receive a text with the court number for your next match and your opponent’s name. Each player or team will pick up a tournament ball then the other player or team will pick up the basket with a score sheet and an extra ball.

While it was very simple and quick, it was helpful for many of those that are participating in a large tournament for the first time.

app tour vs ppa tour

Once guests and players go through registration, everyone is funneled through a gift shop very much like an airport. This is great for those looking to hold a paddle that they’ve been eyeing in person. The gift shop is full of pickleball gear, clothing, and accessories.

There are also vendors and small businesses promoting pickleball-related products. You are able to browse and shop around. If you forgot to pack a visor or sunglasses, you’re able to buy them on sight.

Water Stations

Water is no doubt the most important thing when it comes to playing any sport. While the bathrooms have refill stations, it was a lifesaver in Arizona’s heat to have a WaterMonster refill station in the center of the courts.

app tour vs ppa tour

While this seems like a small detail, it makes a HUGE difference when it comes to staying hydrated. The APP Mesa Open did not have this. Instead, we would have to take a long walk and fill our water one person at a time.

Food Trucks

app tour vs ppa tour

There were two food trucks located opposite the main entrance. There are also tables and bean bags set up where you can enjoy your meal before going back to the courts.

app tour vs ppa tour

The tables and seating arrangement were a nice convenience. You can even watch nearby matches while eating your breakfast or lunch.

Grounds Pass For Non-Playing Days

If you’re a registered player for the PPA Foot Solutions event, it includes a ground pass for non-playing days.

The APP Mesa Open charged a $5 entrance fee on non-playing days, even if you’re a registered player. While the $5 is not a significant fee, the registration was $85 as opposed to PPA’s $70. So it was a pesky surprise to go support friends and find out that you had to fork over an extra fee.

The PPA’s ground pass for guests was significantly more expensive at $25 a day or $70 for all five days. This is the only drawback to the PPA’s event because that is a big sum for non-playing friends and family. However, it was nice for players to not have to pay anything extra on non-playing days.

The global supply chain issue is understandable for many businesses worldwide. However, some events plan better than others to account for delays. The PPA was able to hand out winners’ medals on the day of each event.

The APP Mesa Open did not have any medals to give out. Instead, you had to give them your information. Then two weeks later, they emailed you again to pick the medal or fill out a form to have the medals mailed to you.

Juniors Events

app tour vs ppa tour

The beauty of pickleball is that it attracts every age group. There are many upcoming talented players as young as seven years old. The PPA Foot Solutions held junior events along with the main event that allowed junior players to compete in both tournaments.

It was a treat and extremely inspiring to see the level of talent that is seen in such young players.

Overall Thoughts

The PPA was a clear winner when it came to putting on a tournament. From how the grounds are set up to handling small details that end up making a huge difference to the overall event. Hopefully, the APP will be able to take notes and offer a great experience for their event-goers.

Read Next: Entering A Pickleball Tournament? What You Should Know Before Signing Up

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PPA Pickleball and APP Tour – Differences and Similarities in 2023

The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) are dueling (competing) professional pickleball tournament tours with ever-increasing prize purses and one upsmanship. Launched in 2020, both tours have ushered in, unquestionably, the most exciting era that the sport of pickleball has ever seen!

However, there are fairly significant differences between the two pickleball tours. Below, we outline a handful of the primary differences and similarities between the APP Tour and PPA Pickleball with respect to USA Pickleball sanctioning, the use of referees, video-streaming, sponsors, the cost to play, total prize money payouts, player rankings, contracts, and appearance fees.

Tour Affiliations

Usa pickleball sanctioning, video streaming, cost to play, prize money, player rankings, contracts, appearance fees & exclusivity, events in 2023, our personal experiences with each tour, final thoughts.

The APP Tour caters to professionals, amateurs, senior pros, super senior pros, Next Gen, and collegiate. They also partner with USA Pickleball to stage the National Championships Series.

The PPA Tour caters to professionals and amateurs. The PPA Tour also partners with Major League Pickleball.

The APP Tour is USA Pickleball sanctioned at the MMP (Medal Match Plus) level. Consequently, an active USA Pickleball membership is required to play in the APP tour events.

The PPA is not USA Pickleball sanctioned, and, consequently, a USA Pickleball membership is not required to participate. The PPA Tour has also tweaked a few of the rules – most noticeably the replay of let serves (as opposed to playing the let) and a replay if the referee deems the server has executed an illegal serve (as opposed to a fault being called).

  • Pro Matches : All APP Tour pro matches have a referee.
  • Non-Pro Matches : Because the APP Tour is USA Pickleball sanctioned at the MMP level, all medal matches have a referee. Additionally, the winner’s bracket final match has a referee as will the match leading up to the bronze medal match in the consolation bracket.
  • Pro Matches : All PPA pro matches have a referee.
  • Non-Pro Matches : Only PPA gold medal matches have a referee in the non-pro division. Remember, the PPA is not USA Pickleball sanctioned.

The APP Tour events are live-streamed to Facebook and YouTube via the APP Tour Facebook Page and APP Tour YouTube Channel . 

On January 22, 2023, the APP announced broadcast deals with CBS Sports and ESPN. “The two deals guarantee a combined 20 hours of televised coverage across CBS Sports Network and ESPN2 of all 16 2023 APP Tour events, plus more than 200 hours of livestream coverage on ESPN+ and APP TV.”

The PPA has partnered with Fox Sports, Tennis Channel, CBS Sports, Regional Sports Networks, Facebook, and YouTube to broadcast their tournaments. They have also had special events televised on NBC and ABC.

PPA events are also live-streamed to Facebook via their Official PPA Tour Facebook Page .

As of January 2023 (as listed on their website), APP Tour sponsors included Discount Tire, Skechers Pickleball, SunMed, Joola Pickleball, Gamma Sports, Selkirk, ProXR Pickleball, Onix, CanDo, C&D Pickleball Nets, Power Plate, Pickleball United, LSI Sports Lighting, Cora Physical Therapy, Chicken N Pickle, Pickleball Central, USA Pickleball, Pickleball Magazine, LevelUp Camps.

The PPA offers different levels of sponsorship with Carvana as their official sponsor.

As of January 2023 (as listed on their website), PPA Platinum sponsors included Baird, Hertz, and Select Medical. 

The PPA also has Gold, Silver, Base, and Paddle sponsors.

Costs to play in either the APP or PPA are quite high – even for those who are not pros.

For the APP events, we used the Punta Gorda Open (January 11-15, 2023) as a reference point. For the PPA events, we used the PPA Atlanta Open in Peachtree Corners, GA (May 17-21, 2023) as a reference point.

  • Pro Credentials: $80 registration + $130/event fee
  • Champion Senior Pro: $80 registration + $120/event fee
  • Non-Pro: $80 registration + $40/event fee
  • Pro/Senior Pro:   $95 registration + $120/event fee (senior pro) or $135event fee (pro)
  • Non-Pro: $95 registration + $40/event fee

Both tours offer pretty significant prize money .

In past years, the APP total prize money payout for each APP Tour event ranged from approximately $25,000 – $75,000. Once we have the numbers for 2023, we will update this article.

The tour boasts a single-season prize money purse of $5.5 million. The total prize money payout for each PPA event is over $200,000. Gold card players (more on that below) will receive double the prize money.

For 2023, each tour is using a different source for player rankings.

APP rankings are calculated on a 12-month rolling calendar. The APP uses UTPR for player ratings.

The PPA has adopted DUPR as its official rating system.

Over the past couple of years, excitement has been growing for pickleball pros. There is a demand for the top pros at any-and-every tournament as it lends credibility, excitement and enhances registration numbers when the very best players in the world are competing.

Each tour is a little different when it comes to contracts, appearance fees, and “exclusivity.”

At the time of writing this article, the APP was still in player negotiations. We will update this article once we have a better understanding of the 2023 player contracts. We do know that they offer two categories.

  • Pro Players entry fees to be comped – Top 10 from World Pickleball Rankings (WPR) will be used
  • Senior Pro entry fees to be comped – Top 5 from APP Rankings will be used

Challengers:

  • Pro Players entry fees to be comped – Top 5 players from the World Pickleball Rankings (WPR) will be used

At the end of 2022, the PPA partnered with the MLP. As it has in the past, the PPA continues to be very aggressive with respect to contracts.

Players with the PPA have been divided into 2 categories – Gold and Silver. Both categories require a 2-year commitment and get their PPA event fees comped.

  • Gold players are required to play in 20 PPA events and all 6 MLP events. They are excluded from playing outside of the MLP and PPA. They receive 2 times the payouts in MLP and PPA events. They also receive an appearance fee and benefits package.
  • Silver Players are required to play in 5 PPA events and all 6 MLP events. Their PPA event fees are comp’d, but they do not receive an appearance fee. They are not exclusive and can play in non-PPA events.

Both tours offer tournament stops across the U.S.

There are approximately 16 APP tour events tentatively scheduled for 2023. ( APP official 2023 tournament schedule )

In 2023, the APP will be headed to: 

  • Punta Gorda, FL
  • Daytona Beach, FL
  • San Diego, CA
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Cincinnati, OH
  • New York City, NY
  • San Jose, CA
  • Newport Beach, CA
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Chicago, IL
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Hilton Head Island, SC
  • Houston, TX

There are approximately 25 PPA tour events tentatively scheduled for 2023. ( PPA official 2023 tournament schedule )

In 2023, the PPA will be headed to:

  • Rancho Mirage, CA
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Lakeville, MN
  • St. George, UT
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Peachtree Corners, GA
  • Rockwall, TX
  • San Clemente, CA
  • Nashville, TN
  • Seattle, WA
  • Brigham City, UT
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Boca Raton, FL
  • Orlando, FL

We at PickleballMAX have been fortunate to attend the APP and PPA tournaments in our hometown of Cincinnati.

From 2020-2022, the APP tour was held on 18 dedicated pickleball courts at Lefferson Park in Middletown, Ohio. We volunteered each year and we were able to see how hard Ken Herrmann and his team work behind the scenes. It was well-run and had a local (park) feel to it. The amateurs particularly enjoyed it. However, it didn’t have all of the amenities for the pros.

The PPA tour, on the other hand, was held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio in September 2022. This venue plays host to the Western & Southern Open – one of the largest tennis events in the country. The majority of courts used by amateurs were taped. For the pros, a handful of the tennis courts were converted into dedicated pickleball courts. The pros also had their own lounge and shaded areas. 

I think it’s fair to say that PPA events are geared toward professionals while the APP events are more “friendly” to amateurs.

Both the APP Tour and PPA are great for the sport of pickleball. Time will tell if they both can continue to be viable in the long term. In the meantime, however, there are exciting opportunities for both pros and non-pros alike to showcase their talents and addiction to the sport.

For more tournament tips be sure to check out our pickleball tournament page.

See you on the courts!

app tour vs ppa tour

About Teresa

Teresa is the idea-maker behind PickleballMAX. Teresa joins Todd to manage and market PickleballMAX. She creates pickleball content and assists with pickleball tournaments. In 2023, she wrote a pickleball devotional book titled Pickleball Is [Not] Life . 

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app tour vs ppa tour

What’s The Difference Between the APP and PPA

app tour vs ppa tour

Recently, I signed up for a tournament where I had to be a member of the USA Pickleball Association and SSIPA. What the heck is the SSIPA and why do I have to be a member?  Good question but I had to pay the $20.00 or I wouldn’t be able to play in the tournament.  The SSIPA is

app tour vs ppa tour

Okay, fine. I realize that pickleball is a sport that is exploding in popularity and everyone is jumping on the gravy train, or to be more polite,  helping to educate and promote pickleball.

There is the APP.  The Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP)

From the APP Website. With the exploding popularity of pickleball, Ken, CEO, has a vision of creating a series of tournaments where individuals could set performance goals, track results, and play against peers in a sanctioned tour environment while adhering to all USA Pickleball guidelines. The 2021 APP Tour has over $700K in prize money  for professionals, while all player athletes are encouraged to qualify for the season ending championships — The APP Miami Masters International Pickleball Championships on January 19 – 23, 2022.

The 2021 APP Tour has 18 tournaments scheduled throughout the United States and Europe. We are hosting tournaments in nine of the 12 USA Pickleball regions. Our purpose is to confirm that all player athletes, professional and amateur, have access to our competitive APP tournaments.

Then there is the PPA – Pro Pickleball Association Their tagline is, Play Where The Pros Play. They also are starting their own rating system (OMG! Not another one!) called DURP to bring a new rating solution.

USA Pickleball Association is probably the first official organization for pickleball.  They are associated with the PPR (Professional Pickleball Registry), where I received my certification for coaching pickleball.

