If you think The National Collegiate Pickleball Association (NCPA) sounds similar to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), you aren’t the only one. 

In fact, the NCAA served NCPA and its CEO, Noah Suemnick, with a lawsuit over a trademark dispute, arguing that the similarity in names constituted infringement, dilution, and unfair competition.

But the legal battle hasn’t slowed Suemnick or the NCPA’s mission. Last March, they hosted one of the largest collegiate pickleball tournaments to date in San Diego, where 38 schools competed for a total prize pool of $25,000 at the 2024 NCPA National Championship.

“This is just the beginning with the growth for college pickleball," says Suemnick. “I can see 400+ universities with an organized club program.”

Standing out in the Collegiate Landscape

The NCPA was established in January 2023 by Suemnick to grow collegiate pickleball nationwide. They’ve now expanded from their first tournament in San Diego to hosting tournaments in every region of the United States. 

The NCPA is the third organization to host national collegiate pickleball tournaments, joining DUPR and APP. However, NCPA believes what sets them apart is their laser focus on the collegiate game.

“Our biggest advantage is the fact that we are solely focused on college pickleball. That’s allowed us to get so close to perfecting the NCPA in such a short amount of time,” Suemnick said.

As part of the lead-up to the 2025 National Championship in Las Vegas, the NCPA is hosting five regional tournaments nationwide. These events serve as qualifying opportunities, with the top eight schools from each regional earning bids to nationals.

NCPA 2024 Tour Stops

• Utah: Sep. 14-15 at The Picklr Kayesville
• Ohio: Sep. 21-22 at The Pickle Lodge Cincinnati
• Florida: Oct. 12-13 at Pictona Daytona Beach
• California: Nov. 16-17 at The Hub San Diego
• Texas: Dec. 7-8 at Oasis Rockwell

Their most recent California regional tournament, held at The Hub in San Diego, was the largest collegiate pickleball regional to date. With participation from 30 universities, over 250 players, and an audience of 1,500, the tournament was a resounding success.

“The energy is different in college and that’s why the college space is growing at such a rapid pace.” The Rivalry of universities adds something to the game,” he said. 

Paving the Way for Collegiate Players

There are now more opportunities than ever for collegiate pickleball players to compete in tournaments across the country. With more opportunity, comes the growth of collegiate pickleball as a staple in intercollegiate athletics

As more universities embrace the sport and organizations step up to organize and grow the collegiate scene, the potential for college pickleball is limitless. What began as a recreational activity on campuses has evolved into a thriving competitive scene, complete with intense rivalries, organized tournaments, and opportunities for players to develop their skills on a national stage.