Pickleball: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

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By all accounts, James Ignatowich is the first established UPA pro to launch a paddle brand from the ground up. His metamorphosis from hard-hitting pro to materials science-loving nerd is a curious one.

Pickleball News / The Dink / September 16

UPA-A Announces Reduced Paddle Certification Fees, Transition to Non-Profit Status

"This change underscores the association’s core mission: to ensure pickleball remains fair, fun, and competitive for all participants." With the paddle craziness of PPA Cincinnati just out of the rearview mirror, the UPA-A has announced changes to its paddle certification pricing structure.

Pickleball News / The Dink / September 16

MLP Reports Significant Growth in First Full Season Post-Merger

"After a volatile and uncertain start, it’s incredible to look back and see what MLP has become," said commissioner Samin Odhwani. Major League Pickleball just wrapped its first full season since merging with the PPA Tour in late February of 2024.

Pickleball News / The Dink / September 16

Best Dressed PPA Veolia Cincinnati Showcase

The PPA Cincinnati Showcase presented by Six Zero took place at the newly renovated Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. With a beautiful backdrop of fresh courts and perfect weather, the pros brought out some of their strongest style moments.

Pickleball News / The Dink / September 15

The Kawamotos Win Their First Ever Gold - Cincinnati PPA Recap

The PPA Tour was back in action in Cincinnati, Ohio, for the first time in two years. The tour skipped Cincinnati in 2024 due to the host venue, the Lindner Family Tennis Center, being under construction.

Pickleball News / The Dink / September 12

The Carvana PPA Tour Announces a 2025-2026 Season

In a long anticipated move, the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour has announced a 2025-2026 season. This move is massive in redefining the PPA Tour season, along with the Major League Pickleball (MLP) season.

Pickleball News / USA Pickleball / September 10

USA Pickleball Announces Partnership with PICKLETILE™ as Preferred Court Builder and Official Noise Reduction Partner

USA Pickleball, the National Governing Body for the sport of pickleball in the United States, today announced a partnership with PICKLETILE , naming the company the Preferred Court Builder and Official Noise Reduction Partner of USA Pickleball.

Pickleball News / PPA Tour / September 10

PPA Finals Return to San Clemente in May 2026 as Pro Pickleball Calendar Streamlines

The PPA Tour Finals are set to return to Life Time Rancho San Clemente from May 4-10, 2026, as the professional pickleball calendar streamlines. With this shift, the Carvana PPA Tour season will culminate in May, at which point the Major League Pickleball (MLP presented by DoorDash) season will begin and run through August.

Pickleball News / USA Pickleball / September 9

USA Pickleball Serves Awards Second Round of ‘Grow the Game’ Grants to 54 Organizations Nationwide

Grants will expand pickleball access across 28 states, impacting more than 300,000 individuals through schools, community groups, and recreation programs.

Pickleball News / The Dink / September 9

UPA Announces One-Year Partnership with Predictions Market, Kalshi

About a month ago we told you about Polymarket, a predictions market that for the first time in its history had listed Major League Pickleball events on its platform.

Pickleball News / The Dink / September 9

Chasing the Highs: The Buzz About THC Water

For many of us, pickleball has become our entire social circles. It's at once competitive and communal. It deepens our connections with friends while offering constant opportunities to meet new people.

Pickleball News / The Dink / September 9

Dissecting All the Paddle Drama at PPA Cincinnati

Many top pros are left wondering whether they can play their own paddles. It all comes down to the UPA-A's new certification standards, and how paddle brands chose to play the game.

Pickleball News / The Dink / September 8

Former Bond Villain Finds New Foe in Florida Pickleball Courts

Stop us if you've heard this one before: Residents of an upscale neighborhood are in an uproar over a proposed pickleball court installation, fearing the noise will shatter the peace and tranquility of nearby homes.

Pickleball News / PPA Tour / September 5

STORYLINES FOR THE VEOLIA CINCINNATI SHOWCASE PRESENTED BY SIX ZERO

SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2025 BEST ROUND OF 64 MATCH EVER: Ben Johns (5) vs. Chris Haworth (57) on Tuesday. “QUEEN” CITY: Can Jorja Johnson and Tyra Black win back-to-back events?

Pickleball News / The Dink / September 5

GIVEAWAY: Win a Velotric Ebike, 100 Pickleballs, and 2 Paddles

Ready to upgrade your game on and off the court? We’re giving you the chance to win a brand-new Velotric Discover 2 e-bike, the ultimate ride for cruising to the pickleball courts in comfort and style.

Pickleball News / The Dink / September 4

Photos: Our Readers Share Their Pickleball Tattoos

We asked, you delivered: From flaming pickleballs to one heartfelt reminder of a near-death experience, here are a few of our favorites. Every tattoo has a story, as they say.

Pickleball News / PPA Tour / September 3

Draw Reveal: Veolia Cincinnati Showcase presented by Six Zero

The Veolia Cincinnati Showcase presented by Six Zero is kicking off on September 8th and the professional draws for all five divisions of play have officially been released.

Pickleball News / The Dink / September 3

Sin City Put on a Show - PPA Las Vegas Strip Recap

The Las Vegas lights shined bright on the PPA Tour this past weekend at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Number one seeds were upset, a teenager won his second tournament in a row, and a cell phone call caused quite the controversy.

Pickleball News / USA Pickleball / September 3

USA Pickleball Announces 2026 Golden Ticket Tournament Schedule that Features Tournaments from Coast-to-Coast

Tournaments nationwide provide amateur athletes with the path to Nationals, the premier event in the sport USA Pickleball, the National Governing Body for the sport of pickleball, today released the official schedule of Golden Ticket tournaments for the 2026 season.

Pickleball News / The Dink / September 2