The mission of the USA Pickleball Association (USA Pickleball) is to promote the development and growth of pickleball in the United States and its territories.

The USA Pickleball Association (USA Pickleball) is the national governing body for the sport of pickleball in the US and provides players with official rules, tournaments, rankings and promotional materials.

The association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation and governed by a board of directors and professional staff who provide the guidance and infrastructure for the continued growth and development of the sport.

Then there is the rating system for the USA Pickleball Ass. called the UTPR.

The UTPR (No idea what that stands for. United Tournament Pickleball Ratings???) is the rating system for USA Pickleball Association.

app tour vs ppa tour

Okay, then what is the International Federation of Pickleball?   International Federation of Pickleball  ( IFP )

The  International Federation of Pickleball  (IFP), the world governing body of pickleball, was established to perpetuate the development and growth of the sport throughout the world. The IFP’s goal is to introduce pickleball to all nations so that they may embrace the sport as one of their national sports, and ultimately to achieve official recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in order to establish pickleball as an Olympic sport.

app tour vs ppa tour

The IFP is a non-profit, volunteer organization committed to promoting international play and competition, maintaining the official rules for pickleball, and providing a worldwide code of conduct for pickleball athletes. The IFP focuses its resources on supporting organizations that foster the sport around the world for all ages and ability levels.

USA Pickleball is the United States member of the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP), the world governing body of pickleball.  The IFP was established in 2010 by the USA Pickleball Association to perpetuate the development and growth of the sport throughout the world.

What is a sanctioned tournament?  A tournament approved by the USA Pickleball Association.

Is the Minto US Pickleball Open a sanctioned tournament? No.

Where can I go to find tournaments? Pickleballtournaments.com

And there is the IPTA. International Pickleball Teaching Association. Yes, another teaching association and another rating system.

This is from their website.

Why did the IPTPA create a new national rating system?

After receiving feedback from many of our teaching professionals, there seemed to be a trend among self-rated players of “over-rating”.  Over-rating obviously causes many problems during organized play and clinics offered at designated levels. It effects instructors trying to give everyone the attention they deserve for skills specific to level and to keep organized play fun and balanced for all.  After reviewing the IFP & USAPA rating descriptions in depth, there seemed to be a disconnect with the skill progressions taught by IPTPA professionals and those descriptions.  At IPTPA, we strive to be the leaders on the court by instructing the most current and progressively accurate way to improve level by level (from the inside out).  The descriptions of each level by other organizations do not currently reflect this level of standardization.

Does the  IPTPA  Rating System conflict with the current USAPA rating system?

No.  The USAPA system is designed for players that compete in sanctioned tournaments.  However, as we all know, that is only a small percentage of the playing population.  There are players of all ages and skill abilities that need an accurate rating.  However, many may not be able to obtain one due to lack of sanctioned tournament play.

app tour vs ppa tour

The AAU was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. During its early years, the AAU served as a leader in international sport representing the U.S. in the international sports federations. The AAU worked closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. After the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the AAU has focused its efforts into providing sports programs for all participants of all ages beginning at the grass roots level. The philosophy of “Sports for All, Forever,” is shared by nearly 700,000 participants and over 150,000 volunteers.

One Reply to “What’s The Difference Between the APP and PPA”

fyi, UTPR is “universal ” tournament pickleball rating

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APP vs. PPA vs. MLP in-depth review 

a pickleball court with net App vs. Ppa vs. Mpl in-depth review

“Explore the in-depth review and comparison of the App Tour, PPA Pickleball, and MLP in the world of pickleball. Learn about their unique approaches, technologies, accessibility, and entertainment elements to choose the right one for your pickleball experience.”

Pickleball, the sport that has captured America’s attention and gained popularity worldwide, combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. As pickleball enthusiasts strive to showcase their skills and compete at a higher level, three leading tours have emerged: App Tour, PPA Pickleball, and Major League Pickleball (MLP).

These tours attract the best players from all around the world for their thrilling competitions. Which one fits you the best ? To help you decide where to direct your pickleball passion, we’ve thoroughly reviewed each tour’s format, benefits, and drawbacks in this blog post.

Table of Contents

History of app vs. ppa vs. mlp.

PPA Pickleball was founded in 2017,2018 by Connor Pardoe . It is the largest professional pickleball tour in the world, with over 3,000 players and over $5 million in prize money awarded in 2022 . PPA Pickleball hosts tournaments throughout the United States, and its matches are broadcast live on CBS Sports Network and ESPN+.

The App Tour was founded in 2019 by Ken Herrmann, a former professional tennis player and coach. Herrmann wanted to create a pickleball tour open to all skill levels , from amateurs to professionals. He also wanted to create a tour that would help to grow the sport of pickleball. The App Tour has been successful in both of these goals. It has grown rapidly in popularity and now hosts tournaments throughout the United States. The App Tour has also helped to attract new players to the sport of pickleball.

Major League Pickleball (MLP) was founded in 2021 by Steve Kuhn , Tom Dundon, and Jeff Zucker in Dripping Springs, Texas. MLP is a highly competitive pickleball league showcasing the world’s best professional players. Each team has one male and one female competitor, making up its four players. The teams compete in a round-robin method, with the winner taking home a massive $1 million prize.

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Association of Pickleball Players (APP)  

App Tour, started in June 2019, welcomes beginners and professionals. It hosts singles, doubles, and mixed doubles tournaments. Players can earn prize money and ranking points at App Tour tournaments across the US. App Tour prioritizes diversity and inclusion. Beginners to experts can play in divisions. This allows everyone to compete and enjoy it. Another unique aspect of App Tour is its use of technology. The app provides

  • Real-time scoring updates.
  • Player statistics.
  • Even live-streaming options exist for fans who can’t attend the tournament venue.
  • This enhances the viewing experience and helps players analyze their performance and track their progress.

The success of App Tour lies in its ability to bring together pickleball enthusiasts from different backgrounds and skill levels. It creates a sense of community within the sport by providing opportunities for players to connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion.

App Tour has revolutionized how players and fans organize and enjoy pickleball tournaments. Its user-friendly interface, focus on inclusivity, and technology integration have made it a popular choice among amateur athletes looking for competitive opportunities in this rapidly growing sport.

Professional Pickleball Association (PPA)

The Professional Pickleball Association, usually known as PPA Pickleball, is one of the most famous tours in the United States. It was founded at the end of 2018 but did not hold an event until 2019; it has quickly gained popularity among professional pickleball players and fans.

Top players compete in stunning competitions on the PPA tour to show off their talents and stamina. Competence and high-quality production value make PPA tournaments engaging for players and fans.

What sets PPA apart from other tours is its commitment to growing the sport at all levels . The organization hosts professional tournaments and offers clinics, coaching programs, and grassroots initiatives to introduce more people to pickleball. This dedication to development ensures a sustainable future for pickleball.

PPA focuses on developing players and understands the significance of involving fans through media coverage and promotions. By live streaming matches , sharing match highlights, and providing behind-the-scenes content, fans can stay connected with their favourite players and teams even if they cannot attend live events.

Major League Pickleball (MLP)

Major League Pickleball (MLP) is the newest addition to the pickleball tournament circuit, bringing a fresh and exciting twist to this rapidly growing sport. Created by professional athletes who have fallen in love with pickleball, MLP aims to showcase the highest level of competition and athleticism on the court.

MLP’s focus on top players from multiple sports stands it from other tours. These athletes bring unique skills and styles to pickleball from tennis, basketball, and football. Seeing familiar faces from other sports competing in a different setting adds an extra layer of excitement for fans.

In addition to featuring star athletes, MLP also emphasizes entertainment value. The tournaments are designed as competitive events and spectacles where fans can enjoy live music performances, celebrity appearances, and engaging daily activities. This blend of high-level athleticism and entertainment creates an immersive experience for players and spectators alike.

The popularity of Major League Pickleball has been steadily increasing since its inception. Its innovative approach has attracted attention within the pickleball community and among mainstream media outlets. As more people become aware of this dynamic tour, it will likely continue to drive interest and participation in pickleball at all levels.

While some argue that traditional tournaments or local leagues offer a more grassroots experience for players looking to improve their skills or connect with fellow enthusiasts, Major League Pickleball brings a new level of excitement and exposure to this beloved sport. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about the buzz, MLP offers something special for everyone involved.

Which is the most prestigious?

The PPA is the most prestigious professional pickleball tour. This is due to its exclusive contracts with top players and televised tournaments.

Which is the most popular?

The APP Tour is the most popular professional pickleball tour. This is due to its open-to-all format and tournaments throughout the United States.

Which is the newest?

The MPL is the newest professional pickleball league. It was founded in 2021 and is the first professional pickleball league to offer team-based competition.

Prize Money

The prize money for the App Tour, PPA Pickleball, and Major League Pickleball (MLP) varies depending on the tournament. However, MLP generally offers the highest prize money, followed by PPA Pickleball and the App Tour.

The winning team in each MLP event receives a $1 million reward. The overall prize money for the MLP season exceeds $5 million.  

PPA Pickleball

The total prize money for the season is over $5 million. The prize money for each tournament varies according to the event’s size and popularity. For example, the PPA World Championships prize money is $1 million.

The App Tour season has nearly $2 million in prizes. The level and status of each tournament determine its prize money. App Tour Majors winners receive $100,000.

Comparison of the Three Tours

Regarding pickleball tours, the game has three leading tours: App Tour, PPA Pickleball, and Major League Pickleball (MLP). Each tour offers its own unique experience for both players and fans alike.

The App Tour is known for its innovative approach to the sport. This tour focuses on technology and analytics to revolutionize how pickleball is played and analyzed. Players can modify their strategy during matches using real-time performance statistics. The App Tour also utilizes cutting-edge equipment and facilities, providing a top-notch playing experience.

PPA Pickleball focuses on promoting grassroots participation in the sport. This tour often hosts tournaments at local clubs and community centres, making it accessible for players of all skill levels. PPA events create a welcoming atmosphere where beginners can learn from seasoned professionals while enjoying friendly competition.

Major League Pickleball (MLP) takes pickleball to another level of excitement with its fast-paced format. MLP matches feature high-energy rallies and intense competition between some of the best players in the world. The incorporation of music and entertainment elements adds an extra layer of fun for spectators attending live events or watching from home.

Tournament structure

The App Tour features a traditional tournament structure, with players competing in individual and doubles matches. The PPA Tour features a mix of individual and team tournaments. The MLP Tour is a team-based league.

Prize money

The App Tour offers the largest prize pools in professional pickleball. The PPA Tour also offers significant prize money. The MLP Tour is a team-based league, so prize money is distributed to the teams rather than individual players.

Player Eligibility

Everyone who wants to play is allowed for the App Tour, regardless of where they rank or how much experience they have. Both the PPA Tour and the MLP Tour are invitation-only competitions open only to the best players in the world.

The App Tour is streamed live on Pickleball Channel and its tournaments are also televised on CBS Sports Network and ESPN. The PPA Tour is streamed live on ESPN+. The MLP Tour is streamed live on CBS Sports Network and ESPN+.

Other factors

There are a few other things to consider when choosing a professional pickleball tour. For instance, the App Tour is renowned for placing a high priority on player development. The PPA Tour is known for its innovative tournament structure and its focus on fan engagement. The MLP Tour is known for its unique team-based format.

Pros and Cons of Each Tour

App Tour, PPA Pickleball, and Major League Pickleball (MLP) have unique strengths and weaknesses . Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each tour.

The App Tour is known for its accessibility and inclusivity . The App allows players of all skill levels to compete in local tournaments. This allows more people to participate in pickleball without traveling extensively or committing to a full-time touring schedule. However, some may argue that the lack of physical presence and face-to-face competition detract from the overall experience.

PPA Pickleball offers a professional platform for top-level players to showcase their skills. With high-quality production values and live streaming options , fans can enjoy watching matches from anywhere worldwide.

Additionally, PPA events often feature top-ranked players who consistently deliver thrilling performances on the court. On the downside, PPA events are limited in number compared to other tours.

MLP brings a new level of excitement by combining pickleball with entertainment elements such as music, lights, and celebrity appearances. This innovative approach attracts die-hard pickleball fans and individuals who may be curious about this fast-growing sport. However, some traditionalists might argue that these additional aspects detract from the purity of competitive play.

Impact of Each Tour on the Growth of Pickleball

The App Tour, PPA Pickleball, and Major League Pickleball (MLP) have all significantly influenced the growth of pickleball. Each tour has unique features and benefits contributing to this exciting sport’s popularity and development.

