Pickleball is a sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years, with participation skyrocketing from 5 million players in 2021 to over 36.5 million in 2022. The sport is quickly becoming a fan favorite, with some people saying that watching pickleball live is more entertaining than watching tennis. In 2023, pickleball fans and newcomers will have plenty of options to watch the sport on live TV, thanks to several new television contracts with big networks such as ESPN, CBS, and ABC.
Association of Pickleball Professionals Tour
The APP Tour is the first and only tour officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball. The 2023 APP Tour features 16 events plus an International and Collegiate Series and its Next Gen Series, which aims to develop young players. CBS Sports Network and ESPN2 will feature a combined 20 hours of pickleball coverage, including all 16 of the 2023 APP Tour events. CBS Sports Network will broadcast 12 hours of highlights and pickleball live matches, while ESPN2 will have eight hours of event recaps. In addition, ESPN+ and APP TV will provide over 200 hours of livestream coverage, with replays available on APP TV.
Carvana Professional Pickleball Association Tour
The PPA is a professional pickleball tour that features some of the top pickleball players in the sport. The PPA has pickleball live broadcast partnerships with FOX, CBS, Tennis Channel, ABC, ESPN, Prime Video, YouTube, and Fanduel. There will be 25 live tournaments in 2023, more than 4,500 on-demand matches, and over 1,500 hours of pickleball content across the various PPA platforms. FOX, CBS, and ABC are available free over the air and, along with Tennis Channel and ESPN, on most major cable and streaming services. Prime Video is a streaming service available to Amazon Prime subscribers, while Fanduel is a popular sports-betting site.
Major League Pickleball Tour
The Major League Pickleball Tour distinguishes itself from the other professional leagues with a format that features co-ed team competitions. Many of the league’s 24 teams have high-profile celebrity owners, and the league recently announced a unique format for 2023. The 2023 season will have six events split into two seasons of three events each. Half the teams will play at the MLP Premier Level, and the other half will play at the MLP Challenger Level in the first season. The teams will then switch levels and redraft for the second season. Tennis Channel, which aired the draft for the first season on December 15, 2022, will broadcast and stream some of the MLP events in 2023.
Minto US Open Pickleball Championships
The US Open Pickleball Championships bills itself as the world’s largest pickleball tournament combined with the world’s largest pickleball party. The 2023 US Open will take place April 15-22 in Naples Florida, and CBS Sports Network will broadcast pickleball live for the women’s and men’s pro finals. You can also find coverage of the event on the Pickleball Channel on YouTube.
Pickleball Slam
The first Pickleball Slam will take place on April 2, 2023, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. ESPN will broadcast coverage of a celebrity showdown between tennis greats Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, John McEnroe, and Michael Chang. Roddick will take on Chang in the first match, while Agassi will square off against McEnroe in the second. The slam will conclude with a doubles match featuring McEnroe and Agassi taking on Roddick and Chang. The event aims to bring together two sports legends from different disciplines to showcase the fast-paced, exciting game of pickleball. Fans are eagerly anticipating the event, with tickets selling out within hours of release. The Pickleball Slam is set to be an unforgettable night of competition, entertainment, and pickleball fandom.
Selkirk TV
Selkirk is the first and only free pickleball TV app. The app features pickleball live streams, pro lessons, past tournaments, podcasts, and on-demand shows. You can download the app on Google Play and the Apple App Store. It is also available on Apple TV, Android TV, and ROKU and will be coming to Amazon’s Fire TV.
Paramount Plus
When To Watch Pickleball Live
Pickleball fans have plenty of opportunities to catch their favorite sport live in 2023, with a range of tournaments and events being broadcast on various television networks.
2023 APP Tour Television Schedule
All 16 of the APP tour stops will be broadcast.
Date | Tournament | Time (ET) | Network |
Sunday, Jan. 15 | Punta Gorda, FL | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | CBS Sports Network |
Sunday, Feb. 12 | Daytona Beach, FL | 8:00-9:00 p.m. | ESPN2 |
Monday, March 20 | San Diego, CA | 9:00-10:00 a.m. | CBS Sports Network |
Monday, April 3 | Mesa, AZ | 9:00-10:00 p.m. | CBS Sports Network |
Sunday, April 30 | Sacramento, CA | 7:00-9:00 p.m. | CBS Sports Network |
Sunday, May 14 | Cincinnati, OH | 12:00-2:00 p.m. (LIVE) |
CBS Sports Network |
Monday, May 29 | New York City, NY | 7:00-8:00 p.m. | ESPN2 |
Monday, June 26 | San Jose, CA | 7:00-8:00 p.m. | CBS Sports Network |
TBD | Newport Beach, CA | TBD | ESPN2 |
TBD | Philadelphia, PA | TBD | ESPN2 |
Tuesday, Sept. 5 | Chicago, IL | 9:00-10:00 p.m. | ESPN2 |
Monday, Sept. 11 | Avalon, NJ | 8:00-9:00 p.m. | CBS Sports Network |
Sunday, Oct. 1 | Atlanta, GA | 12:00-2:00 p.m. (LIVE) |
CBS Sports Network |
Sunday, Oct. 8 | Dallas, TX | 8:30-9:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
Sunday, Oct. 29 | Hilton Head, SC | 12:00-2:00 p.m. (LIVE) |
CBS Sports Network |
TBD | Houston, TX | TBD | ESPN2 |
2023 Carvana PPA Tour Television Schedule
You can watch all of the pickleball live PPA Tour events on PPA TV.
