Event overview: the birth of the first "pickleball national championships"
In mid-April, the Carvana PPA Tour announced that it will hold「Veolia Pickleball National Championships」from August 31 to September 6, 2026 at Cary Tennis Park in Cary, North Carolina. Positioned at the top of the PPA Tour's event ranking,the "Slam" designationThis event, having received it, will be held for the first time as a "pickleball national championships" where pros and amateurs compete at the same venue in the same week.
PPA CEO Connor Pardoe expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "With the first Veolia Pickleball National Championships, we'll elevate the PPA Tour experience more than ever."
Event data at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Name | Veolia Pickleball National Championships |
| Schedule | Monday, August 31 to Sunday, September 6, 2026 |
| Venues | Cary Tennis Park (Cary, North Carolina) |
| Event ranking | Carvana PPA Tour Slam (top tier) |
| Participation scale (projected) | More than 2,000 players, several thousand spectators per day |
| Prize money | The highest amount for a Slam event (amount undisclosed) |
| Who took part | Pros plus amateurs of all ages and all skill levels |
| Title sponsor | Veolia North America (sustainability partner) |
| Season positioning | The 2026-2027 season opener |
What is a Slam event -- the pinnacle of the PPA Tour ranking
PPA Tour events are ranked according to points earned and prize money. The Slam event is the top tier, with the most tour points and prize money. For pro players it's an important event that sways their Finals qualification, and for amateur players it's a rare chance to play at the same venue as top players.
This is the first time a Slam event will be held in North Carolina. The PPA Tour has held multiple events in the state before (such as the Veolia North Carolina Open), and each time it has won enthusiastic support from the local community.
Venue: Cary Tennis Park
The venue, Cary Tennis Park, is a public facility operated by the city of Cary near Raleigh, with a track record of hosting the PPA Tour. Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht said, "Our community truly comes together for events like this," showing confidence in the community's readiness to host.
Scott Dupree, executive director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, also offered a welcoming comment: "Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the US. Cary is the perfect host for the national championships."
Veolia's sustainability initiatives
Title sponsor Veolia serves as the PPA Tour's "official sustainability partner." At event venues it deployswater refill stationsaimed at reducing plastic bottles, and arecycling program for used pickleballs. It's drawing attention as an effort to incorporate environmental consideration into a sports event.
Carrie Griffiths, Veolia's senior vice president of communications for North America, commented, "We look forward to welcoming thousands of fans and players to the first Veolia Pickleball National Championships."
Impact on Japanese players
Because the Slam event will also have amateur divisions, Japanese players who hold a DUPR (world unified rating) are eligible to enter. Some Japanese players have competed as amateurs at the US Open and elsewhere in the past, so a challenge at the national championships is well within view. Early registration is recommended, and those wishing to take part should check the official site for information.
Reactions on social media and on-site
Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht: "It's exciting to see how much the PPA Tour's Cary experience has grown. The community comes together to support this event."
SportsTravel magazine: "Holding the 2026-2027 season opener as the national championships with a Slam ranking is a PPA first. It's a move that symbolizes pickleball becoming a major sport."
Pickleball fan (X): "Cary is close to the airport, a great location for traveling players. If there's an amateur bracket, I'd like to plan a trip."
Outlook for the 2026-2027 season
This event is positioned as the 2026-2027 season opener, and the results here will be the starting point for the new season's Finals qualification race. The grueling seven-day Slam event will test players' stamina and mental strength. Whether Johns & Tardio, Fahey, Staksrud, and others -- strong at the Sacramento Open -- can get off to a fast season start is also a point to watch.
Summary
The Veolia Pickleball National Championships will be an event that realizes the PPA Tour's stated "fusion of pros and amateurs" at the largest scale. High competitive level as a Slam event, a commitment to sustainability, and North Carolina's community-wide operating structure -- the first-ever pickleball national championships is approaching at the end of August.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can amateurs take part in the Veolia Pickleball National Championships?
A. Yes. Amateur divisions for all ages and all skill levels are set up, and you can enter if you hold a DUPR rating. Early registration has begun on the official site.
Q. How is a Slam event different from a regular event?
A. It sits at the top of the PPA Tour's event ranking, with the most ranking points and prize money you can earn. For pro players, it's an extremely important event that sways their Finals qualification.