The App Tour has been instrumental in introducing pickleball to a broader audience through its user-friendly mobile application. The convenience of watching matches live or on-demand from anywhere has revolutionized how fans engage with the sport. This accessibility has attracted new players and enthusiasts, fueling the growth of pickleball communities worldwide.

PPA Pickleball, founded by top professional players, focuses on providing high-quality tournaments for professionals and amateurs alike. By hosting competitive events featuring some of the best players in the world, they inspire others to take up pickleball or improve their skills . The PPA’s dedication to promoting fair play and sportsmanship nurtures a positive environment within the sport.

Major League Pickleball (MLP), as one might expect from its name, brings an element of excitement similar to other major league sports. With big-name athletes crossing over into pickleball, MLP showcases thrilling matchups that capture attention beyond traditional pickleball audiences. These crossovers generate media buzz and attract new fans curious about this rapidly growing sport.

Each tour contributes differently but significantly towards expanding interest in pickleball at various levels: recreational players are drawn by easy access. At the same time, aspiring competitors gain inspiration by watching professionals battle it out! As these tours continue to evolve and innovate upon their formats, we can expect more people to get involved in playing or supporting this fantastic game!

Role of Celebrities and Athletes from Other Sports in Pickleball

Pickleball has been gaining popularity among recreational players, celebrities, and athletes from other sports. These famous individuals have played a significant role in promoting the sport and attracting new participants.

Pickleball has become popular among celebrities because it offers an enjoyable way to stay fit and engage in friendly competition. Numerous well-known individuals, such as tennis legend   Serena Williams, NBA player Kevin Durant, and singer Justin Timberlake, have openly shared their love for pickleball on various social media platforms.

Moreover, athletes from other sports often find that pickleball complements their existing skills while offering a fresh challenge. Professional football players like Drew Brees and Russell Wilson have incorporated pickleball into their training routines to improve agility, hand-eye coordination, and reflexes.

The involvement of these well-known figures in pickleball helps remove any stigma associated with the sport being solely for older adults. By showcasing their enthusiasm for playing pickleball, they break down barriers and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved.

Which professional pickleball tour suits you depends on your aims and preferences. App Tours are suitable for high-competition tours with substantial prize pools. You should choose the PPA Tour if you want an innovative tournament structure and fan interaction. You should choose the MLP Tour for its unique team-based format.

app tour vs ppa tour

Hi, I'm Philip D. Vines a pickleball player with 3 years of experience and the owner of this blog. I'm also a writer, and I love sharing my pickleball knowledge with others. That's why I started this blog. I want to help people of all skill levels learn and improve their game.

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Understanding The Different Professional Pickleball Tours

The world's first pickleball tournament was held in 1976 at South Center Athletic Club in Tukwila, Washington. In 1984, the United States Amateur Pickleball Association (USAPA) was formed and tasked with growing the sport of pickleball. In 2019, the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) launched and is considered the first USA pickleball-sanctioned tour for professionals and amateurs.

Today, there are three professional pickleball leagues, the aforementioned APP, the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), and Major League Pickleball (MLP). There is also Minor League Pickleball, which serves as a feeder league into the MLP . 

With all these different leagues and tours and news of investments into new teams and leagues by celebrities and athletes from other sports, it's challenging to keep it all together.

But we are here to help. Today's article discusses the different professional pickleball tours, including the differences between them and a look into what the future of pickleball might look like down the road.

APP ( apptour.org )

The Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) is an organization that was founded in 2018 with the mission to grow, promote, and support the sport of pickleball professionally. The APP sanctions tournaments to ensure quality standards are upheld, providing a good spectator experience, strengthening the exposure of the sport within mainstream media, and enhancing advancement opportunities for players. APP's core values focus on integrity and fairness, which brings together all stakeholders in pickleball to create an ever-growing and vibrant community on a global scale.

The 2022 APP Tour has over $2 million in prize money for professional athletes. The Tour encourages all players, both professional and amateur, to play in global tournaments to qualify for the season-ending championship, The APP Masters.

The APP Tour has 32 tournaments scheduled for 2022 and 20 tour stops scheduled for 2023. There are four major tournaments and two championship events, offering opportunities for open pros, senior pros, super senior pros, and amateurs. The APP remains focused on providing all player athletes, professional and amateur, access to competitive APP tournaments.

Some of the top pros according to APP include:

  • Jorja Johnson (Women's)
  • Anna Bright (Women's)
  • Andrea Koop (Women's)
  • Beth Bellamy (Sr Women's)
  • Julie Johnson (Sr Women's)
  • Eva Welsher (Sr Women's)
  • JW Johnson (Men's)
  • Zane Navratil (Men's)
  • Dylan Frazier (Men's)
  • Rick Witsken (Sr Men's)
  • Mircea Morariu (Sr Men's)
  • Paul Olin (Sr Men's)

See the 2023 Tour Schedule and learn about their Next Gen series, which provides pickleballers aged 16-23 the development they need to turn into America's next champions on their site. ‍

ACE Club Pickleball Paddle

PPA ( https://www.ppatour.com/ )

Founded around 2017-2018, the Professional Pickleball Association is a professional trou for the sport of pickleball that organizes events that award players almost $3 million in annual prize money. While the APP seems to be geared more toward welcoming players of all skill levels, the PPA's focus is more on signing top pros to exclusive contracts and bringing a more "polished" game to the courts.

According to this Sports Illustrated article :

"The PPA signed some of the world’s top pros to one-year exclusivity contracts. In exchange for guaranteed appearance fees, they would need to recuse themselves from nearly all APP events, essentially declaring themselves PC or Mac. The APP made no such stipulation."

This includes the pro that many consider to be the best in the world, Ben Johns.

To learn more about the PPA Tour, including 2023 events and current standings , check out their website .

ACE Pickleball Academy

MLP ( https://www.majorleaguepickleball.net/ )

Similar to other major league sports, the MLP has an annual draft with an influx of professional pickleballers for their teams. Unlike other major league sports, the MLP also offers a unique format of mixed genders, amateur players, and skill levels. They call it MLPlay.

Take a look at this rundown of the MLPlay rules from their website:

"MLPlay™ is an innovative pickleball format involving professional or amateur players of mixed genders and/or skill-levels competing as a team against other teams. For MLP pro pickleball competitions, team matches are composed of four games (women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and two mixed doubles), with a unique Dreambreaker™ singles tiebreaker. At times, modified scoring is used, and there is typically some form of alternating disclosure of a team’s line-up and/or singles rotational order.  Access the full rules document here. "

The Premier Level teams are represented by some of the best players in the world, including Ben Johns and Anna Leigh-Waters.

Major League Pickleball is perhaps the "purest" of the leagues. According to their mission, "We believe pickleball makes the world a better, more joyful place. From thrilling events and experiences to high-quality live broadcasts for fans around the world, our goal is to elevate and grow the sport we love in everything we do."

You can learn more about the league and its 2023 draft here .

Minor League Pickleball ( https://minorleaguepb.net/ )

Minor League Pickleball is a league that's providing opportunities for anyone to make the jump from amateur to pro. If you want to be seen and considered for the majors, the minor leagues are where you want to begin. This is a brand-new league offering tournaments, prize money, and innovative play formats across the country. See the 2023 Event Schedule here .

Pickleball

The Future of Pickleball

On many fronts, the future of pickleball looks brighter than ever! There is a ton of money and investment funds going into leagues, players, and ownership groups. And the demand seems higher than ever. Behind the scenes, there is some concern, though.

According to Si.com , "There are: Too many leagues. Too many federations. Battling billionaires. Bad behavior. And the growth of a booming sport is on the line."

One argument presented in the article mentions how other major league sports don't have multiple leagues competing against each other. Though, with the newly reformed XFL and the second-year USFL for professional American football, perhaps the landscape of major league sports is changing.

Perhaps we only need to look at the recent merger announcement between Vibe and MLP in November of 2022 to give us pickleball fans hope that cooler heads will find a way to prevail for the sake of the sport and its fans. The PPA also seems to be relaxing some of its previous restrictions on its players from other leagues so they can play in non-PPA events. See Ben Johns playing for the Seattle Pioneers in MLP.

There's also optimism in the amount of exposure professional pickleball is getting. In August of 2022, CBS announced that it would provide a live broadcast of a PPA tour event, marking the first time a professional event was shared on a major broadcast channel.

Even celebrities are getting into the mix of playing pickleball in front of national audiences. "Pickled" aired in mid-November and was hosted by comedian and "Late Show" host Stephen Colbert on CBS.

Ultimately, of course, the sport of pickleball and its future lies in the hands of those who play it, watch it, and live it each day. As long as there are people to root for players and teams, whether in the stands or on the screen, there will be a bright future for pickleball.

The future of pickleball looks bright, with professional leagues and tournaments popping up all over the world. With new investment funds pouring into teams, players, and ownership groups, as well as broadcasters like CBS providing a platform for the sport to be seen by national audiences, it's clear that there is momentum behind this rapidly growing game. The key will be finding ways to bring together various organizations in order to ensure continued success while still allowing competitive play between different entities.

Whatever happens next in pickleball’s journey toward becoming an even bigger global phenomenon remains to be seen—but at least we know that people (like you!) are rooting for its progress every step of the way!

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Understanding the APP and PPA

  • August 24, 2023
  • Clubs and Community , News and Events , Tournaments

A Deep Dive into Pickleball’s Premier Organizations

Pickleball enthusiasts, if you’ve ever been confused about the difference between the APP and PPA in the world of pickleball, you’re not alone. These two organizations are at the forefront of professional pickleball tournaments. Understanding their distinct roles can enhance your appreciation of the sport. In this blog post, we’ll break down the key differences between the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) , and why they matter to players and fans alike.

1. Origins and Establishment

  • APP (Association of Pickleball Professionals) : Established with the vision of offering both professional and amateur players a series of top-tier tournaments, the APP Tour is all about growing the sport. By hosting events in various locations, it ensures that pickleball reaches a wider audience.
  • PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) : The PPA stands as a beacon for professional pickleball players. Established to elevate the sport to new heights, it offers significant prize money, attracting the crème de la crème of pickleball talent.

2. Tournament Structure

  • APP : With a diverse range of events, the APP Tour caters to everyone – from singles and doubles to mixed doubles, spanning different skill levels and age groups. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone.
  • PPA : The PPA is where the elites play. With a structured season comprising multiple tournaments, it culminates in a grand finale that’s a treat for every pickleball aficionado.

3. Geographical Reach

  • APP : The APP Tour’s tournaments are spread out across the United States . This makes the sport accessible to players from coast to coast.
  • PPA : While also hosting tournaments nationwide, the PPA focuses on premier locations, ensuring top-notch venues that are media-ready.

4. Media and Coverage

  • APP : Collaborating with various media partners, the APP ensures that fans never miss out on any action. Stay updated with live broadcasts and catch every serve, smash, and volley.
  • PPA : With partnerships with major sports networks, the PPA tournaments enjoy a wider reach, ensuring that the sport gets the visibility it deserves.

5. Player Support and Prize Money

  • APP : Offers competitive prize money for its professional events. The APP Tour also provides a platform for amateur players to rub shoulders with the pros and gain invaluable experience.
  • PPA : Known for its hefty prize money, the PPA is a magnet for top professional players. As a result its tournaments are must-watch events.

In conclusion, both the APP and PPA have played pivotal roles in propelling pickleball to its current popularity. While they might have different focuses, their shared goal is the elevation and celebration of this fantastic sport. Whether you’re a player, a fan, or someone curious about pickleball, understanding these organizations can only enhance your love for the game.

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Pickleball: The rivalries shaping the sport. The wall is dead. And fix your third-shot drop

Professional player Catherine Parenteau returns the ball while playing mixed doubles during the Pro Pickleball Association Masters tournament at the La Quinta Resort and Club, Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, in La Quinta, Calif.

For the last year-plus, national publications have been catching up to the fact that yes, pickleball is a thing. Many of those articles, covering well-trodden ground and stating the obvious, have been met with eye-rolls from those of us who play the sport.

But if you’re interested in where pickleball is going professionally — and the deep-pocketed investors brawling over its future — this week’s Sports Illustrated long takeout, “ ‘Pickleball Is the Wild, Wild West’: Inside the fight over the fastest growing sport in America ,” is worth a read. The battles going on now will likely shape how much pickleball we see in the Coachella Valley in the future, what players show up at what tournaments, what kind of prize money is at stake, and whether the sport makes the Olympics anytime soon.

The in-depth piece by John Walters details the meltdown of leadership at the International Pickleball Federation (which we’ve covered in this column — it’s the main body trying to get pickleball qualified as an Olympic sport ) and its close connection with the USPA (the U.S. Pickleball Association, which puts on the M argaritaville Championships at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden ). Walters also explains the International Pickleball Federation’s rivalry with the World Federation of Pickleball. If it all sounds a bit awkward, well, it is. Such is adolescence.

