2024 was a landmark year for pickleball’s global expansion, and 2025 is already shaping up to be even bigger. From the United Pickleball Association’s (UPA) international PPA series to leagues popping up in India, the sport is reaching new heights worldwide. 

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Here’s my take on the action so far and what’s coming next.  

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PPA Tour Australia: A New Frontier 

The PPA Tour made its Australian debut this year, partnering with the UPA to bring top-tier competition Down Under. Formerly known as the Pacific Pickleball League, the Proton Australia Pickleball Open (January 28-February 2) featured U.S. stars like Tyson McGuffin, Collin Johns, and Jesse Irvine alongside Australia’s best.  

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While American players dominated the podium, Australia’s Somer Dalla-Bona made waves in women’s singles, reaching the final before falling to Kaitlyn Christian. Andie Dikosavljevic also impressed, securing bronze. In doubles, Tyson McGuffin and Gabe Tardio clinched gold in a thrilling five-game men’s final, while Lacy Schneemann and Vivian Glozman took the women’s title.  

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One standout? Zane Navratil teaming up with Australian partners Joseph Wild and Roos van Reek. His fourth- and sixth-place finishes in men’s and mixed doubles, respectively, hint at the potential for more cross-border collaborations as the sport grows. 

World Pickleball League: A Star-Studded Debut 

The World Pickleball League (WPBL) kicked off in Mumbai, India, from January 24-February 2, featuring 48 players from 14 countries across six teams. U.S. players like Brandon and Glauka Lane, Maxwell Freeman, and Katerina Stewart (named “Player of the League”) brought their A-game, but it was Team Bengaluru Jawans who emerged as champions.  

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The league’s production was top-notch, with highlights flooding social media and a user-friendly website for matchups and results. If this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see what’s next for WPBL.  

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Global Sports League & Indian Open: Double the Action 

From February 3-9, Mumbai will host the Global Sports Pro and Challenger League alongside the Indian Open. This unique format lets players compete individually in the morning and team up in the afternoon. With U.S. players like Kyle Yates, Heather Nobler, and Rianna Valdes in the mix, it’s anyone’s game.  

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Pickleball World Rankings: Big Names, Bigger Prizes  

Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) is making waves with its 2025 schedule, including the PWR DUPR Indian League (backed by Andre Agassi) and the PWR World Series, featuring $1.5 million prize pools in Dubai, Madrid, and Las Vegas. With rising stars like Somer Dalla-Bona and Emilia Schmidt joining the fray, the competition is heating up.  

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What’s Next?  

As pickleball continues to grow globally, questions remain: How will international players stack up against U.S. talent? Will we see more cross-border partnerships? And with so many events early in the year, what’s in store for the rest of the season?  

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One thing’s for sure: pickleball’s global takeover is just getting started. Stay tuned for more updates, and follow me for the latest from the court!  

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For results and highlights, visit pickleballtournaments.com and wpbl.org.

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