The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) and UTR Sports have announced a groundbreaking new initiative for millions of recreational pickleball players across the nation—the creation of APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues. Pickleball players, league coordinators, and facility operators are encouraged to sign up now to receive additional details for the inaugural season at theapp.global/pickleball-leagues.

With nearly 50 million adult Americans playing pickleball, APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues now offers athletes of all ages and abilities the opportunity to form teams and compete head-to-head in their local communities. It establishes the largest grassroots team pickleball competition ever. Registration will open on the UTR Sports software platform in spring for the 2024 season, culminating with the APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues National Championships in December 2024 at The Fort, the APP’s headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues is an unprecedented pickleball competition that builds on our commitment to making pickleball an inclusive sport for all,” said APP EVP - Competition, Melissa McCurley. “The APP is already well-established as the premier entity for professional and amateur players in the U.S. and worldwide. This national network expands on that as an accessible, local format for the millions of new pickleball players regardless of their skill level and age. Playing in a tournament for the first time can be intimidating, but APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues are an approachable entry to organized pickleball competition that you can play with your friends at your local court.”

“We are excited to announce the expansion around our partnership with the APP with the launch of pickleball leagues,” said Mark Leschly, Chairman and CEO of UTR Sports. “As APP’s official and exclusive technology for ratings and rankings, harnessing our technology platform for events and leagues naturally furthers our mission to grow level-based pickleball play for everyone.”

Pickleball players across the United States will be invited to form teams and compete at the local and national level to be crowned national champions. Divisions within each league feature competitions for men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles teams among three age groups (ages 39 and below, 40-59, and 60 and older) and three skill levels using the UTR Pickleball Rating: recreational, intermediate, and advanced.

Below are key dates for the 2024 season of APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues:

• Spring: Registration opens
• Early Summer: Summer Session begins
• Summer: Registration re-opens for Fall Session
• Fall: Fall Session begins
• December 7-10: APP Leagues National Championships at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Each team will be comprised of a minimum of six and a maximum of 16 players. Team captains will be elected to organize team rosters, coordinate scheduling, and secure a venue for home matches. Venues can include park districts, country clubs, indoor tennis clubs, private courts, or any other local area approved by APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues.

This initiative builds on the APP’s authority as the catalyst and steward of pickleball, providing opportunities for pickleball players of all ages and skill levels through a robust slate of playing formats. It joins the APP’s calendar of world-class pickleball events, which offer the opportunity to win prize money and be seen on internationally televised broadcasts.

More information about the APP, its initiatives, and the full 2024 competition schedule are available on theapp.global.

More information about UTR Sports, its ratings, and technology solutions for pickleball providers and players, is available on utrsports.net.  

Behind-the-scenes access and player content are also available by following the APP and UTR Sports on Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.