The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) and Humana Inc., have announced the 2026 event calendar for the Humana Cup, a season-long team competition for professionals aged 50 and older. As the official healthcare partner of the APP Tour, Humana continues its commitment to sharing the benefits of pickleball in a healthy lifestyle alongside the world’s first and world’s best pickleball tour.

“We are thrilled to bring another season of Humana Cup to the APP’s competitive landscape,” said APP Founder Ken Herrmann. “We are grateful for the support of our terrific partners at Humana, who join us in showcasing some of the world’s best and most experienced players in pickleball history. Last year’s competition came down to the wire, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store in 2026 – from Seattle to Fort Lauderdale.”

Now entering its third full season, the Humana Cup is the first-of-its-kind season-long team competition format exclusively for professional pickleball players in two divisions – Champions (50 and older) and Masters (60 and older). The 2026 Humana Cup will take place over seven APP Tour events throughout the country, with teams vying for the title of Humana Cup champions.  

“Humana is proud to champion healthy aging alongside the APP through the Humana Cup,” said Angela Dean, Humana’s Director of Brand Sponsorships and Experiential. “Pickleball brings people together – fostering movement, connection and joy. This competition celebrates a vibrant community that inspires healthier lifestyles as we age. We’re excited to see the season unfold and look forward to welcoming players to our corporate hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, this fall.”

The competition will feature six Champions pro teams and six Masters pro teams totaling more than 150 players, with team captains drafting their respective teams in the coming weeks.

The Humana Cup is scheduled to take place at the following events in 2026:

Mar. 26-29  AARP Open – Seattle

June 11-14   APP Vlasic Classic - Cincinnati

July 23-26  APP Chicago Open benefiting Shriners Children’s

Aug. 20-23  APP Detroit Open^

Oct. 15-18  Humana APP Louisville Open

Nov. 12-15  APP Arizona Open

Dec. 3-6  APP Tour Championships

^ Champions (50+) pros only
* All dates and locations subject to change

The teams will go head-to-head in men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles in a round-robin format at each tour stop. The 2026 Humana Cup season will then conclude with a final weekend held at the APP’s global headquarters at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale to determine the overall Humana Cup team champions. The 2025 competition featured 12 total teams, with full results available at TheAPP.global.

The teams will go head-to-head in men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles in a round-robin format at each tour stop. The 2026 Humana Cup season will then conclude with a final weekend held at the APP’s global headquarters at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale to determine the overall Humana Cup team champions. The 2025 competition featured 12 total teams, with full results available at TheAPP.global.

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For the 2025 Humana Cup results click here.