Inaugural Veolia National Championships to Launch PPA Tour 2026-27 Season

The PPA Tour is set to launch its 2026-27 season with the inaugural Veolia Pickleball National Championships in Cary, North Carolina. Scheduled from August 31 to September 6, this event will feature top players like Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns. With its 'Slam' status, the tournament promises high stakes and excitement, attracting both professional and amateur competitors. Local organizers are optimistic about the event's impact on the region's sports scene, highlighting pickleball's rapid growth. Join the action as Cary Tennis Park becomes the center of the pickleball universe for one week this summer.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 10, 2026, 14:58 IST

Exciting Start to the PPA Tour Season

The PPA Tour is set to commence its 2026-27 season with the first-ever Veolia Pickleball National Championships, scheduled to take place at Cary Tennis Park in Cary, North Carolina, from August 31 to September 6. This event will showcase some of the sport's top talents.

World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters will participate in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events, facing tough competition from local players like Kate Fahey and Brooke Buckner. On the men's side, Ben Johns, a well-known figure in the sport, will compete in doubles.

This tournament has been designated as a 'Slam' event, which means it offers the highest prize money and ranking points available in professional pickleball. It will also be the first PPA Tour Slam event hosted in North Carolina.

Connor Pardoe, the founder and CEO of the Carvana PPA Tour, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, 'North Carolina has consistently demonstrated its passion for the sport. Our Slam tournaments are where we truly excel, providing unparalleled entertainment and excitement for all attendees.'

Local organizers view this championship as a significant highlight for the region's sports calendar. Scott Dupree, executive director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, remarked, 'Pickleball is among the fastest-growing sports in the United States, and Cary is the perfect location for the Carvana PPA Tour's national championship. For one week in late summer, Cary Tennis Park will be the focal point for the expanding pickleball community.'

At just 19 years old, Waters has already amassed an impressive collection of 181 gold medals and 39 triple crowns, while Johns has maintained his status as the most decorated player in PPA history, holding the No. 1 ranking across all three disciplines since 2020.

In addition to the professional matches, the event will also include amateur competitions for various age groups and skill levels, with registration open until August 29. This announcement comes as pickleball's popularity continues to surge globally, coinciding with the national pickleball month celebrations in April.

Veolia, the official sustainability partner of the tour, will play a vital role in the event. Carrie Griffiths, the company's chief communications officer, stated, 'Veolia is dedicated to making pickleball the most sustainable sport globally, and this commitment is reflected in our significant investment in the PPA Tour's major events.'