FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pickleball Cup and the PFA Partner to Host Inaugural Regional Pickleball Cup in Cancun

Toronto, Canada – December 3, 2024 – The Pickleball Cup, in partnership with Pickleball Americas (PFA), is proud to announce the inaugural Regional Pickleball Cup, set to take place in Cancun, Mexico, in December 2025. This groundbreaking tournament marks the first step in a bold initiative to elevate pickleball to the global stage, uniting nations in friendly yet fierce competition under the banner of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

Building on the success of the Brazil Pickleball Cup, held in São Paulo in September 2024, and supported by the PFA’s standardized team selection guidelines, officiating guides, and innovative ranking systems, the Cancun event will bring together top national teams from across the Americas. The Regional Pickleball Cup serves as a qualifier for the highly anticipated World Finals in the United States in 2026.

“The Regional Pickleball Cup in Cancun is a pivotal moment for our sport,” said Rodrigo Regalado, Chair of Tournament Development for the PFA Board and CEO of the Mexico Pickleball Federation. “This event not only showcases the incredible talent emerging across the Americas but also highlights the spirit of international camaraderie that defines pickleball. Cancun’s vibrant culture and world-class facilities make it the perfect host for this historic milestone.”

The Pickleball Cup is designed to combine the excitement and prestige of global events like FIFA’s World Cup with the team-based spirit of the Davis Cup. Each participating nation will send its best players, selected through standardized guidelines developed by the PFA, to compete in a team-based format featuring singles, doubles, and mixed doubles matches.

Terry Kukle, CEO of Pickleball Cup, emphasized the tournament’s long-term vision: “The Pickleball Cup is more than just a competition—it’s a movement to inspire growth, innovation, and community in the sport. With Cancun as the launchpad, we are setting the stage for a global celebration of pickleball, uniting players and fans from every corner of the world.”

A Vision for the Future of Pickleball

The Cancun event will qualify three teams from each region to compete in the World Finals in 2026, where top teams will vie for the title of World Champion. The Pickleball Cup initiative also aims to:

• Promote Global Participation: Encourage pickleball programs in emerging nations, ensuring diverse representation.
• Standardize Competitive Play: Establish uniform rules, ranking systems, and team selection processes.
• Elevate Pickleball’s Profile: Position pickleball as a premier international sport, paving the way for future inclusion in multi-sport events like the Olympics.
• Support Player Development: Revenue from sponsorships will fund bursaries for players needing financial assistance to participate.

The partnership between Pickleball Cup and PFA is further strengthened by cutting-edge technology from UTRsports, whose tournament software and global ranking systems will streamline operations and enhance competitive standards.

About the Pickleball Cup
The Pickleball Cup is a landmark tournament series aimed at uniting nations in a celebration of pickleball excellence. Through its innovative format, the Cup is revolutionizing the way pickleball is played, perceived, and celebrated worldwide.

About Pickleball Americas (PFA)
Pickleball Americas is dedicated to promoting pickleball across the Americas, fostering growth, integration, and international collaboration. With 18 member countries and a growing portfolio of initiatives, the PFA is the leading organization driving the sport’s development in the region.

For more information, visit PickleballCup.com and PickleballAmericas.org.