PPA Asia and MLP Asia Announce Expansion to Global Market

Dallas, TX, USA - November 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) are thrilled to announce the formation of PPA Asia and MLP Asia, a significant milestone for the highest level of pickleball on a global scale.

In an effort to bring top-notch pickleball events and competitions to the Asian market, PPA Asia and MLP Asia will bring their premier brands to major markets including China, Vietnam, Japan, and Singapore. The new venture aims to drive the sport's local presence and excitement by establishing domestic leagues that will unite top players from across the region.

"We are excited to contribute to the rich tradition of racket sports in Asia with the arrival of pickleball," said Connor Pardoe, 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."

PPA and MLP Asia will officially launch in 2025 and 2026 respectively, with PPA Tour Asia set to feature iconic venues culminating in a major October marquee event uniting top pros from Asia, the United States, and other regions. Meanwhile, MLP Asia will debut with franchised team play, establishing domestic leagues that drive local presence and excitement.

Led by Managing Director Kimberly Koh, the former Partnerships Director at World Table Tennis with 13 years of sports marketing experience in the region, the new venture is poised to bring professional pickleball to a wider audience across Asia.

"This is a huge moment for pickleball to explode across Asia and globally," said Quang Duong, one of the highest-ranked Asian-born players on the PPA Tour and MLP. "With the passion for racket sports already established in the region, this is an amazing opportunity for professional volleyball and other pickle ball game to reach and grow more."

PPA Tour World No.1 (Doubles/Mixed) Ben Johns praised the growth of pickleball in the United States before looking forward to connecting with fans across Asia: "Bringing the highest level of professional pickleball to such a large continent is an amazing opportunity. I am looking forward to sharing this sport, which we all love so passionately."

The founding organizations recognize that PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball have been the most influential and best stages for pickleball since its inception in 2019.

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