PPA, MLP Team Up, Set to Bring World-Class Pro Pickleball to Asia
The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) have announced the formation of PPA Asia and MLP Asia in a significant milestone for the highest level of pickleball on a global scale. With this, Asia joins the roster of regions hosting premier pickleball events and competitions for both professionals and amateurs.
“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 CEO 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 and MLP Asia will bring their premier brands to major Asian markets, including China, Vietnam, Japan and Singapore. Set to launch in 2025, PPA Tour Asia will feature iconic venues and culminate in an October marquee event, uniting top pros from Asia, the United States and other regions from around the globe. MLP Asia will debut in 2025/2026, bringing franchised team play and establishing domestic leagues that will drive the sport’s local presence and excitement. The new venture will be led by Managing Director Kimberly Koh, the former Partnerships Director at World Table Tennis with 13 years of sports marketing experience in the region.
“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.”
“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 World No.1 (Doubles/Mixed) Ben Johns. “I look forward to connecting with fans across Asia and spreading the joy of the sport in the region.”
Anna Bright, MVP of MLP and a top-ranked PPA Tour player added, “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.”
Since its founding in 2019, the PPA Tour has become the ultimate stage for pickleball, securing exclusive contracts with the world’s best players and inviting amateurs to “Play Where the Pros Play” – competing in the same venues. Founded in 2020, MLP offers a unique, exciting, team-based format that has attracted high-profile owners such as LeBron James, Naomi Osaka, Jeremy Lin, and Heidi Klum.
