In a landmark move for the sport in India, Global Sports has announced a strategic partnership with the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) — the organization behind the world’s premier professional and amateur pickleball tour. This alliance marks a significant leap in positioning India on the global pickleball map and promises to unlock unprecedented opportunities for talent exchange and international competition.
The collaboration establishes a transformative player pathway between India and the United States. It will allow top-ranked APP professionals to participate in Global Sports’ Pro and Challenger League events across India, Dubai, Vietnam, and other emerging global pickleball destinations. In return, leading Indian players will get the opportunity to compete on U.S. soil, including prestigious APP Tour events and the marquee APP Tour Championships at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Ken Herrmann, Founder, Association of Pickleball Players said, “This is a massive step for pickleball in India. The talent here is strong and growing rapidly. By collaborating with Global Sports, we’re building real pathways for players to succeed at the highest levels.”
Shashank Khaitan, Co-founder and Partner, Global Sports said, “This collaboration with the APP is a pivotal step forward. Together, we’re creating global exposure, financial opportunities, and a serious professional future for Indian pickleball athletes. The APP has supported us since day one, and this partnership is a natural evolution of our shared vision.”
At the core of this partnership is the integration of player pools. The top 12 men and top 12 women from the APP Tour will now be eligible for the Global Sports Pro League auction, paving the way for elite American athletes to compete in India and engage in cultural exchange through sport.
Adding to the excitement, members of the 2025 APP U.S. National Team and APP Tour professionals will travel to Mumbai for the Monsoon Pickleball Championship, India’s largest pickleball tournament, scheduled from July 29 to August 3.
While the APP continues its long-standing association with Pickleball England, this new collaboration with Global Sports reflects the surging momentum of the Indian pickleball scene and India’s emergence as a pivotal force in the sport’s international future.
With shared values and aligned visions, Global Sports and the APP are setting the stage for a thriving professional pickleball ecosystem — one that encourages cross-border participation, elevates athletes on the world stage, and inspires the next generation of players across continents.
