Pickleball Soars with New World Rankings and Lucrative World Tour

Pickleball stakeholders have introduced world rankings, a World Series next year, and a USD 15 million World Tour. This will involve top international players and regional bodies, enhancing sports governance. The Gulf Cooperation Council will host the first PWR World Series, backed by Pickleball League Asia and The Times Group.

The rapidly-growing racquet sport pickleball is set to achieve new heights with the launch of its world rankings, a World Series next year, and a USD 15 million World Tour based on global standings.

Recognised as the world's fastest growing racquet sport, pickleball involves players using smooth-faced paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net, played both indoors and outdoors. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will host the inaugural PWR World Series in March, backed by Pickleball League Asia in partnership with The Times Group.

PWR aims to unify regional bodies to improve sports governance and longevity. Announced by PWR and The Times Group, key figures such as women's world number 1 Megan Fudge DeHeart attended. Pranav Kohli, CEO of PWR, emphasized the sport's global appeal and significant prize money, hoping to elevate the careers of players worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)