The 2026-27 season of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) officially kicks off this Labor Day weekend with a Grand Slam event in Cary, North Carolina. This time of year marks a significant transition in the pickleball calendar, as it signals the end of the Major League Pickleball (MLP) season and the start of PPA competitions. The collaboration between MLP and PPA under the United Pickleball Association (UPA) banner has helped clarify the seasonal structure for both leagues, enhancing the competitive landscape.
As the PPA season begins, there are several storylines to keep an eye on, particularly regarding the dominance of top players and the emergence of new partnerships. The current rankings reveal that four of the five disciplines are led by exceptionally strong competitors who have solidified their positions over the past season. In Men’s Doubles, the formidable duo of Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio stands at the top, each accumulating 21,800 points, a staggering 7,000 points ahead of the third-ranked player, Christian Alshon. Their impressive streak includes ten consecutive tournament victories since November 2025.
In Women’s Doubles, the partnership of Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright has proven equally dominant, remaining unbeaten since September 2025 with a remarkable 13 consecutive tournament wins. Waters currently leads the standings with 22,800 points, while Bright closely follows. The Mixed Doubles category also features Waters, who has only lost once with Johns since April 2025, securing 16 titles in that timeframe.
Interestingly, the only discipline showing a hint of parity is Men’s Singles, where eight different players have claimed titles in the last 29 tournaments. However, the top three players—Christopher Haworth, Hunter Johnson, and Federico Staksrud—have won nearly every title since September 2025, indicating a growing separation from the rest of the field.
The start of the new season also brings changes in Men’s Doubles partnerships. While Johns and Tardio remain unchanged, other top players are shifting alliances to increase their chances of dethroning the reigning champions. Christian Alshon has reunited with Andrei Daescu, while Hayden Patriquin will partner with Federico Staksrud again. JW Johnson is teaming up with Tama Shimabukuro, aiming to recreate past successes. This reshuffling of partnerships could lead to exciting new dynamics on the court.
Another significant development in the sport is the expansion of the PPA's international presence. With ten events scheduled in Asia and eight in Australia for the 2026 season, the tour is becoming increasingly global. This shift allows players to earn ranking points in international competitions, which has already impacted the standings. Notably, players like Hong Kit Wong and Eunggwon Kim have achieved high rankings despite competing primarily outside the U.S., demonstrating the growing influence of international events on the overall rankings.
As the PPA season unfolds, the addition of top players from the rival APP tour, such as Will Howells, Sofia Sewing, and Casey Diamond, is expected to make a significant impact. Howells is set to partner with CJ Klinger, while Sewing has teamed up with Parenteau, both aiming for strong performances in the season's opening events.
The emergence of talented teenagers in the sport also warrants attention. Players like John Lucian Goins and Tama Shimabukuro have shown remarkable potential, and their performances in the MLP could translate into success in the PPA. With a mix of established stars and rising young talent, the 2026-27 season promises to be an exciting chapter in professional pickleball.
Stay tuned for further insights as the PPA season progresses, including off-the-court developments that will shape the landscape of professional pickleball.
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