The article also digs into the rivalry between the APP (the Association of Pickleball Professionals) and the rival PPA (Professional Pickleball Association), and the upstart Major League Pickleball.  (If you’re keeping track, the PPA staged the Master’s Tournament at the La Quinta Resort in November. The APP, meanwhile, this weekend is hosting the inaugural New York City Open at Flushing Meadows this Memorial Day weekend, and has the Los Angeles Open coming up in late June in El Segundo.)  

Deep-pocketed men are pouring money into the sport. As Walters recounts, Tom Dundon, the owner of the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team, bought Pickleball Central — the large online retailer of pickleball gear — but maybe also the PPA tour itself (the details are murky). PPA requires top players to sign exclusivity contracts. Among those who have done so is Ben Johns. If you’re wondering why some of your players are not playing in one tournament or another, such deals may be the reason.

The Wall is dead

The Palm Springs City Council made it official on Thursday night: The Demuth Park Pickleball Court wall is not happening.

After spending $82,000 to design the wall — which was supposed to block off the wastewater treatment plant from the courts — players voiced concerns and objections about safety and expressed doubt that the wall would do little to prevent odors from wafting onto the courts. Hundreds took a survey, with 65% telling the city they didn’t want the wall, which was going to cost $231,000. The city put a pause on the project.

But to officially put the nail in the coffin, the city had to back out of the contract with the company hired to build the wall. Getting out of the deal required the city to pay $13,937, which the city council OK'd on Thursday night.

So, the total amount expended on the doomed project: More than $95,000.

The city council directed staff to identify landscaping options to visually screen off the pickleball courts from the wastewater treatment plant.

Coach Mary’s tip of the week: Review of third-shot drops and three major mistakes that you want to avoid

I have had quite a bit of time to review some of the things that students are frustrated with during my back surgery rehabilitation.  I am also watching plenty of YouTube pickleball videos. I would like to circle back to the third-shot drop this week.

To review, the third-shot drop happens after the returning team hits the serve back to you, and they are advancing to the net.  You, as the serving team, are attempting to hit a third shot in front of your opponent in the non-volley zone that is unattackable, so you can move to the net.

In my drill classes, many students will execute the third shot drop off a drill or off the machine, but when they get into game situations, they give up on it or will not commit to making a good unattackable third.  Since it did not help them set up the point and get to the net, it did not make them more competitive.  They often go back to the third ball drive instead. 

The main reason drills help your game is that they create muscle memory so that you can perform the skill repeatedly with success.  This is critical for beginners.  As you improve and gain confidence, you will want to try more advanced skills in game situations to build trust in the shot.  The more you practice in-game situations, the more you will advance your skills.  Why?  Because you need to work on the footwork and body positioning that comes when the ball is not fed directly to you.

Mistake 1:   Moving backward or not moving at all when you execute your third ball drop.  The contact on your paddle should be in front of you, with your momentum moving to the net.  If they hit a deep return, you need to move back quickly, and position your body so you can use your hips and shoulders to help your core execute the long dink (nickname for third-shot drop).

Mistake 2:  Contacting the ball too close to your body, or on the way up (short hop). Footwork!  You must get your body out of the way with quick reaction to the return.  Take a short backswing, contacting the ball with your core, hips, shoulders, out in front.  Your momentum is forward with this push shot.  Your contact should be at the ball’s apex — the highest point the ball reaches as it is coming at you and bounces up and toward you.  Contact it on the way up.

Mistake 3:  Trying to hit the third shot more like a groundstroke. This is more like a third-ball drive.  It would have to travel very low to be effective.  This is often seen at beginner levels.  To advance, you need to develop a good third-shot drop that is unattackable.

You do this by drilling.  Hundreds and thousands of third shot drops.  Have your drill partner move you up, back, side to side, with soft and hard returns.  Some players love to drill. Make your drills competitive and game-like. Spend time on a particular skill, then in games that day, work on it.  Be sure to watch this video from Briones Pickleball: youtu.be/oyZBm6ByvvM

Last call for my indoor round robin on June 5 at the Desert Sports Center in Palm Desert. Email Mary to enter at [email protected] or call 949-939-4888 for more info.  All skill levels welcome

Have a question or comment? Email us at [email protected]

Inside the three pro pickleball leagues battling it out for supremacy

A look at a match on the Professional Pickleball Association tour, which will broadcast its first event on national TV on Saturday.

The growing pains associated with pickleball being the fastest-growing sport in the country come in two shapes and sizes.

There are the outsiders, the residents living near courts who complain about the pock-pock of plastic paddles whacking plastic balls, and the pearl-clutching tennis types, aghast at the hordes of cheerful, younger-than-ever pickleballers invading their courts.

That’s static, however, compared to the high-stakes, sometimes sharp-elbowed drama playing out within the sport among its three — yes, three — professional entities.

For now, there is enough money behind the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) Tour, and the team-based Major League Pickleball (MLP), for each to run successful multimillion dollar operations.

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The latest sign of success: On Saturday, CBS will air a PPA event beginning at 4 p.m., the first national network broadcast of pro pickleball.

Pickleball is absolutely ELECTRIC. Watch the @PPAtour Summer Championships tomorrow on CBS at 4 PM ET. pic.twitter.com/XUOMI3vKvz — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) August 12, 2022

For a pastime that shot to the top of the growth chart in sports since the start of the pandemic — its estimated 4.8 million participants by the end of last year represented a nearly 40 percent increase from 2019, according to the Sports Fitness Industry Association — the professional side has a ways to go to catch up.

It’s difficult to imagine the alphabet-soup of groups will all survive the climb to the sport’s summit.

Publicly, pickleball insiders speak politely, mostly, and wish each other only the best. But the internal competition for players, sponsors, and the fans’ attention remains fierce.

Consolidation is not on the horizon.

“There has to be some consolidation in the next two to three years for this to make any sense” from a sustainable business model standpoint, said Thomas Shields, founder of BiteSize Sports, which runs The Dink , a pickleball news site. “The chances of that happening if there’s some unification go up exponentially. But these guys need to figure out how to play nice, and I don’t know that we’re going to see that happen.”

Rob Nunnery, a professional player with experience playing in all three groups, says the competition isn’t a problem.

“There’s a lot of talk about conflict and how maybe it’s not good for the sport, but I think it is good,” said Nunnery, pointing out that prize money increases with continued competition. “I think it’s fueling the growth of the sport.”

Both the PPA and MLP boast wealthy owners — the PPA is owned by Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon; MLP by Steve Kuhn, a former hedge fund investor — who are not expected to cede any ground to the other any time soon.

MLP has a strategic partnership with the APP Tour, which is sanctioned by USA Pickleball and emphasizes community outreach and increasing the sport’s reach among all groups and ages while also running a profitable tour.

MLP’s format stands out with its 12 mixed-gender four-member teams, which count notable franchise owners such as former Saints quarterback Drew Brees, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, author Brene Brown, and tennis player James Blake. It will hold three events this year, each with a $300,000 purse that’s tops among the groups for a single event.

Expansion is under discussion, with MLP strategic advisor Anne Worcester saying in an e-mail: “The response and demand from individuals, businesses, sponsors, venues and groups across all industries who want to invest on some level is staggering — we’re excited to continue to up level MLP.”

The other two tours feature singles and doubles for each gender, as well as mixed doubles.

Ken Herrmann, CEO and creative founder of APP, said his tour, which has aired on CBS Sports Network, ESPN+, and FS1, is in advanced talks with a linear broadcaster for 2023. APP says it will award $2 million-plus over its 32 stops this year, with a significant bump in prize money next year.

Pickleball's burgeoning pro circuit features players like 15-year-old Jorja Johnson (right), the No. 1 ranked women's player, and JW Johnson, the No. 1 ranked men's player on the Association of Pickleball Professionals tour.

PPA CEO Connor Pardoe said his tour will award a little more than $3 million over its 17 events this year, twice as much as it awarded over 2021′s 16 events, with next year’s purse increasing at a similar rate.

PPA contracts, which tie 25 players to play (with some exceptions) only PPA tour events, are a primary source of irritation with the other two tours/leagues.

When MLP and APP players play in a PPA event, they are, according to Pardoe, competing against “the top players in the world, under exclusive contracts. We know they’re going to be coming in, week in, week out, and it’s a great opportunity for them to continue to affiliate themselves with us and get some great exposure.’'

Whether explicit or not, the notion that the “top players play in the PPA” relegates the APP to something of a development league. Pardoe said that’s “maybe not” the case, but that new pickleball pros are “going to have more success over there than they’re going to have on the PPA Tour, without a doubt.”

The idea of APP as a junior circuit is “probably that organization’s way of taking a shot at the APP,” said Herrmann. “But when you look at the top pros in world pickleball rankings, there are more pros in the top 20 that have not signed contracts playing APP than have signed contracts. We welcome the PPA pros on the APP Tour if their contract allows them; we welcome them with open arms. The sport’s in its infancy stages right now — nobody should be shut out of playing any events.”

To Nunnery, seeing mostly the same set of elite players meet in the finals of each PPA event gets “very boring and repetitive.” He believes APP already has stronger singles talent than the PPA and while PPA made a “strong move” to lock up top talent, “I don’t think there’s a clear winner at this point. I think it’s still up for grabs.”

On the scale of great sports squabbles, this one won’t crack the Top 200.

Herrmann and Pardoe are each devoutly loyal to their respective tours, and each went to pains to express love for the sport.

Pardoe sounded genuinely weary of media attempts to exaggerate the level of discord within the pro pickleball world.

“I really like both of the other groups, I think there are great people running them and I think what they’re doing is great for pickleball,” he said. “At the end of the day, the story really is pickleball, how great a sport it is and how the professional game’s continuing to grow.”

To others, the tension accompanying the growth comes at too great a cost.

Terri Graham, who grew up in Bangor, Maine, and is a co-founder of the come-one, come-all US Open Championships in Naples, Fla., every April, is distressed by how professional pickleball has become a “very toxic” industry.

“I am hopeful sometime in the near future to get all these people together to kind of get on the bus and drive it in the same direction because right now, everybody’s on their own bus, headed in a different direction,” she said.

Even though Saturday’s broadcast is a media-buy — PPA paid CBS for the time — Pardoe said commercial spots sold out a month ago and will feature several non-endemic (non-pickleball related) sponsors. The belief within the industry is that an assortment of linear and cable networks will eventually start paying the tours to air their content.

“We’re putting pickleball on because we believe in the sport,” said Billy Stone of CBS Sports. “I’m excited that we’re putting it on the big network Saturday. I think that’s great growth for this sport.”

Stoughton-based Franklin Sports has been riding the pickleball wave as successfully as any other company. Franklin’s growth has been mainly in the recreational department, but it is a major partner with both APP and MLP, and hopes to renew its partnership with PPA. President Adam Franklin considers his company to have a neutral stance on how the professional landscape shakes out.

“If they continue to operate in their own silos, I do think that all three can be successful on their own, but I do think the sport would be in a better place if there was collaboration between the three,” said Franklin. “I think in the current state that feels unlikely. But this sport is moving so fast I wouldn’t be surprised about anything happening.”

Michael Silverman can be reached at [email protected] .

app tour vs ppa tour

Pickleball PPA Tour: How It Works, Rules, and Pros and Cons

app tour vs ppa tour

As pickleball continues to be America’s fastest-growing sport, tournaments are popping up from coast to coast. All thanks to the dedication of tireless event organizers and the thrilling pickleball tours, with the PPA Tour being one of the leading ones.

But what exactly is the PPA Tour? If you're a seasoned player, you've likely caught wind of its reputation. However, in this post, we're diving deep into the heart of this professional pickleball extravaganza. Here, we will explore how it works and the recent rule changes. More importantly, we will weigh the tour's pros and cons.

What is the PPA Tour?

PPA stands for Professional Pickleball Association and was founded in 2018 by the CEO and commissioner Connor Pardoe. Having its headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the Carvana PPA Tour is home to primarily pro players, establishes player rankings, and organizes tournaments at world-class facilities across the United States. In 2023, the PPA Tour has awarded winners over $5.5 million in prize money.

USA Pickleball does not sanction the tournaments in the PPA Tour. It means you can join them without being a member of USA Pickleball. In line with this, the tour uses DUPR (Dreamland Universal Pickle Rating) instead of UTPR to rate their amateur players. To know the difference, read our Pickleball Player Skill Ratings Guide . 

How Does PPA Tour Work?