Date | Tournament | Event | Start Time | End Time | Time | Channel |
2/2/2023 | JW Marriott Desert Ridge Open | M/W Singles | 10:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | MST | PPA TV |
2/3/2023 | JW Marriott Desert Ridge Open | Mixed Doubles | 10:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | MST | PPA TV |
2/4/2023 | JW Marriott Desert Ridge Open | M/W Doubles | 10:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | MST | PPA TV |
2/5/2023 | JW Marriott Desert Ridge Open | Champ Sunday | 10:00 a.m. | 4:00 p.m. | MST | PPA TV |
2/16/2023 | Carvana Arizona Grand Slam | M/W Singles | 11:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | MST | PPA TV |
2/17/2023 | Carvana Arizona Grand Slam | Mixed Doubles | 11:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | MST | PPA TV |
2/18/2023 | Carvana Arizona Grand Slam | M/W Doubles | 11:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | MST | PPA TV |
2/19/2023 | Carvana Arizona Grand Slam | Champ Sunday | 10:00 a.m. | 4:00 p.m. | MST | PPA TV |
2/23/2023 | Indoor National Championships | M/W Singles | 10:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | CT | PPA TV |
2/24/2023 | Indoor National Championships | Mixed Doubles | 10:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | CT | PPA TV |
2/25/2023 | Indoor National Championships | M/W Doubles | 10:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | CT | PPA TV |
2/26/2023 | Indoor National Championships | Champ Sunday | 10:00 a.m. | 4:00 p.m. | CT | PPA TV |
3/9/2023 | Florida Open | M/W Singles | 10:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | EST | PPA TV |
3/10/2023 | Florida Open | Mixed Doubles | 10:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | EST | PPA TV |
3/11/2023 | Florida Open | M/W Doubles | 10:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | EST | PPA TV |
3/12/2023 | Florida Open | Champ Sunday | 10:00 a.m. | 4:00 p.m. | EST | PPA TV |
4/5/2023 | Selkirk Red Rock Open | M/W Singles | 10:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | MST | PPA TV |
4/6/2023 | Selkirk Red Rock Open | Mixed Doubles | 10:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | MST | PPA TV |
4/7/2023 | Selkirk Red Rock Open | M/W Doubles | 10:00 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. | MST | PPA TV |
4/8/2023 | Selkirk Red Rock Open | Champ Sunday | 10:00 a.m. | 4:00 p.m. | MST | PPA TV |
Selkirk TV: The First Free Pickleball TV App
For fans who prefer to stream pickleball on their devices, the Selkirk TV app is the perfect option. Available for free on Google Play and the Apple App Store, Selkirk TV offers live streams of pickleball games, pro lessons, past tournaments, podcasts, and on-demand shows. The app is also available on Apple TV, Android TV, and ROKU, with plans to launch on Amazon’s Fire TV in the near future.
Paramount Plus: Celebrity Pickleball Tournament
Paramount Plus is set to air a celebrity pickleball tournament hosted by Stephen Colbert on November 17, 2022. The two-hour special will feature eight celebrity teams competing to benefit Comic Relief. The star-studded lineup includes Dierks Bentley, Phil Keoghan, Daniel Dae Kim, Luis Guzman, Max Greenfield, Jimmie Allen, Emma Watson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Aisha Tyler, Jaime Camil, Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Tig Notaro, Murray Bartlett, Kelly Rowland, and a mystery guest. Paramount+ subscribers can watch the special on-demand.
Major League Pickleball Tour
Pickleball enthusiasts can look forward to the Major League Pickleball Tour, with broadcast coverage of the finals and semi-finals on Tennis Channel. While the tournament in Mesa, AZ, was broadcasted on Jan 26-29, the MLP is finalizing broadcast agreements for additional tournaments. There are five more tournaments on the 2023 MLP schedule, with the next one taking place on March 23-26 in Dayton Beach, FL. The remaining tournaments are scheduled for June 15-18 in San Clemente, CA, September 21-24 in Peachtree Corners, GA, November 2-5 in La Quinta, CA, and December 7-10 in San Clemente, CA. The Peachtree Corners event marks the beginning of season two.
Minto US Open Pickleball Championships Television Schedule
The Minto US Open Pickleball Championships will take place in April 2023, with CBS Sports Network broadcasting the men’s and women’s pro finals live from 5:00-7:00 p.m. EST on April 22.
Pickleball Slam
The first-ever Pickleball Slam will be held on April 2, 2023, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. ESPN will broadcast coverage of a celebrity showdown between tennis greats Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, John McEnroe, and Michael Chang. The slam will consist of a doubles match featuring McEnroe and a yet-to-be-announced partner. The event will also be held at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino locations throughout the country, with organizers yet to announce the locations, times, and planned television coverage for future events.
