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More than 230 events coast to coast invite players of all levels to experience the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (April 1, 2026) – April marks National Pickleball Month, and USA Pickleball, the National Governing Body for the sport of pickleball in the U.S., is inviting communities across the country to step onto the court and take part in a nationwide celebration of the sport’s continued growth and accessibility.

Throughout the month, USA Pickleball will support more than 230 sanctioned events across the country. From beginner-friendly clinics and open play sessions to local tournaments and community gatherings, National Pickleball Month transforms April into a welcoming entry point for new players and a rallying moment for the broader pickleball community.

“National Pickleball Month is a celebration of what makes this sport so special. It brings people together,” said Mike Nealy, CEO of USA Pickleball. “Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or competing at a high level, pickleball offers a place for everyone. We’re seeing incredible momentum across the country, and National Pickleball Month puts that energy on full display. It’s not just about playing. It’s about building community.”

Expanding Access Through Community Impact

USA Pickleball Serves, the organization’s charitable arm, continues to focus on growing the game and expanding access to communities across the country. Through grant programs, USA Pickleball Serves supports grassroots development by bringing equipment and programming to communities that need it most.

USA Pickleball Serves features two grant opportunities throughout the year. The Grow the Game Grant Program provides equipment bundles to schools and local organizations, creating an accessible entry point for new players. The Play It Forward Grant Program focuses on long-term impact by supporting court installation, conversion projects, and facility improvements. The current grant cycle is open and will close on April 27, 2026.

As the sport continues to grow, USA Pickleball Serves remains committed to reducing barriers to entry and creating more opportunities for people to experience pickleball. Additional updates about the impact of USA Pickleball Serves will be announced later this month.

Spotlight on Inclusion: Wheelchair National Championships

As part of its commitment to inclusivity, USA Pickleball is using National Pickleball Month to highlight the upcoming 2026 USA Pickleball Wheelchair National Championships, hosted in partnership with Peak Pickleball. The event will take place June 19–21, 2026, in Colorado Springs.

The inaugural championship represents a significant step forward for adaptive pickleball and creates a dedicated national platform for wheelchair athletes. This landmark event advances the organization’s mission to grow the sport nationwide while making it truly accessible for all. 

The Path to Nationals Begins Here

For many players, National Pickleball Month is more than a celebration. It can be the beginning of a competitive journey.

USA Pickleball’s Path to Nationals provides multiple ways for athletes to qualify for the 2026 USA Pickleball National Championships, returning to Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego, Oct. 31–Nov. 8. As the longest-standing and only National Championships in pickleball, the event represents the highest level of competition in the sport.

Several Golden Ticket tournaments remain on the 2026 calendar, including an upcoming stop in San Diego during National Pickleball Month. The city will host Nationals for the second consecutive year, giving players a chance to compete in the same destination that will later serve as the championship stage. Winners earn priority registration into Nationals. All participants also earn points through the Tiered Point System (TPS).

TPS expands opportunities for players nationwide. Athletes earn points through participation and performance in USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournaments, building toward eligibility and entry into Nationals. This approach allows more players to compete while maintaining a high level of play.

Driving the Future of Pickleball Through Innovation

USA Pickleball continues to advance the sport through its focus on equipment standards, testing, and competitive integrity.

In 2026, USA Pickleball introduced on-site paddle testing at amateur events, providing real-time validation of equipment compliance. The program has already seen strong adoption at the first three Golden Ticket tournaments of the year and will continue to expand throughout the season, including at the National Championships.

This effort supports fair play and builds confidence in competition at every level.

A Month That Reflects the Future of the Sport

National Pickleball Month reflects the continued growth of the sport in communities across the country. From first-time players stepping onto the court to athletes working toward Nationals, April highlights the range of experiences pickleball offers.

For more information on National Pickleball Month and to find local events, visit:
https://usapickleball.org/national-pickleball-month/