Key takeaways:
In the U.S., the three biggest college pickleball tournaments are the APP U.S. Collegiate Championships, the Collegiate Pickleball Tour (CPT), and the National Collegiate Pickleball Championship (held by the NCPA).
These events provide student-athletes with opportunities to compete at elite levels, gain exposure, form lasting friendships, and potentially secure scholarships.
The exhilarating thwack of paddles meeting plastic balls resonates across campuses nationwide as pickleball passion ignites the collegiate sports scene. With a surge of over 200 college teams and 4,000 athletes embracing the paddle, campus-based tournaments are becoming a catalyst for the sport's explosive growth and fostering a vibrant community of players.
In the U.S., there are three major collegiate pickleball tournaments:
the APP U.S. Collegiate Championships
the Collegiate Pickleball Tour (CPT)
the National Collegiate Pickleball Championship
These events offer fierce competition, a thrilling arena for athletes to showcase their skills, opportunities to forge lasting friendships, and a potential springboard into professional careers.
The wider pickleball community thrives on the energy and innovation these young players bring to the court. With prize pools topping thousands of dollars and events spanning the nation, collegiate pickleball is nurturing a new wave of talented players and passionate fans. Let's review each championship tour.
APP U.S. Collegiate Individual Championships
The APP U.S. Collegiate Championships is where college pickleball dreams come to life, bringing together players from campuses nationwide. This thrilling event, organized by the Association of Pickleball Players (APP), offers a unique platform for student-athletes to shine, featuring an exciting format that keeps players on their toes.
Participants will go through 4-6 games, with round robins pitting 4 to 6 teams/players against each other in matchups. Adding to the excitement is the jaw-dropping $80,000 scholarship prize pool, motivating players to give it their all and potentially change the course of their academic careers.
At PB5star, we're fueled by the same passion that drives these collegiate athletes, and we're excited to support our young pickleball players. That's one reason we've become the official apparel of the APP U.S. Collegiate Championships and regional qualifiers.
Collegiate Pickleball Tour (CPT)
The Collegiate Pickleball Tour (CPT) stems from an exciting partnership between the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) system (an official system that gives players skill ratings) and the United Pickleball Association (UPA). Through its nationwide community of paddle-wielding students, they've created a tour structure designed to bring players together from coast to coast, with 30 Campus Regionals and 8 Super Regionals. These events pave the way to the grand finales: the Collegiate National Championship in Atlanta and the Collegiate World Championship in Dallas.
The CPT is all about creating opportunities and fostering a sense of belonging for college pickleball enthusiasts. With the total prize purse exceeding $100,000, the tour supports the growth of college pickleball programs on campuses nationwide.
Prior to this, DUPR held a collegiate tour on its own starting in 2022. In 2024, 125 schools participated. Now that it's teamed up with the UPA, we look forward to seeing even more teams participate.
National Collegiate Pickleball Association (NCPA) Championship
The National Collegiate Pickleball Association (NCPA) is the driving force behind collegiate pickleball. Their National Collegiate Pickleball Championship tour has created a buzz that's impossible to ignore. Here are some facts about it:
The tour includes five regional events across the country in the fall: Utah, Ohio, Florida, California, and Texas in 2024.
Hundreds of universities and thousands of athletes compete to be one of the top 64 teams that go on to the finals.
In 2025, the finals were held in Las Vegas on February 14-16. Utah Valley battled it out and came out as the winner of the championship.
From serve to smash, the NCPA Championship captures the essence of what makes collegiate pickleball so special—a place where passion meets paddle and where every point tells a story of dedication and teamwork.
FAQs about college pickleball tours
Q: Who can participate in collegiate pickleball competitions?
A: Collegiate pickleball events usually welcome full-time college or university students aged 25 or younger. To join these exciting tournaments, you'll need to maintain your student status and have medical insurance. Be sure to check your specific tournament's requirements.
Q: How do I register for a campus pickleball tournament?
A: The registration processes vary, but typically, you'll sign up through your college's pickleball club or the event's official website.
Q: Are there costs associated with participating?
A: Yes, and they can vary depending on the specific tournament and the level of competition. Here's a general overview of the types of costs you might encounter:
Registration fees: Most tournaments require a registration fee to cover the costs of organizing the event, including court rentals, equipment, and administrative expenses. These fees can vary significantly. For example, you may see fees per player or per team.
Travel expenses: If the tournament is held in a different city or state, you'll need to factor in travel costs, including transportation (e.g., gas, flights), lodging, and meals.
Membership fees: Some tournaments may require participants to be members of a specific organization, such as USA Pickleball. Membership fees can vary.
Equipment costs: While some tournaments may provide equipment, it's generally expected that players will bring their own paddles and other necessary gear. If you're playing with a team, it's likely you or your team will already have equipment.
Other potential costs: These could include things like tournament-specific apparel, practice court rentals, and any other incidental expenses.
To get the most accurate information, check the tournament's official website.
Q: How can I prepare for a collegiate pickleball competition?
A: Regular practice, focused fitness training, and familiarizing yourself with tournament formats are key. Also, talk to other teammates and friends who have been before; they are your best source of knowing what to expect. Remember, preparation breeds confidence, and confidence leads to success on the court!
PB5star and the APP: Empowering Collegiate Pickleball
At PB5star, we're passionate about nurturing the next generation of pickleball talent. Our dedication to supporting young enthusiasts and up-and-coming players has led us to become the official apparel sponsor of the 2025 APP U.S. Collegiate Championships. This exciting partnership allows us to be part of a competitive odyssey, featuring regional qualifiers across the country and culminating in a national championship.
Ready to take your game to the next level? Explore our PB5star high-performance pickleball gear designed to help you feel confident and play your best game. Together, let's make every swing count and create unforgettable moments on the court as part of our vibrant pickleball community.