What is the Association of Pickleball Players (APP)?
The APP was founded by Ken Herrmann. Originally, Ken was planning to open a new tennis club when someone asked him if there would also be pickleball courts available. Ken had never heard of the sport, but as he learned more, his interest and passion for the possibilities of the sport grew until he eventually founded the APP tour.
Image of Kenn Hermann and Mayor Martin Pagliughi courtesy of Coastsportstoday.com
What Does APP Stand For?
The APP officially stands for the Association of Pickleball Players. Many players and fans confuse the name because it was formerly known as the Association of Pickleball Professionals. The name was changed by Herrmann to reflect a wider scope and to welcome players of all skill levels.
“With the launch of the Association of Pickleball Players, we enter a new era,” said Ken Herrmann. “We are naturally evolving from our roots – founded in tournaments, beloved by all who take part – to this new chapter in our growth and development and want the world to know we are here to serve all players. The future for the APP is very exciting, and we’re only just getting started.”
APP Goals and Public Interest
The focus Ken has when planning APP events is to grow and promote the sport. Rather than randomly conducting events in different states, he targets locations that have not had a pro event before. He aims to spark public interest in pickleball in those locations and make sure that they are “hooked” before the event is over. This type of public interest will serve to grow pickleball as a sport across the USA and even internationally.
Who Can Attend APP Tournaments and Events?
Not only are Herrmann’s events open for pro pickleball players and senior pros, but also amateur players who want to hone and polish their skills. His relations with USA Pickleball have also resulted in him making efforts to increase the member base of USA Pickleball, which is the national governing body for pickleball in America.
How the Pandemic Affected the APP
The pandemic affected the APP because Ken had to cancel many of the events that he had planned in 2020, and getting back in business meant holding several online exhibitions to engage people in the sport.
Herrmann talked on the Pickleball Fire podcast about the various challenges that he faced when conducting events during 2020 and 2021. While COVID was definitely at the top of the list, he also mentioned doing background checks on everyone to ensure the most credible were onboard and working for the organization.
Upcoming APP Pickleball Tour Events
The APP Sunmed Atlanta Open is the next major APP event scheduled in 2023. Subsequent events for the 2023 season include the Dallas Open and Houston Open, both in Texas, as well as the APP US Indoor Championships in Rosemont, Illinois.
Past events for 2023 included major tournaments held in Chicago, Austin, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Newport Beach, and Boca Raton. For tour dates and registration for upcoming tours in 2024, visit their official schedule here.
What Organizations Host Pickleball Tournaments in America?
Aside from the APP, which hosts the APP tour, the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) hosts the PPA tour. Major League Pickleball (MLP) also offers professional tour events throughout the USA. Pickleball sporting events such as the National Championships and New York City Open have drawn large crowds and even ESPN + coverage in recent years. Most tournaments offer significant prize money and sponsorship opportunities for winning teams while promoting the sport.
Final Thoughts
Americans are quickly gaining a taste for the fastest-growing sport in America and want to participate in tournaments to improve their ranking and skill level. The APP offers pickleball players and fans a chance to attend events to watch amateur and professional players and to enjoy the sport from the sidelines or to play in their tournaments. The APP continues to grow and is a great ambassador for the sport of pickleball.
