News & Stories
Feb 2, 2025
Get ready for an exciting new chapter in pickleball history! The fastest-growing sport in America is taking a giant leap across the Pacific as the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) launch their Asian divisions. This game-changing move is set to bring the thrilling paddle sport to millions of new fans across the continent!
"Asia has a rich tradition of racket sports, and we are excited to contribute to its sports culture with the arrival of pickleball," shares Connor Pardoe, the visionary Founder and CEO of the PPA Tour. His enthusiasm mirrors the incredible momentum building across the region, where both casual players and aspiring pros are discovering the joy of this dynamic sport.
The expansion couldn't come at a better time. Starting in 2025, pickleball fans in China, Vietnam, Japan, and Singapore will witness world-class action firsthand through the PPA Tour Asia. Picture this: iconic venues hosting electrifying matches, culminating in a spectacular October showcase that will bring together the best players from across the globe. But that's not all – the 2025/2026 season will welcome MLP Asia, introducing an exciting team-based format that's sure to ignite local passion for the game.
(Photo Source: https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/tag/kimberly-koh/)
Leading this ambitious venture is Kimberly Koh, a sports marketing powerhouse with 13 years of regional expertise. As Managing Director, she'll help shape the future of pickleball in Asia, backed by the success stories of both organizing bodies. The PPA Tour, since its 2019 founding, has become pickleball's ultimate competitive stage, while MLP has attracted star power like never before, with team owners including LeBron James, Naomi Osaka, Jeremy Lin, and Heidi Klum.
The excitement is especially palpable among players with Asian heritage. Quang Duong, the highest-ranked Asian-born player on both tours, sees this as a watershed moment: "With the passion for racket sports already established in the region, this is a huge moment for pickleball to explode across Asia and globally." His sentiment is echoed by PPA Tour World No.1 Ben Johns, who can't wait to connect with Asian fans and share the sport's infectious energy.
Anna Bright, MLP MVP and top-ranked PPA Tour player, points to America's pickleball boom as a preview of what's possible: "The growth of pickleball in the United States has been amazing, and now we have the opportunity to bring the top tour and league in the sport to Asia – I know fans and players in the region will love pickleball just as much as we do."
(Photo Source: https://www.ppatour.com/athlete/anna-bright/)
What makes this expansion truly special is its commitment to both professional excellence and grassroots growth. The PPA Tour's signature "Play Where the Pros Play" approach means amateurs can compete in the same venues as their heroes, creating an unprecedented connection between fans and elite athletes. Meanwhile, MLP's innovative team format promises to bring an extra layer of excitement and local pride to the sport.
Through world-class events, elite training programs, and strategic partnerships, PPA and MLP Asia aim to establish pickleball as a leading sport across the region. Whether you're a seasoned player or just curious about this exciting sport, the future of pickleball in Asia looks brighter than ever!
