APP Tour, NIRSA, Selkirk, and USA Pickleball Partner to Launch Collegiate Series

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) announced today a major initiative to expand collegiate pickleball through a partnership with the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), Selkirk Sport, and USA Pickleball.

The collaboration will introduce the APP Selkirk Collegiate Series, now officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball, making it the only collegiate pickleball tour sanctioned by the governing body. The series will include seven regional qualifiers across the country and conclude with the 2026 APP Selkirk U.S. Collegiate Championships in Cape Coral, Florida. A total of $85,000 in prize money will be awarded—$5,000 at each qualifier and $50,000 at the championship.

Leadership and Structure

Dominic Catalano, a 20-year pickleball veteran and APP Tour broadcaster, has been named Director of the Collegiate Series. He will be joined by professional player Susannah Barr, who will serve as College Player and Program Liaison.

The 2025-26 season will begin October 25-26 with a qualifier in Boise, Idaho, and travel to Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Florida, Texas, and New Jersey before the national championships March 6-8, 2026, in Cape Coral, Florida. Chicken N Pickle, a longtime APP partner, will host several events.

Partner Roles

Each organization will play a central role in supporting the growth of collegiate pickleball:

NIRSA: As the leader in collegiate recreation, NIRSA has designated the series as part of its Championship Series portfolio, which already includes basketball, flag football, soccer, and tennis. “Each year, member campuses have been expanding their pickleball offerings and so we’re excited to partner with the Association of Pickleball Players, Selkirk and USA Pickleball,” said Pam Watts, Executive Director of NIRSA.
Selkirk Sport: Selkirk becomes title sponsor of the APP’s collegiate initiatives, providing equipment for schools, sponsorship opportunities for top-performing players, and broadcast coverage through Selkirk Pickleball TV and APPTV on YouTube. Selkirk TV averages more than one million monthly views.
USA Pickleball: As the National Governing Body, USA Pickleball will provide sanctioning, discounted student memberships, and program support. Through its charitable arm, USA Pickleball Serves, it will offer equipment and infrastructure grants to colleges.
APP: In addition to managing the series, the APP is committing prize money, venues, and broadcast support. “Our collective mission is to grow the game of pickleball on college campuses,” said Shannon Dan, EVP of Strategy and Growth at the APP. “This offering will be transformational for college pickleball.”

Looking Ahead

The APP Selkirk Collegiate Series will give student-athletes nationwide a sanctioned competition platform, new resources, and increased exposure for the sport. With official recognition from NIRSA and USA Pickleball, combined with Selkirk’s sponsorship and broadcast reach, the initiative is designed to establish college pickleball as a significant part of the sport’s national growth strategy.