The 2026 Carvana PPA Tour spring season has concluded with remarkable success, achieving record-breaking growth in all key business areas, including ticket revenue, viewership, and fan engagement. This growth solidifies the position of professional pickleball as a major player in the world of mainstream sports, with significant year-over-year increases across various metrics.
The spring season, which consisted of 10 tournaments from January to May, saw a 58% increase in ticket revenue compared to the same period in 2025. In terms of viewership, the season was marked by the airing of the No. 1 and 3 most-watched pro pickleball matches of all time. Notably, the PPA Carvana Masters on January 18, 2026, averaged 791,000 viewers on CBS, while the PPA Atlanta on May 2, 2026, averaged 570,000 viewers on the same network. Additionally, PBTV event coverage experienced a 23% year-over-year growth, with a total of 473 million minutes viewed.
Key Highlights and Growth Areas
The Carvana PPA Tour's social media presence also saw significant growth, with a 37% increase in new followers, a 72% increase in impressions, and a 124% increase in social media engagement year-over-year. Other notable highlights from the spring season include:
- Apollo Sports Capital Investment: A $225 million investment in Pickleball Inc., the parent company of the PPA Tour, led by Apollo Sports Capital.
- SFIA Annual Report: The 2026 SFIA annual report confirmed pickleball as America's fastest-growing sport for the fifth consecutive year, with over 24 million players, making it the fourth-most played sport in the country.
- International Expansion: Following the 2025 expansion into Asia and Australia, the 2026 season introduced additional tournaments in Italy and Canada, further increasing the sport's global reach.
- Global Representation: PPA athletes ranked in the Top 20 across all disciplines (Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles) represent 17 countries, demonstrating the sport's growing international presence.
These developments underscore the rapid growth and increasing popularity of professional pickleball, as well as its potential for continued expansion and success in the future. With its strong spring season and significant investments, the Carvana PPA Tour is well-positioned to maintain its momentum and further establish itself as a major force in the world of sports.
