APP Launches Asia Tour to Boost Pickleball's Popularity in 2026
Introduction to the APP Asia Tour
In a significant development highlighting the rapid growth of pickleball in Asia, the APP has unveiled the APP Asia Tour, a professional circuit comprising six events across various countries in 2026. Announced on May 20, this tour will feature locations such as Malaysia, China, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, India, and Vietnam, marking the APP's first dedicated professional initiative in the Asian region.
Tour Schedule and Structure
The inaugural event, the APP Penang Open, is set to take place in Malaysia in July, followed by tournaments in China and Thailand in October, namely the APP China Open and APP Bangkok Open. November will see the APP Taipei City Open and APP India Open, culminating in the APP Ho Chi Minh City Open in Vietnam in December. Specific dates for these tournaments are yet to be finalized.
Strategic Expansion in Asia
The APP's expansion into Asia follows the PPA Tour's earlier launch in the region, indicating a strategic move to establish a strong presence in one of the fastest-growing markets for pickleball. This initiative comes at a time when various global tours and federations are vying for dominance in the evolving landscape of pickleball.
Growth and Participation Statistics
Ken Herrmann, the APP founder, expressed enthusiasm about the tour, noting the remarkable increase in participation across Asia. According to YouGov data, approximately 812 million individuals in Asia have tried pickleball, with 282 million playing at least once a month. The sport's most active demographic is the 18-to-35 age group, reflecting trends seen in the United States.
Partnerships and Leadership Appointments
In addition to the tour, the APP is enhancing its connections in Southeast Asia through a partnership with D-Joy Pickleball, Vietnam's leading pickleball organization. Three D-Joy tournaments in 2026 will be recognized as “Powered by the APP” events.
To facilitate its expansion, the APP has appointed Yui See Lau as Senior Vice President of Global Expansion, who has a strong background in international pickleball development. Yuki Chen has also been appointed as Director of Global Expansion, bringing experience from DUPR China.
Global Pickleball Alliance Framework
The APP Asia Tour will function within the Global Pickleball Alliance framework, which aims to unify professional tours, standardize world rankings, and create a cohesive global competition calendar for the sport. Events linked to the GPA have already been held in Malaysia, Japan, Vietnam, and India in 2026, showcasing the rapid evolution of pickleball on the international stage.