Although the PPA Tour focuses more on professional tournaments, there are amateur brackets for different ages and playing skill levels. The PPA Tour usually has 25 stops in various U.S. states yearly and 26 tournaments in 2024. There are at least two events for every month, except for December. Unlike last year, no PPA event was chosen as the golden ticket to the 2024 USA Pickleball National Championships.

PPA tournaments have three categories: Slam (2000), Cup (1500), and Open (1000), including the Senior Open. The formats for pros and amateurs are women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles. The pro tournament has three brackets - Qualifier, Main, and Points Draws. Pro Qualifier Draw winners are seeded in the Main Draw, while losers are seeded in the Points Draw.

How Do PPA Pro Player Rankings Work?

The PPA Tour uses a unique points system to rank its pro players. These points are awarded and updated after each tournament, and the earned points during 52 weeks determine the players' ranking. At the end of each season, the ten pro players and teams who have accumulated the most points are qualified in the PPA Finals. They will compete against each other, and the winner is hailed as the PPA's Number 1 player.

Who Are The World's Top Pickleball Players?

As of February 2024, the top pro pickleball player in the world for Men's Singles is Benjamin Johns, followed by Federico Staksrud, Tyson McGuffin, Connor Garnett, and Christian Alshon. Brothers Ben and Collins Johns come first and second for the Men's Doubles. Dylan Frazier and James Johnson land as third and fourth, respectively.

Meanwhile, Anna Leigh Waters is the world's best female player in Women's Singles. Next to the 17-year-old pro player are Catherine Parenteau, Lea Jansen, Mary Brascia, and Salome Devidze. Waters made it to the top again for the Women's Doubles, followed by Catherine Parenteau, Anna Bright, Callie Smith, and Lucia Kovalova.

PPA Tour Rules

Generally speaking, the PPA Tour rules are the same as those mentioned in the USA Pickleball Official Rulebook . But for 2024, the PPA made some changes in the serve rules. For now, players should toss the ball below their waists and release the ball palm down. Note, however, that the changes are temporary and only apply to professional events . For completed details, read our 2024 PPA Tour Rules Changes Guide .

PPA Tour Merges With MLP

In September 2023, the PPA Tour merged with Major League Pickleball (MLP) to have a unified professional pickleball holding company. The said merging was backed up by a $ 50-million investment from S.C. Holdings, PPA Tour owner Tom Dundon, D.C. Pickleball Team owner Al Tylis, and MLP team owners.

The PPA-MLP merger is expected to expand opportunities for pro players and aspiring athletes. Moreover, fans of the two rival pickleball leagues can now watch individual events under the same umbrella of sports broadcasting networks, such as ESPN. More importantly, the unification will help address the issues of professional and amateur plays.

What is the Progression Draw Format in PPA?

The PPA introduced the progression draw format during the 2023 USA Pickleball National Championships. This new format applies to professional tennis and will be used in ten PPA Tour events this year. Winners can earn more ranking points since the tournaments will become more extensive.

The main difference between the old and new format is the number of matches that pro players will play on the same day. Previously, a single bracket was completed in one day, aside from the gold medal matches. But with the progression draw format, a player of the 48-competitor bracket may play up to three different events on a given day.

Under the new format, 40 spots are automatic qualifiers, while the remaining eight are for the qualifying draw. As mentioned earlier, the player ranking will depend on the number of points earned during a 52-week period. Interestingly, the schedule is more stable, which is also good news for fans since they know when the matches will be held.

PPA Tour Pros and Cons

Despite being the U.S.'s most sophisticated professional pickleball tour, the PPA Tour could be better. It may be a good place for pro players, but not exactly for amateurs. So, before joining any PPA Tour event, here are some advantages and drawbacks.

  • Huge prize money
  • Great opportunity for pro players
  • Live streaming events
  • Merging with MLP helps the sport grow
  • Fewer events for amateurs compared to other tours
  • Progression draw format can be unforgiving
  • 2024 serve rules confuse some players
  • Some complaints about amateur plays

Final Thoughts

The PPA Tour is like the heavyweight champion of professional pickleball, with big names like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters dominating the scene. But isn't it time for some fresh faces to claim the spotlight?

And what about us regular folks? It'd be awesome if the PPA could throw some love towards us amateurs, don't you think? After all, pickleball isn't just for the pros—it's a sport for everyone to enjoy!

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The PPA Tour Goes Head-to-Head with Major League Pickleball

With the latest articles on the sport of pickleball from Sports Illustrated and The New Yorker , it is no surprise that there is no love lost between Major League Pickleball (MLP)—a team-style professional pickleball league—and its founder, billionaire hedge fund executive Steve Kuhn, on the one hand, and the PPA Tour—a professional pickleball tour that hosts pickleball tournaments—and its owner(s?), Connor Pardoe and billionaire entrepreneur Tom Dundon (*reports have been made that this deal is not final yet), on the other hand. As the story goes, in January 2022, Kuhn and Dundon sat across from each other at a conference table, with their respective teams, to negotiate a way to “play nice in the pickleball sandbox.” However, not long after, the two sides departed, and not as friends. Rather, the two would seem to become clear competitors in the pro pickleball landscape.

The PPA Tour Goes Head-to-Head with Major League Pickleball | Pickler Pickleball

As time passed, the PPA Tour and MLP seemed to co-exist. The PPA Tour continued its events with its contracted players, who were restricted from playing MLP events. MLP held its events on different dates from the PPA Tour and, after its first event, proved that it could be entertaining without the contracted pros from the PPA Tour. MLP also increased its prize pool to award the winning team $100,000 (or $25,000 per player), and announced new ownership in some teams along the way (like famed entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, Super Bowl Champion Drew Brees, LA Lakers co-owner Jim Buss, and reality star Ryan Serhant). With the increase in cash prizes and affiliated names, MLP (and fans of MLP) maybe had hopes that the PPA Tour and its contracted players would reconsider the opportunity to work together and play in the both events, or maybe at least try to have another attempt at a meeting.

New PPA Event Puts the PPA Tour in Direct Competition with Major League Pickleball

With the next Major League Pickleball event staged to take place August 5-7, 2022, the PPA Tour announced a new event and format—the Selkirk Labs Showdown—on the same dates, positioning the PPA Tour in a head-to-head match-up with MLP. And, with that announcement, any hopes of collaboration and cooperation were certainly dashed.

The PPA Tour Goes Head-to-Head with Major League Pickleball | Pickler Pickleball

Briefly, the Selkirk Labs Showdown has been described by the PPA Tour as “a thrilling, unconventional show featuring wild matchups, and unlikely partnerships.” Further, the PPA Tour describes the format as follows:

This format seems to try to compete with the MLP excitement that it creates with different match-ups (which will be a good thing for the PPA, as Championship Sundays are getting repetitive with the same match-ups week in and week out). However, the PPA Tour did not go as far as creating a team event like MLP. The PPA Tour is seemingly still creating an individual-driven event. But, the event will be aired live on the Tennis Channel, as well as on its Facebook and YouTube channels.

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This new event is in addition to the other seemingly head-to-head event—MLP’s Pickleball Night in America (held on Tuesday nights) versus the PPA Tour’s Tuesday Nights (in collaboration with one of its sponsors). Although on a smaller scale, these two events are also in direct competition for eyeballs, viewership, and fans.

With that said, this head-to-head competition is not surprising. The PPA Tour has made decisions to chart its own path, which has clearly worked for the PPA. The PPA Tour has not worked with USA Pickleball, but instead decided to be “self-sanctioned.” The PPA Tour has not worked with the APP Tour (another professional pickleball tour, more similar to the PPA Tour). In fact, the PPA Tour has referred to the APP Tour as its “little bro.” And, for the better part of the last 12 months, the PPA Tour has not worked with MLP.

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Further, the head-to-head competition is not surprising because, well, it is business. As previous articles have put it, “pickleball is big business”—especially when you have two competing billionaires at the front of the sport. (But, they are not the only ones competing. There is competition all around the pickleball industry. For instance, look at the latest paddles from two of the top paddle manufacturers—Engage Pickleball just launched Omega Pickleball, while Selkirk just launched SLK Omega. Is this a coincidence or is this also direct competition?)

The two billionaires—in other words, the two organizations—are competing for the pro pickleball landscape. Currently, there are over 50 pro pickleball tournaments and events between the four organizations—the PPA, the APP, MLP, and USA Pickleball. Not all of these events will make it to primetime. Rather, the four organizations will be jockeying for a handful of prime events (think of tennis, where most people will only recognize the Grand Slam events of the Australian Open, US Open, French Open, and Wimbledon). (And, it seems like the PPA may be at the forefront of this primetime race with its announcement of an invitational summer championships being aired on CBS (the main network) on August 13, 2022 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm PT, which is the first time pickleball will be aired live on a major broadcast network (as opposed to CBS Sports, Fox Sports, the Tennis Channel, YouTube, Facebook Live, etc.). These championships will feature the top two seeds in each event as of the midway point through the PPA season.)

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Let’s not forget that Major League Pickleball is competing, too. MLP raised the pro player prize funds and raised the game with its format, ownership structures, and PR stunts (like taking over the New York Stock Exchange). This seems to be an effort to lure the best pro players (including some PPA-contracted players). MLP is also competing in the press, and it seems to be coming out with a more glowing review in the latest Sports Illustrated and The New Yorker. And, they are of course competing to have a handful of those prime pickleball events each and every year.

Is the Competition Between the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball Bad?

But, is all this competition really a bad thing? Two billionaires are pumping millions of dollars into the sport of pickleball. This capital infusion has to lead to growth of the sport, as there will be (1) more visibility and more investment of time and money from others in and around the game (such as sponsors and brands, and hopefully from the public and private sector by way of more courts); (2) more innovation and more entertainment, which is beneficial for the fans and the fan experience; and (3) bigger prize pools, which will certainly benefit the pro pickleball players, but also draw more talent to the game.

On the flip side, a failed pro pickleball organization with so much publicity around it—which would be true for either the PPA Tour or MLP—could be a “bad look” for the sport of pickleball. Could a failed organization stunt growth? Are all of these organizations over-saturating the market? Is there enough demand for pro pickleball to sustain them all?

In reality, the sport of pickleball is so early in its growth cycle that competition (and all of the money that comes along with it) will likely benefit everyone in and around the sport of pickleball, in the form of growth of the sport, progress, and creativity.

And, if we can learn anything from the centuries old game of golf, new competition can come regardless of where you are in the growth cycle. After almost 100 years of existence, the PGA now has a new competitor in LIV Golf. So, competition lives on. It comes with the territory of “big business.” And, if you want the top pro players, show them the money…

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3 Takeaways from the Latest Tour Wars Saga Between MLP and the PPA

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There was a PPA event in Kansas City and an APP event in Philadelphia this past weekend. You normally know what the drill is. We bring you some takeaways, you read them and we do it all again for the next tournament. However, the latest battle taking place in the pro pickleball Tour Wars has made the results from this weekend so insignificant in our view. This is the biggest battle within the Tour Wars that we have seen to date and it is not close to over as of the writing of this article.

Instead of our usual takeaways, we are going to bring you our takeaways from the latest saga in the Tour Wars. The caveat to these takeaways is that information is becoming old very fast. Our most recent piece became partly stale after only a couple of hours as Jack Sock was announced to the PPA. So we’ll look to provide as much information as we can that’s relevant and give some takes on what it means for pro pickleball right now.

For a list of players that have been announced to have signed with the PPA and MLP, you can go to the Dink’s blog or their Twitter as they are most on top of the up to the minute changes.

1. MLP is the Leader in the Clubhouse – We have seen in past battles of the Tour Wars that things can change on a dime. Making proclamations about which tour is winning the war can be foolhardy. That being said, there is little question that right now MLP is the leader in the clubhouse by a significant margin, even after the slew of signings announced by the PPA late Sunday – Dekel Bar, Julian Arnold, Lauren Stratman, Tina Pisnik and Tammy and Martin Emmrich.

As we noted in an earlier article, MLP seems to have learned its lesson from the ghosts of Tour Wars past. The PPA caught MLP on their heels both when Tom Dundon purchased the PPA and last November when they came forward with gold touring cards along with the Vibe Pickleball League.

There are different versions being thrown around of what led to this situation of mass signings – pro pickleball’s version of siblings telling their parents that the other one started it. Tyler Loong and Jimmy Miller presented a PPA friendly version of events as fact on their latest King of the Court podcast . Having taken in a bunch of information over the past few days, in our view, there’s no way we can confidently present one version as definitive. There is contention as to things such as who took the first shot and who was upset on the MLP side of the table, but who started it really doesn’t matter at this moment.

