Pickleball calendars just got a lot busier. The APP is taking its tour to new cities, putting 13 events on national TV, and giving players at every level more chances to get on court. We’ve got the full 2026 schedule breakdown inside.

You'll also find:

• Tips for the over-50 crowd on keeping joints happy

• The quiet gear upgrades hiding at the bottom of your bag

• A review of RIA’s Versa Court HD+ sunglasses for smaller faces

And because we love a good surprise — we’ve teamed up with Engage Pickleball to drop a giveaway you won’t want to miss. So whether you’re circling dates on the calendar or just trying to squeeze in another game this week, we’ve got you covered.

🚨 Breaking: APP Just Dropped Its 2026 Schedule

Pickleball calendars are about to get a lot busier. The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has released its full 2026 slate — and it’s the most ambitious yet. From nationally televised majors to new city stops, to collegiate and youth circuits, the APP is making a clear statement: this is the year to go all in.

A season built for everyone

It’s not just more dates on the calendar. It’s more ways to play, more ways to watch, and more chances for pickleball to break into the mainstream. Pros will have 13 nationally televised chances to shine on CBS Sports and ESPN. College players get a dedicated $85,000 prize pool. The under-23 crowd keeps building through APP Next, and yes, the AARP Champions and Masters divisions still get their spotlight.

New dots on the map

• Detroit Open: Pro pickleball lands in the Midwest with help from the Detroit Sports Commission.

• Humana Louisville Open: A week of pickleball + wellness, powered by Humana and the city of Louisville.

• Overland Park Open: A brand-new venue in Kansas makes its APP debut.

These new stops show how cities are betting big on pickleball, from tourism boards to corporate partners.

Collegiate firepower

The APP Selkirk Collegiate Series is also expanding, with qualifiers across the country leading into a national championship in Cape Coral, FL. Schools will compete as teams and individual brackets, with scholarships, NIL, and prize money on the line. For the next generation of players, this might be the clearest path yet from campus to the pro tour.

The bigger play

By stacking the calendar this way, the APP is aiming to build something bigger than a tour. It’s building connective tissue: juniors who grow into college players, college players who step into APP Next, and a pro stage that reaches living rooms nationwide. Add in showcase events like the Women’s Open in Columbus, and 2026 looks less like a schedule and more like an ecosystem.

📍 Full 2026 schedule and registration details: theapp.global

🌍 Around the Picklesphere

☀️ A pickleball getaway worth packing for
✅ Do’s and don’ts every player should know
🙃 Why ego might be your biggest weakness

🦵 Keep Your Joints Happy After 50

BRING THIS TO THE COURT: This week’s tip is for the players who know experience > youth. Pickleball coach and author Bob Savar (still coaching and competing at 78!) says the secret to staying on court isn’t playing harder, it’s prepping smarter.

Here’s his playbook:

💧 Fuel wisely – Skip the sugar bombs. Water + electrolytes, plus lean protein and complex carbs, go further.
🏋️ Build strength – Core and legs are your best defense against joint pain and fatigue.
📅 Play, then rest – 3–4 sessions per week, max 2 hours. Recovery is part of the plan, not a sign of weakness.
👟 Gear check – Lightweight paddle, supportive shoes, and sleeves/braces if needed.
🤸 Warm up smart – Arm circles, lunges, shuffles… and Bob’s golden rule: never run backward for a lob.

But the real secret might be his mindset: you don’t have to go all out every rally. Play safe, play social, and you’ll stay in the game longer.

👉 Read Bob’s full routine here.

👟 A Pickleball Shoe Built for Pickleball

Running shoes? Tennis shoes? Forget it. The Winners Edge P-38 Lightning was designed only for pickleball — tested with pros, vetted by a podiatrist, and already making its way onto podiums.

Players who’ve switched say the grip feels unreal, the stability has saved them from ankle rolls, and the cushioning keeps knees and joints happier. At $150, it’s a premium shoe, but one made to keep you confident and comfortable every time you step on the court.

👉 Step into your new pickleball shoes.

🎒 What’s Hiding at the Bottom of Your Pickleball Bag

Paddles and shoes get all the hype — but the gear that really keeps you playing longer isn’t flashy. It’s the overlooked essentials that keep your feet happy, your joints steady, and your energy up when everyone else is gassed out.

• Socks that stop blisters before they start

• Sleeves that keep sore joints moving

• Sneaky upgrades like cooling towels + electrolytes

Not glamorous, but absolutely game-changing — and probably the smartest thing you can throw in your bag.

👉 See the full list of quiet gear must-haves.

🎁 Win Engage’s New Gen4 Paddles (Before They Launch)

We’re teaming up with Engage Pickleball to give three players early access to the brand-new Gen4 Pursuit Alpha & Alpha Pro. They don’t officially drop until September 3 — but winners from this giveaway will be the first to hit the court with them.

How it works:

• Enter today through September 2 at 11:59 PM PST

• Winners choose between the Pursuit Alpha or Alpha Pro

• Every action you complete earns you more entries

Don’t wait — this is your shot to play with Engage’s newest tech before anyone else.

👉 Enter the giveaway here.

🕶️ Gear Review: Sunglasses Built for Smaller Faces

We’ve tested plenty of so-called “sport” sunglasses that either slip when you sweat or feel like ski goggles glued to your face. The RIA Versa Court HD+ is different — sharp optics, lightweight comfort, and real protection designed for small to medium faces.

Why We’re Sold:

🔍 Crystal-clear vision – Lenses sharpen the ball against the background without messing with depth perception.
👓 Perfect fit – Small/medium frame that’s sleek and balanced, not bulky. At 24g, you’ll forget you’re wearing them.
🛡️ Game-day secure – Adjustable temples + rubber nose pads keep them locked in, even when you’re dripping sweat.
🎾 Impact protection – ANSI Z87 safety standard means you’re covered when (not if) a ball smacks you in the face.

If you’ve got a smaller face and want shades that actually work for pickleball — these are the pair.

👉 Read the full review here.