PPA Tour and MLP to Launch Pickleball Leagues in Asia
PPA Asia, MLP Asia will enter markets including China, Vietnam, Japan and Singapore
Posted On: November 26, 2024 By :The Professional Pickleball Association and Major League Pickleball will bring their brands to major Asian markets including China, Vietnam, Japan and Singapore in 2025.
“Asia has a rich tradition of racket sports and we are excited to contribute to its sports culture with the arrival of pickleball,” said Connor Pardoe, founder and chief executive officer of the PPA Tour. “With growing enthusiasm for the sport across the region, we see immense potential to bring the world’s premier pickleball brands to Asian audiences through PPA Asia and MLP Asia. This is a massive moment for global pickleball and we’re excited to continue to lead the charge.”
PPA Tour Asia will culminate in an October event uniting pros from Asia, the United States and other regions. MLP Asia will debut in 2025–2026, bringing franchised team play and establishing domestic leagues. The venture will be led by Managing Director Kimberly Koh, the former partnerships director at World Table Tennis.
“As an athlete born in Vietnam and achieving success on the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball in the United States, I see the impact these organizations have on growing the game,” said Quang Duong, the highest-ranked Asian-born player on the PPA Tour and MLP. “With the passion for racket sports already established in the region, this is a huge moment for pickleball to explode across Asia and globally.”
The PPA Tour, founded in 2019, has events featuring professionals and invites amateurs to compete in the same venues. Founded in 2020, MLP offers a team-based format.
“Bringing the highest level of professional pickleball to the world’s largest continent is an amazing opportunity to grow both the pro and amateur games,” said PPA Tour player Ben Johns. “I look forward to connecting with fans across Asia and spreading the joy of the sport in the region.”
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