Despite the PPA supposedly locking in Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns, the end result has been MLP putting the PPA on their heels this time around by being first to the punch to lock in key players like Tyson McGuffin, James Ignatowich and Anna Bright. The MLP contracts are exclusive this time around and contemplate a full schedule for their players.

There are a whole bunch of factors that go into why players are choosing one entity over the other, but we are have seen most of the legacy big names (and pro tennis players) go with the PPA and the newer guard with MLP. Really, the biggest factor in these decisions come down to money, but when the money is close most players are opting to go with the people they trust more.

app tour vs ppa tour

This may oversimplify matters, but the PPA prioritizing a select group of players over equality for the greater good might be hurting them in a big way. However, the biggest thing to make MLP the current leaders were the coups of Tyson McGuffin and Riley Newman from the PPA. No matter what the reasons are for the PPA being behind right now, it has left the PPA with a lot of “cap space” and pushed them into a situation where they have likely overpaid substantially for their recent signings such as Tina Pisnik.

MLP still has a significant majority of the better talent signed with the biggest holdouts still being the Johnson siblings and Dylan Frazier. The other wrinkle is that it is becoming fairly public knowledge that a good number of PPA announced players have not signed new, binding contracts, which does not appear to be the case for the MLP announced players. The word is that PPA players have signed Letters of Intent whereas MLP players have signed binding contracts.

There is potential for players to flip on both sides as the two entities continue to talk to everyone, but the flipping is more of a possibility with PPA players. The biggest possible flipper who is being thrown around is one Benjamin Johns. Now, this whole leader in the clubhouse thing could change fast if the PPA can do what it did in November and lock in the Johnson’s and Frazier because the problem for Ben currently is there is no competition for him.

It would take a huge number and some creativity on MLP’s part to flip Ben over. The information we have tells us that Ben has had equity in the PPA since he signed initially so it comes down to more than loyalty to the group that has treated him so favorably over the past couple of years.

app tour vs ppa tour

MLP could truly put a nail in the PPA coffin if they can land the big holdouts and flip one of the two players who have the ability to provide real legitimacy to MLP – Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters.

There is a lot still to unfold as the parties continue to make phone calls, negotiate and sign players. It wasn’t very long ago that the PPA was the leader in the clubhouse. MLP has flipped that script. The question is whether they can keep the momentum going.

2. Still Many Unanswered Questions – For as many answers as there are based on player signings, there are a bunch of big questions left to be answered that go beyond the remaining dominoes left to fall.

Of course, the first question is where will all the players come out in the wash? This was already discussed it in the first takeaway, but the biggest ones to watch are the reportedly signed players. Beyond Ben Johns, there could be other players wanting to make a move so they don’t get left in the dust. If the PPA really has announced some of these new signings without having players locked down, it could mean more movement is set to come. Of course, JW and Dylan are as meaningful as anyone right now.

app tour vs ppa tour

What happens for the rest of 2023? The PPA was supposed to have equity in MLP as a result of the intended merger agreed to in principle back in November 2022. It also resulted in PPA owner, Tom Dundon, and PPA Commissioner, Connor Pardoe, being provided with ownership of separate MLP teams, the Seattle Pioneers and Utah Black Diamonds.

We already had a season 2 draft for MLP, but we may have a chunk of the best players exclusive to the PPA. We also have a ton of previous PPA gold card players locked into MLP deals. Will the PPA run their pro events with or without the MLP exclusive players for 2023?

app tour vs ppa tour

Connor Pardoe responded to a random Facebook post at about 2:00 am EST on Monday, August 28th that their next in Cincinnati will be “BIG”. Pardoe loves his cryptic social media messages so it’s hard to say what that means exactly. Unsurprisingly, his comment means there is an intention to continue business as usual on the PPA Tour going forward.

Could there still be a merger between the PPA and MLP? You can’t rule it out. It almost happened before when no one thought it would. The arms race caused MLP to feel backed into a corner and they traded equity for peace. A merger is far less likely to happen in August 2023, but it can’t be ruled out entirely. We have also heard some very unconfirmed rumblings there are discussions happening between the APP Tour and MLP, but we can’t give those rumblings any more credence than speculation at this point.

This leads to whether pro pickleball will be fragmented going forward. Fans were the big winners when the PPA and MLP allegedly merged. The prevailing wisdom the past few days is that the fans are big losers because we won’t see the best talent all in one place.

First off, we don’t know that pro pickleball will be as fragmented as everyone is assuming it will be. The player signings announced may not be the foregone conclusion that a signing announcement should be so let’s wait and see there.

Even if it is fragmented, can we really be so sure that is a loss for fans? So much depends on how this plays out because the other way this could go is that it makes the future of pro pickleball better than ever.

We describe this as the Tour Wars and the reality of a war is that one side ends up winning. Even if no one wins the war after this battle, it may have put the wheels in motion for one entity to be the main tour/league. Regardless of which entity prevails, the best thing for pro pickleball is likely one entity prevailing when all is said and done, and some short term fragmented paid could be the best long term gain. It forces improvement and creativity, whether it is the PPA or MLP.

What about legal issues? Breach of contract for former PPA, now MLP, players is being thrown around so casually. There are also questions between MLP and the PPA regarding the intention to merge and the agreements made to that effect. It’s dangerous to speculate on legal issues with having such a small part of the picture, but it’s safe to say there is a good chance legal issues will arise. Whether the legal issues spill over into impacting the product on court is a whole other can of worms.

These are only some of the bigger unknowns we have brought up. There are many other pieces to this largely unfinished puzzle.

3. Backing up the Brinks Truck for the Players – One thing that is certain in all of this is that pro pickleball players are giant winners as a result of this. We had concerns that the gravy train would slow down following the MLP and PPA truce, but it has been the complete opposite. So many players are receiving lifestyle changing money relative to their standing in pro pickleball, from stars to fringe pros.

Just look at all the pros who have signed what are supposed to be guaranteed, multi-year deals. The past couple of years, any financial guarantees players have had have been in the form of appearance fees. To have the stability that comes from a guaranteed contract is a major shift, and changes the game for players across the sport. Pro pickleball has become more of a full-time job and now it can be that for so many more players.

With all this money being thrown around, there are people asking where all the money is coming from? With pro pickleball currently operating as a negative return on investment endeavor, how can either the PPA or MLP be affording to pay players 6 and 7 figures over the next 3 years?

It is a fair question to ask, but it is likely only relevant for the entity that falls short in this saga. If MLP “succeeds”, they have the benefit of a previous influx of cash flow from investors banking on pro franchises being the wave of the future. Not to mention that MLP has a roster of very rich people who should understand that MLP is a long-term ROI play. If the PPA “succeeds”, Tom Dundon has his amateur side investments that supplement the investment in the pro game, and he would probably be willing to keep the train chugging so long as the pro side is more secure.

At the end of the day, the amateur side of pickleball is probably the surest bet financially and both entities involved have big stakes on that side of the coin (MLP has DUPR and PPA has Pickleball Central and the tournament software).

Beyond the competition concerns, a bigger fear for players could be for those who choose the wrong side. If one of the entities folds, where does that leave the players who chose the entity that doesn’t survive? This is what also could cause players to flip one way or the other. Not wanting to be left behind.

app tour vs ppa tour

It is also unclear what this situation means for new players and how either entity is going to handle up and coming talent that will want to be paid in accordance with market value. Josh Gartman, new GM of the DC Pickleball Team, described this situation as NBA free agency on steroids. We have seen in past NBA free agencies that unique circumstances have led to unsustainable pay days for players (think Allen Crabbe and Chandler Parsons in 2016). This could be the same for pro pickleball, albeit with very different circumstances. It is pretty much impossible for these salaries to be sustainable going forward when the pro game doesn’t make money.

No matter what, it appears that playing pro pickleball, without supplementing income elsewhere, will be a viable career for more than a handful of players over the next three years and potentially beyond. That’s not anything that players should have been banking on at the start of the year.

Agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments below or email us at [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Threads and Facebook. Also, listen and subscribe to our podcast on Apple, Spotify and YouTube!

  • ← MLP and PPA Announce Mass Signings of Players as Feelings of Deja Vu Rock the Tour Wars
  • MLP vs. PPA Tour Wars Mailbag →

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32 thoughts on “ 3 takeaways from the latest tour wars saga between mlp and the ppa ”.

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Just an excellent analysis and summary. Not sure how this will pan out in the long run, but I am certainly happy that so many more players will see financial rewards for their work and talent.

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Thanks, Scott. It will be fascinating to watch unfold

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Thanks for working without a full staff (maybe there are pickleball journalist wars, too?), and keeping us up to date.

Hahaah thanks Fred. So much going on that we want to share. Appreciate you reading and interacting

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#1. Loong said on his “emergency” KOTC podcast that Ben had signed a new 3 year contract. He seemed certain of it. The letter of intent could have 2 sides: PPA needs time for their lawyers to draft the contracts so could only get the letter of intent ready on such short notice. Or PPA hopes to leave room to “negotiate” out of some of their verbal promises.

#2: Winners. With different players in each entity, neither needs to lose. When PPA had Johns but APP had JW and a bunch of up and comers like Ignatowich and Bright, both attracted views/fans. Tyson has a big fan base so his fans will watch him no matter where he goes. Sock fans will watch Sock whenever he shows up for a PPA event. AL has fans that will follow her. MLP never had big viewership numbers so they may see a slight increase. PPA will do what they need to do to keep their numbers up — maybe spread out the big tennis names amongst their events. Or do exhibitions at their events with other sports pro athletes like in the past. What is a given is that they will schedule a PPA event on every week-end that has a MLP event – a la what they did with many APP tournaments. If they are smart, PPA and MLP will do YT streams for everything. Don’t lose any wannabe fans by streaming on CBS Sports Network or ESPN+. Co-stream if you must but don’t turn fans away. I know I didn’t watch some MLP events in the last 2 years because I knew there was no chance of watching the finals.

Long term it’s hard to see how there is enough viewership in pro pickleball to sustain multiple different things right now, but it’s not out of the realm. Always agree on the YT streaming stuff

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I’m starting to see names being signed that I haven’t come across before. I’ve been watching and taking notes on players since October. I had 198 men and 157 women, but did not have Roscoe Bellamy (MLP) or Kaitlyn Christian (PPA). Kaitlyn has 16 matches in DUPR, with a doubles rating of 4.88. She does have a 5.83 singles. Searching, I found a Wikipedia page for her. She is a successful tennis doubles player. (I know absolutely zero about tennis). She is 31 years old. Roscoe, it turns out, just finished UCLA, played tennis there and has played a bit of pickleball already. Probably lots of upside . . . but I wouldn’t know. I see a lot of established, and a bit older, middle-of-the-pack pros aren’t getting any love right now. Maybe they will get their chance when the two entities start their separate seasons.

Charlie: NML wrote this for the APP Cincinnati Open in May 9-14, 2023: “Of note is Roscoe Bellamy, son of top senior pro Beth Bellamy, making his pro debt this weekend.” NML wrote this for Singles Rankings in November, 2021: “Gritty cannot quit Kaitlyn Christian (I actually had to talk him out of having her in the top 5 in our initial rankings this year).”

Kaitlyn played some in 2021 and was signed with Selkirk. She did some doubles matches with Tyson. But she never reached her full potential because she was still involved with tennis. Her doubles was bad. Roscoe is young and fairly untried but could have a high ceiling.

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Jimmy and Tyler (King of the Court) released part two of their podcast this evening. A big theme is that the money being doled out is outrageous and out of control. Marginal players, who have never even medaled in APP, are being given $200+k contracts. Jimmy asked Tyler how much he got and Tyler said $5 million (!?!?!?!). Tyler brought up the fact that minor league baseball players and NBA G-League players are only making 50k per year, and now we have big bags of cash being thrown at pickleball players. They are both gobsmacked by what is going on.

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Tyler said in chat he was joking about the $5M. ($5M for a guy who hasn’t made a podium in 2023 would be “outrageous” though). KOTC PPA/MLP discussions have had an obvious PPA slant, so I’m taking anything they say about this topic with more than a few grains of salt.

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I figured he must be joking about that number. Even Ben Johns wouldn’t be offered THAT much. Tyler must have received a pretty good chunk of change, though. Good for him.

Ben likely wouldn’t be offered that much in pure salary either, yes.

That’s a good eye as well. There has clearly been a PPA slant to discussions, which is interesting because at the beginning of KOTC Jimmy did not appear to be a fan of Connor despite Tyler being pro PPA. Tides have been shifting and it has shifted clearly towards PPA in this round of Tour Wars

Speaking of tides shifting towards PPA, did y’all see the Selkirk poll results?

https://www.selkirk.com/blogs/news/selkirk-sport-survey-reveals-an-overwhelming-preference-for-ppa-tour-among-pickleball-fans?_kx=r90uRNdg7Qi6VrE5wdFuhfd6qZdccBctUapGeX3x0Vo%3D.XWRFYw

IDK if this is just a PPA/Selkirk relationship bearing fruit or actual poll results.