Other Tournaments and Events
Apart from these major tournaments, there will be plenty of other opportunities to watch pickleball live in 2023. The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) will host a range of events throughout the year, including the Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships in November. The APP Tour will also hold a series of events across the country, with their schedule yet to be announced.
What Makes Pickleball a Unique and Exciting Sport to Watch?
Pickleball is a popular recreational sport that has been growing in popularity over the years. While it is a fun and easy game to play, it is also an exciting sport to watch. Here are some of the reasons why pickleball is an enjoyable sport to watch.
Fast-Paced and Action-Packed Games
One of the most exciting aspects of pickleball is that it is a fast-paced game with plenty of action. A pickleball match is typically played to 11 points, which makes it much shorter than other professional sports, such as tennis or basketball. The shorter games make it easier to keep up with the action and keep things interesting for viewers.
Variety of Formats
Pickleball tournaments come in different formats, which provides fans with a variety of viewing options. For example, most tournaments follow a similar format to tennis, where players compete as individuals. However, the Major League Pickleball Tour (MLP) is a team sport featuring 24 teams, each comprised of two men and two women. The teams are located in cities across the country, which means that fans can root for their favorite local team.
The Festival Atmosphere
Another reason why pickleball is an exciting sport to watch is that it has a fun and festive atmosphere. Pickleball tournaments often feature music, cheering crowds, and colorful uniforms. The tournament organizers create a lively atmosphere that is engaging for both players and spectators.
Inclusivity
Pickleball is a sport that is inclusive and accessible to all. It is a game that can be played by people of all ages and abilities, which makes it a unique sport to watch. You will find a mix of young and old players competing against each other in pickleball tournaments. The inclusivity of the sport makes it enjoyable to watch and provides fans with a sense of community and togetherness.
Professional Pickleball Top Players
APP Top Players
Men’s Doubles:
- Steven Deakin
- Tyson McGuffin
- Adam Stone
- Patrick Smith
- Jay Devilliers
Men’s Singles:
- Jay Devilliers
- Zane Navratil
- JW Johnson
- Ben Johns
- Dekel Bar
Men’s Mixed Doubles:
- Jay Devilliers
- Steve Deakin
- Ben Johns
- Riley Newman
- Patrick Smith
Women’s Doubles:
- Andrea Koop
- Corrine Carr
- Sarah Ansboury
- Regina Franco
- Simone Jardin
Women’s Singles:
- Lea Jansen
- Megan Hall
- Michele Esquivel
- Irina Tereschenko
- Lauren Stratman
Women’s Mixed Doubles:
- Simone Jardin
- Corrine Carr
- Lauren Stratman
- Regina Franco
- Sarah Ansboury
PPA Top Players
Men’s Doubles:
- Collin Johns
- Ben Johns
- Matt Wright
- Riley Newman
- Tyler Loong
Men’s Singles:
- Ben Johns
- Tyson McGuffin
- Jay Devilliers
- Federico Staksrud
- JW Johnson
Men’s Mixed Doubles:
- Ben Johns
- Riley Newman
- Matt Wright
- AJ Koller
- Jay Devilliers
Women’s Doubles:
- Anna Leigh Waters
- Callie Smith
- Lucy Kovalova
- Catherine Parenteau
- Leigh Waters
Women’s Singles:
- Anna Leigh Waters
- Catherine Parenteau
- Lea Jansen
- Salome Devidze
- Irina Tereschenko
Women’s Mixed Doubles:
- Anna Leigh Waters
- Catherine Parenteau
- Lucy Kovalova
- Jessie Irvine
- Callie Smith
Points can be accumulated throughout the year by playing in tournaments and matches that affect the players’ rankings as the tournament season progresses.
Understanding Pickleball Ratings: What You Need to Know
Pickleball ratings are used to measure a player’s skill level in the game. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, it’s important to understand the different types of ratings available. In this article, we’ll take a look at the three types of pickleball ratings.
Self-Ratings
One way for players to assign a rating is through self-rating. This allows players to rate themselves based on their experience and skill level. A player’s self-rating can range from 1.0 to 5.0 or above. To give you an idea, players who are new to the game should rate themselves within the 1.0 to 2.0 range, while more experienced players can rate themselves at 3.0 or higher.
USA Pickleball Tournament Player Ratings
The USA Pickleball Tournament Player Ratings (UTPR) is a rating system available only to members of USA Pickleball. Players can earn a score ranging from 0.000 to 6.999 based on their performance in tournaments. The UTPR also allows players to choose opponents who match their skill level or higher to prevent easy victories.
Dreamland Universal Pickleball Ratings
The Dreamland Universal Pickleball Ratings (DUPR) is the official rating system of the PPA. It considers both tournament and recreational play, and it takes into account every point scored, not just wins and losses. The DUPR also has one rating for all players, unlike the UTPR, which has separate ratings for mixed and gender doubles. It gives more weight to the weaker player in a doubles match, assuming that they will receive more shots.
Stay Up to Date with Pickleball Live News and Updates
If you want to stay up to date with the latest news and updates in the world of pickleball, be sure to check out Pickleball Insiders. You’ll find news, tips, and insights from some of the game’s top players and coaches.