The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) announced the formation of PPA Asia and MLP Asia on Monday.

PPA and MLP Asia will bring their premier brands to major Asian markets, including China, Vietnam, Japan and Singapore.

Set to launch in 2025, PPA Tour Asia will feature iconic venues and culminate in an October marquee event, uniting top pros from Asia, the United States and other regions from around the world.

Set to debut in 2025-26, MLP Asia will deliver franchised team play and establish domestic leagues that drive the sport’s local presence.

“Asia has a rich tradition of racket sports, and we are excited to contribute to its sports culture with the arrival of pickleball,” said Connor Pardoe, Founder and 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 through PPA Asia and MLP Asia. This is a massive moment for global pickleball and we’re excited to continue to lead the charge.”

Pickleball’s brightest stars are ecstatic about the news.

“As an athlete born in Vietnam and achieving success on the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball in the United States, I see the impact these organizations have on growing the game,” said Quang Duong, the highest-ranked Asian-born player on the PPA Tour and MLP. “With the passion for racket sports already established in the region, this is a huge moment for pickleball to explode across Asia and globally.”

“Bringing the highest level of professional pickleball to the world’s largest continent is an amazing opportunity to grow both the pro and amateur games,” said Ben Johns. “I look forward to connecting with fans across Asia and spreading the joy of the sport in the region.”

“The growth of pickleball in the United States has been amazing, and now we have the opportunity to bring the top tour and league in the sport to Asia,” said Anna Bright. “I know fans and players in the region will love pickleball just as much as we do.”

The new venture will be led by Managing Director Kimberly Koh, the former Partnerships Director at World Table Tennis with 13 years of sports marketing experience in the region.