This would seem to be another notch in the PPA and Selkirk long-standing relationship. That’s full speculation but the timing is so coincidental and there’s not enough insight into what went into the survey data results. It is likely actual results but how they got that data who knows

Don’t think Tyler was being serious with that comment as they seemed to make some jokes after. Also, Jimmy somewhat corrected Tyler this time regarding his comment about PPA being profitable. The pro tour is not profitable or breaking even currently. We are very confident about that. It is the other stuff that is profitable like PB Central

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Thank you for your post. I sure hope Sock finds his way. Will be interesting where JW, JJ, and DF go. Can see how APP could fit into the MLP as a pre-pro venue.

APP could fit in possibly as being able to help run events or feeder events

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This whole issue is fascinating and sad. The PPA and MLP both play a role in promoting the great sport of pickleball, and could complement each other so well. As fans, we have more years of “chaos” in the sport – too bad for us – we want to see the best play the best.

As far as MLP “winning” with the player recruitment, they need to fill 24 teams, and how they do it with free agency or a draft is going to create winners and losers within the teams; more chaos. Also, how many of the players we are calling top end (Bright, Iggy, Staksrud, etc.) were at the top at the beginning of 2022? Their reputations grew from success on the PPA tour in 2022 and 2023, when they supplanted/passed up previous top end players (Zane, Jay, Simone, etc). The PPA will have good players playing their tourneys, and they will develop as they get better repetition against the PPA players. Do any APP players jump at higher $ with PPA? Does MLP supplement APP as their development league with $?

As others have said, too much ego and available money on both sides. In the long run, neither league will be financially feasible without some outside funding ie advertisers, TV. Since the PPA is connected to PB Central and PB brackets, they have recurring cash flow to invest into PPA – MLP does not have that now. In addition, PPA can help the equipment manufacturers sell their product by advertising and selling in PB Central. MLP has to figure the financials out besides investors dumping money into the teams – values won’t continue to rise without reason.

Sorry it all had to come to this. I will still watch both.

Appreciate the comments. There is a lot of money being thrown around and there’s not much chatter about what happens to new players that come into the sport and what money they get. Hard to say

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A lot of people are drawing the comparison to PGA/LIV, which makes sense, although I think the fact that the PGA was clearly the more established, prestigious tour makes the analogy breakdown a bit. What came to mind for me, as someone who’s been following MMA for a while, is the era of the 90s-2000s where the UFC and Pride FC co-existed. The UFC was nothing like the juggernaut that it is today, and many would agree that Pride was the more successful, respected organization, at least among fans. The talent was relatively evenly spread out, although fans of each organization would disagree on the particulars of that. There were a number of years where the two co-existed with minimal conflict, with the UFC even sending a fighter to participate in a Pride FC tournament (although the expected reciprocation never happened). While there were many, many dream crossover matchups that we as fans wanted to see, we understood that they were unlikely to happen in that time period. Eventually Pride’s parent company ran into such significant financial troubles that they were all but forced to sell to the UFC’s parent company. While there were talks of still operating the two brands as separate organizations with occasional crossovers, the UFC ended up absorbing most of Pride’s roster and killing the brand.

All of that to say, there is relatively recent precedent of a sport (particularly one that is fairly niche as a spectator sport at the time) having a divided playerbase and still being able to motor along for a decade. I don’t know that I would go as far as to say that that’s what I think will happen here, but it is very possible, especially in the near term.

Interesting analogy. We have no knowledge of this and appreciate you sharing this. It is possible for sure that they can co-exist but it can’t be constant fighting

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I understand why the “Julie Johnson Pickleball Academy” group are holding out but I’m wondering why you think Jessie Irvine has been holding out so long? Maybe it’s money, maybe she wants to see how things shake out? I’m also wondering if her stock has dropped enough that neither side is willing to meet her demands. Most of her recent partners are at MLP – I don’t think she’d feel particularly complimentary to the PPA group of signed folks. Maybe she also prefers PPA format versus MLP? Interesting.

We have no info on Jessie but she doesn’t move the needle for either party so it is not out of the question she overestimated her market value. But we haven’t heard anything about that

A few more podcasts are dropping today with more to come (possibly Zane’s). Anna Bright was solo. She rambled a lot so some of it was hard to follow. I found Rettenmaier’s to be the most coherent of the 3 (including KOTC here). Also Rettenmaier and Graham seemed to be the most realistic about future – another entity could come in eventually and another battle for supremacy. Both AB and Travis seemed to think it’d be unlikely they’ll finish the PPA 2023 tournaments. Neither expressed a strong wish to do so.

Thanks for the info. We’re working on getting through podcasts. Travis and Graham have been doing a good job with their podcasts

Agreed. I thought Travis and Graham were pretty succinct and didn’t over speculate. Also, they seemed a bit more sober in their thoughts on the future. Anna did provide some good insight into the turmoil occurring at KC PPA and some of her thought process on making a decision. Interested to listen to Zane’s take.

They understand the risk of pro pickle as a long term viable sport

Graham said that some players are getting “pieces of a tour, pieces of a team” So like the deal Ben is alleged to have with the PPA, MLP is doing the same

Based on nothing but that statement, that’s my current guess then for the Julie Johnson players. They’re negotiating as a group, they want their own MLP team, and guarantees they can play on that team. I imagine they’re asking for some massive consideration from the PPA as well.

This is what’s taking so long. Probably something that has to be approved the the BoD, or a vote of the other owners, or something time-consuming.

Of course, they might just be on vacation. IDK.

Graham did sound really uncertain about the sustainability of the MLP’s spending spree. Loved the video bomb in that episode, too

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Fred: From the results I’ve seen, the Johnson crew have to be the hardest working players out there. They deserve to be rewarded extremely well for all their dedicated effort: JW, Dylan, Jorja, Milan, Gabe. And lots of ceiling left.

This is good speculation probably and good puzzle piecing. Some creative alternatives that provide more upside and certainty. It does sound like there is more ongoing negotiation. And agreed on Graham. He didn’t sound too happy with this shift

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PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball Close Merger

By SVG Staff Friday, March 1, 2024 - 10:56 am Print This Story | Subscribe

Story Highlights

The Carvana PPA Tour (“PPA Tour”) and MLP by Margaritaville (“MLP”) announce the completion of their previously announced merger and the formation of a unified and definitive professional pickleball holding company. The consolidation of the two entities is backed by a $75 million investment from private equity firm SC Holdings, D.C. Pickleball Team owner Al Tylis, PPA Tour owners Tom Dundon and the Pardoe Family, and a roster of existing MLP team owners.

app tour vs ppa tour

The merger combines the leading individual bracket-style tour and team-based professional pickleball formats, with the PPA Tour and MLP retaining their distinct brands and the unique and exciting formats fans and players enjoy.

More than 150 professional pickleball players – including the top ranked players in the world – have signed multi-year contracts with the new entity, with many of them set to participate in an expanded calendar that combines individual (PPA Tour) and team (MLP) events throughout the year. This will provide players, fans, and sponsors with the benefits of a streamlined schedule, and will make following the sport easier for both avid and casual fans. Combined annual player payouts under the new unified organization in 2024 are expected to increase by nearly 250%, compared to 2023, which will provide more players with the opportunity to approach the sport as a full-time career.

“Today is an exciting day for everyone involved or interested in the world of pickleball,” says PPA Tour Founder and CEO Connor Pardoe . “MLP and the PPA Tour working as partners creates a sustainable, viable, and healthy ecosystem for all key participants in which the best players in the world can play in both of the thrilling pickleball formats, ensuring that we’re promoting the highest-quality, most exciting events.”

“This merger signals the next phase of growth for professional pickleball, and the combined resources and networks of the PPA Tour and MLP will support the sport at all levels,” says MLP CEO Bruce Popko . “Commercially, this unification positions us to be even better partners, as sponsors, broadcast partners, venue operators, equipment manufacturers, and others will benefit from the combined, expanded 2024 schedule of PPA and MLP events. While unified through a parent company, the PPA Tour and MLP will maintain their distinct brands, allowing sponsors and partners to invest in the brands that best align with their business goals, all the while showcasing a consistent, premier product for fans across both playing formats.”

Following the completion of the merger, the 2024 Carvana PPA Tour will include a calendar of events that began on January 9 at PPA Tour: The Masters in Palm Springs, California, and will feature 25 tournaments culminating with the PPA Tour Finals in San Clemente, California, on December 5-8. The 2024 MLP season schedule will feature a collection of regular season events, in addition to the 2024 MLP Mid-Season Tournament in July, and the 2024 MLP Playoffs in November. The league’s 24 teams will be divided across two levels – Premier and Challenger – with each team appearing at numerous regular season events.

The parent company’s board of directors and team owners include an impressive roster of business leaders, leading investors, and professional athletes. The new board of directors will include Jason Stein from SC Holdings, D.C. Pickleball Team owner Al Tylis , Matt Turney from Dundon Capital Partners, MLP team owner Julio DePietro , and former Goldman Sachs Partner Brian Levine .

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Major League Pickleball and PPA Tour Finalize Their Much-anticipated Merger

M ajor League Pickleball (MLP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) have successfully completed their anticipated merger agreement and have injected new funding into the sport, the leagues announced on Thursday.

This agreement will bring together the two largest pickleball organizations, forming a holding company. However, both the PPA Tour and MLP will maintain their distinct brands and formats. The name of the new company is yet to be disclosed.

After months of negotiations, drama, and tensions between the rival pickleball leagues, this merger marks a significant development in shaping the future of professional pickleball.

Major League Pickleball (Credits: CNBC)

The consolidation includes a substantial $75 million investment from a group that consists of private equity firm SC Holdings, Al Tylis (owner of D.C. Pickleball Team), Tom Dundon and the Pardoe Family (owners of PPA Tour), and a group of existing MLP team owners.

“This is an exciting day for everyone involved or interested in the world of pickleball,” said Connor Pardoe, founder and CEO of PPA Tour.

“MLP and the PPA Tour working as partners creates a sustainable, viable, and healthy ecosystem for all key participants in which the best players in the world can play in both of the thrilling pickleball formats, ensuring that we’re promoting the highest-quality, most exciting events.”

The merger will bring together over 150 professional pickleball players, including many top-ranked players globally. Players have signed new multiyear contracts as part of the deal, with a significant number set to participate in an expanded calendar that integrates PPA Tour and MLP events throughout the year.

The PPA Tour follows an individual bracket-style tour, while MLP operates on a team-based format. The combined payouts under the new unified organization are anticipated to surge by nearly 250% this year compared to the previous year, as stated in the release.

Despite the positive announcement, some players have expressed concerns about delayed payments for past tournaments. “I will believe it when they start paying,” remarked one player.

Zane Navratil, an MLP player, voiced his optimism about recent progress, stating, “As somebody that has been critical of the PPA in the past, I’m really encouraged by the conversations that I’ve personally had with their leadership recently. I think that everybody in pickleball is ready for the fresh start that this provides.”

The combined organization is expected to be a catalyst for the professional sport, offering players, fans, and sponsors the advantages of a more streamlined schedule.

“Commercially, this unification positions us to be even better partners, as sponsors, broadcast partners, venue operators, equipment manufacturers, and others will benefit from the combined, expanded 2024 schedule of PPA and MLP events,” said Bruce Popko, CEO of MLP.

The journey to this merger has been marked by challenges. While the merger agreement was initially announced in September 2023, it faced obstacles following a bitter falling out between the organizations, resulting in a competitive race to sign players.

The subsequent overspending forced both leagues to backtrack and request players to accept pay cuts. In the aftermath, MLP witnessed significant leadership changes with the resignation of founder Steve Kuhn and the departure of CEO Julian DePietro and Commissioner Brooks Wiley.

Major League Pickleball and PPA Tour Finalize Their Much-anticipated Merger

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The APP Tour comes to Miami, Florida for some sunshine and the 2024 Chase APP Miami Open from March 20-24, the first APP Major of the year.

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It's Official: The PPA Tour and MLP Announce Much-Anticipated Consolidation

It's officially official.

The much discussed and highly-anticipated merger between the Carvana PPA Tour and MLP by Margaritaville is a done deal.

The consolidation of the two entities is backed by a $75 million investment from private equity firm SC Holdings, D.C. Pickleball Team owner Al Tylis, PPA Tour owners Tom Dundon and the Pardoe Family, and a roster of existing MLP team owners.

