European Pickleball Open 2026 heads to Antalya with APP backing
Short answer: The APP and the European Pickleball Federation announced an expanded partnership on 18 June 2026. Their flagship event, the 2026 European Pickleball Open Powered by The APP, runs 3-8 November at the Ali Bey Club in Antalya, Turkiye.
The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) announced an expanded strategic partnership with the European Pickleball Federation (EPF) on 18 June 2026.
The event
The 2026 European Pickleball Open Powered by The APP is scheduled for 3-8 November at the Ali Bey Club in Antalya, Turkiye. The announcement describes the resort as the world's largest tennis resort and says players from more than 37 countries are expected. Singles, doubles and mixed doubles will run across age and skill divisions, with dedicated professional events.
The partnership
APP and EPF say they will work together on tournament operations, athlete development, event promotion, international competitive opportunities and grassroots initiatives. APP founder Ken Herrmann called the relationship a "defining moment for pickleball in Europe". EPF president Frank Arico said it would create new pathways for players and strengthen Europe's presence on the world stage.
About the EPF
The EPF is a not-for-profit association based in Luxembourg, created in 2023 to bring national pickleball bodies together. The APP release says more than 35 countries have joined. The EPF's own July 2026 statement says it now has 38 member countries.
Check the EPF site for registration and schedule details, which the APP says will be announced in the coming months.
Sources
Sources checked 14 Oct 2026. Header photo: Pickleball medallists on the podium at EuroGames 2024 in Vienna, by SET04SARAH2024, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