We did it! Today is an exciting day for everyone involved in the world of pro pickleball, the @PPAtour & @MajorLeaguePB merger is complete! We are ready to get to work and create a sustainable, viable, and healthy ecosystem in which the best players in the world can be showcased. — Connor Pardoe (@connorpardoe_pb) February 29, 2024

The merger combines the leading individual bracket-style tour and team-based professional pickleball formats, with the PPA Tour and MLP retaining their distinct brands.

"To say that the last six months or so have been a rocky road would be an enormous understatement," said Zane Navratil, a highly-ranked pro on the PPA Tour and co-host of the PicklePod at The Dink . "As somebody that has been critical of the PPA in the past, I’m really encouraged by the conversations that I’ve personally had with their leadership recently. I think that everybody in pickleball is ready for the fresh start that this provides."

app tour vs ppa tour

More than 150 professional pickleball players - including the top ranked players in the world - have signed multi-year contracts with the new entity, with many of them set to participate in an expanded calendar that combines individual (PPA Tour) and team (MLP) events throughout the year.

Combined annual player payouts under the new unified organization in 2024 are expected to increase by nearly 250 percent compared to 2023.

"Today is an exciting day for everyone involved or interested in the world of pickleball," said PPA Tour Founder and CEO Connor Pardoe. "MLP and the PPA Tour working as partners creates a sustainable, viable, and healthy ecosystem for all key participants in which the best players in the world can play in both of the thrilling pickleball formats, ensuring that we're promoting the highest-quality, most exciting events."

"This merger signals the next phase of growth for professional pickleball, and the combined resources and networks of the PPA Tour and MLP will support the sport at all levels," said MLP CEO   Bruce Popko. "Commercially, this unification positions us to be even better partners, as sponsors, broadcast partners, venue operators, equipment manufacturers, and others will benefit from the combined, expanded 2024 schedule of PPA and MLP events. While unified through a parent company, the PPA Tour and MLP will maintain their distinct brands, allowing sponsors and partners to invest in the brands that best align with their business goals, all the while showcasing a consistent, premier product for fans across both playing formats."

Following the completion of the merger, the 2024 Carvana PPA Tour will include a calendar of events that began in January and will feature 25 tournaments culminating with the PPA Tour Finals in San Clemente, California, on December 5-8.

app tour vs ppa tour

The 2024 MLP season schedule will feature a collection of regular season events, in addition to the 2024 MLP Mid-Season Tournament in July, and the 2024 MLP Playoffs in November. The league's 24 teams will be divided across two levels - Premier and Challenger - with each team appearing at numerous regular season events.

The parent company's board of directors and team owners include an impressive roster of business leaders, leading investors, and professional athletes. The new board of directors will include Jason Stein from SC Holdings, D.C. Pickleball Team owner Al Tylis, Matt Turney from Dundon Capital Partners, MLP team owner Julio DePietro, and former Goldman Sachs Partner Brian Levine.

app tour vs ppa tour

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app tour vs ppa tour

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Six-Continent Pickleball World Series Touts Millions in Prize Money

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IMAGES

  1. The APP Tour vs. the PPA

    app tour vs ppa tour

  2. APP VS PPA: What Pickleball Tour Should you Play? atPPA Tour

    app tour vs ppa tour

  3. PPA Tour Indoor National Championships and APP Tour Punta Gorda

    app tour vs ppa tour

  4. MLP Should BUYOUT Ben Johns PPA Contract and Here is WHY: Will the PPA

    app tour vs ppa tour

  5. APP Tour Releases 2023 Tour Schedule

    app tour vs ppa tour

  6. Ppa Tour 2024: Experience the Thrill of Professional Pickleball

    app tour vs ppa tour

VIDEO

  1. PPA Tour video game? 🎮👀

COMMENTS

  1. APP vs. PPA Pickleball: Understanding the Key Differences

    One of the primary differences between the APP Tour and PPA Pickleball is the way they handle USA Pickleball sanctioning. Another important factor to consider is the use of referees during matches. Additionally, the cost to play, total prize money payouts, player rankings, contracts, and appearance fees can vary between the two associations ...

  2. Which Event Is Better? APP vs PPA Tournaments Compared

    The APP Mesa Open charged a $5 entrance fee on non-playing days, even if you're a registered player. While the $5 is not a significant fee, the registration was $85 as opposed to PPA's $70. So it was a pesky surprise to go support friends and find out that you had to fork over an extra fee.

  3. PPA Pickleball and APP Tour

    However, there are fairly significant differences between the two pickleball tours. Below, we outline a handful of the primary differences and similarities between the APP Tour and PPA Pickleball with respect to USA Pickleball sanctioning, the use of referees, video-streaming, sponsors, the cost to play, total prize money payouts, player ...

  4. What's The Difference Between the APP and PPA

    The 2021 APP Tour has 18 tournaments scheduled throughout the United States and Europe. We are hosting tournaments in nine of the 12 USA Pickleball regions. Our purpose is to confirm that all player athletes, professional and amateur, have access to our competitive APP tournaments. Then there is the PPA - Pro Pickleball Association.

  5. APP Vs. PPA Vs. MLP In-depth Review

    History of App vs. PPA vs. MLP. PPA Pickleball was founded in 2017,2018 by Connor Pardoe. It is the largest professional pickleball tour in the world, with over 3,000 players and over $5 million in prize money awarded in 2022. PPA Pickleball hosts tournaments throughout the United States, and its matches are broadcast live on CBS Sports Network ...

  6. Understanding The Different Professional Pickleball Tours

    The 2022 APP Tour has over $2 million in prize money for professional athletes. The Tour encourages all players, both professional and amateur, to play in global tournaments to qualify for the season-ending championship, The APP Masters. The APP Tour has 32 tournaments scheduled for 2022 and 20 tour stops scheduled for 2023.

  7. APP VS PPA: What Pickleball Tour Should you Play? @PPAtour

    Here at All In Pickleball we have fun, improve, do not take ourselves to seriously, and learn from Pickleball Pros.Send your 1080 or above amateur game links...

  8. PPA vs. APP : r/Pickleball

    I have the impression that PPA is the more prestigious tour, and that the APP is the more open tour. It seems like a number of the top pros (like Ben Johns) don't play many APP events. Having 2 tours is really unfortunate. Makes it that much harder for fans to follow, and dilutes talent at each event. Picklepug13.

  9. APP VS PPA: What Pickleball Tour Should you Play? atPPA Tour

    APP VS PPA: What Pickleball Tour Should you Play? atPPA Tour - Professional Pickleball Association. Here at All In Pickleball we have fun, improve, do not take ourselves to seriously, and learn from Pickleball Pros. Send your 1080 ... Video by Joey Gmuer. Published on Sep 18th, 2022

  10. Understanding the APP and PPA

    APP: Offers competitive prize money for its professional events. The APP Tour also provides a platform for amateur players to rub shoulders with the pros and gain invaluable experience. PPA: Known for its hefty prize money, the PPA is a magnet for top professional players. As a result its tournaments are must-watch events.

  11. Pickleball: Rivalries among PPA, APP, USPA, IFP, WFP shaping the sport

    Pickleball: The rivalries shaping the sport. The wall is dead. And fix your third-shot drop. For the last year-plus, national publications have been catching up to the fact that yes, pickleball is ...

  12. Inside the three pro pickleball leagues battling it out for supremacy

    PPA contracts, which tie 25 players to play (with some exceptions) only PPA tour events, are a primary source of irritation with the other two tours/leagues. ... We welcome the PPA pros on the APP ...

  13. MLP vs PPA vs APP : r/Pickleball

    The battle between the APP and PPA for which tour will be more dominant is ongoing- but it does appear the PPA is ahead with most of the top players signed. People tend to think PPA will end up on top with the top players and the APP will end up being a challenger or up and comer type tour. MLP also has Tuesday night pickleball events- and I ...

  14. Pickleball PPA Tour: How It Works, Rules, and Pros and Cons

    The PPA Tour uses a unique points system to rank its pro players. These points are awarded and updated after each tournament, and the earned points during 52 weeks determine the players' ranking. At the end of each season, the ten pro players and teams who have accumulated the most points are qualified in the PPA Finals.

  15. PPA Tour (PPA)

    The official website of the PPA Tour. Providing real-time live scoring and live brackets for professional pickleball.

  16. The PPA Tour Goes Head-to-Head with Major League Pickleball

    With the next Major League Pickleball event staged to take place August 5-7, 2022, the PPA Tour announced a new event and format—the Selkirk Labs Showdown—on the same dates, positioning the PPA Tour in a head-to-head match-up with MLP. And, with that announcement, any hopes of collaboration and cooperation were certainly dashed.

  17. PPA Tour Masters and APP Tour Punta Gorda

    PPA Tour Masters and APP Tour Punta Gorda - Live Random Thoughts. The opening weekend of 2023 features a dual tournament weekend coast to coast with the PPA Tour in California and the APP Tour in Florida. We'll be covering the action all weekend long on the live blog as we get our first taste of a new year of pickleball.

  18. APP Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP) Combine Forces in Shifting

    Interesting moves all around. It feels to me that the PPA has a huge lead on APP/MLP based on their tour events with name sponsors and known TV partners. Both are major revenue contributors and money should win out in attracting the top pros. I think the APP should shift its focus to Seniors, Super Seniors and Juniors.

  19. Major Drama Between Professional Pickleball Tours Picks Back Up

    Over the weekend, while the leading professional pickleball tour (the Professional Pickleball Association or PPA) was sweating away holding a major event in Kansas City's heat, and while its pro ...

  20. 3 Takeaways from the Latest Tour Wars Saga Between MLP and the PPA

    1. MLP is the Leader in the Clubhouse - We have seen in past battles of the Tour Wars that things can change on a dime. Making proclamations about which tour is winning the war can be foolhardy. That being said, there is little question that right now MLP is the leader in the clubhouse by a significant margin, even after the slew of signings ...

  21. PPA Tour: Professional Pickleball Association

    PPA Tour. One of the 2 main pickleball tours, the PPA Tour's motto is "Play where the pros play". PPA Tour events include both amateur and pro events where the pros play for prize money and PPA Player Rakings. Formed by Connor Pardoe in 2019, the PPA Tour has continued to grow dramatically ever since, giving over $2M in prize money in 2022.

  22. PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball Close Merger

    Following the completion of the merger, the 2024 Carvana PPA Tour will include a calendar of events that began on January 9 at PPA Tour: The Masters in Palm Springs, California, and will feature ...

  23. Major League Pickleball and PPA Tour Finalize Their Much ...

    The PPA Tour follows an individual bracket-style tour, while MLP operates on a team-based format. The combined payouts under the new unified organization are anticipated to surge by nearly 250% ...

  24. APP Tour: Association of Pickleball Professionals

    APP Tour. One of the 2 main pickleball tours, the APP Tour has both pro and amateur pickleball events around the world. The APP states that its purpose is to "confirm that all player athletes, professional and amateur, have access to our competitive APP tournaments." Formed by Ken Hermann in 2019, the APP Tour has continued to grow dramatically ...

  25. APP Pickleball Tour

    Chase APP Miami Pickleball Open / APP Signature Event: APP Atlantic Cup. The APP Tour comes to Miami, Florida for some sunshine and the 2024 Chase APP Miami Open from March 20-24, the first APP Major of the year. View Event. Buy Tickets. Miami Beach Convention Center. Mar. 19-24. Miami Beach, FL. Upcoming. 8. Feb-12. Feb.

  26. PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball Close Merger

    Following the completion of the merger, the 2024 Carvana PPA Tour will include a calendar of events that began on January 9 at PPA Tour: The Masters in Palm Springs, California, and will feature ...

  27. PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball Close Merger

    Following the completion of the merger, the 2024 Carvana PPA Tour will include a calendar of events that began on January 9 at PPA Tour: The Masters in Palm Springs, California, and will feature ...

  28. It's Official: The PPA Tour and MLP Announce Much-Anticipated Consolidation

    It's officially official. The much discussed and highly-anticipated merger between the Carvana PPA Tour and MLP by Margaritaville is a done deal.. The consolidation of the two entities is backed by a $75 million investment from private equity firm SC Holdings, D.C. Pickleball Team owner Al Tylis, PPA Tour owners Tom Dundon and the Pardoe Family, and a roster of existing MLP team owners.

  29. Watch PPA Tour: Mesa Arizona Cup Championship: Stream pickleball

    How to Watch PPA Tour: Mesa Arizona Cup Championship Today:. Game Date: Feb. 25, 2024 Game Time: 12:00 p.m. ET TV: FOX Live stream PPA Tour: Mesa Arizona Cup Championship on Fubo: Start your free ...