“With this expansion, we’re creating more opportunities for athletes at every stage of their journey," says NPL CEO Rod Davis

The National Pickleball League (NPL), a senior pro (age 50+) team-based league featuring 12 teams representing cities across the country, announced a major expansion this week that deepens its community connections while expanding its offerings to a broader base of players.

Notably, NPL will expand beyond the 50+ pro division by adding three new offerings:

• A new league for elite 40+ players
• A new league for elite 60+ players
• A new “Next Up Pros” league for 50+ players

This means NPL will now have amateur teams representing their cities alongside their existing pro league.  These divisions consist of 40+, 60+, and a development division for 50+ called “Next Up Pros” who aspire to be drafted and compete in the NPL’s 50+ pro league.

Each team division will have a regular season of events before competing for its respective league championship. 

“Our mission has always been to showcase the incredible talent, athleticism, and competitiveness of players over age 50, and we’ve seen nothing but this in our first three seasons of play,” says NPL CEO Rod Davis.

“With this expansion, we’re creating more opportunities for athletes at every stage of their journey.”

Finally, Some Love for 40+

In addition, the league is stepping beyond the team format and launching a new Tournament Series for professional and amateur players age 40+ in early 2026.

Specific dates and locations have not been announced, but initial plans call for tournaments to be played in January, February, March, and April 2026.

Prize money will be awarded in all pro divisions: 40+, 50+, and 60+.

“NPL has expanded with new teams across the country over the past three years," says Steven Ungar, co-owner of Austin Ignite. "This new expansion is more vertical as we seek to add more ways to deepen our ties to our community."

Adds NPL CEO Rod Davis:

“We are thrilled to offer a dedicated [tournament series] for pro players over the age of 40. These players bring a wealth of experience, passion, and talent. They deserve a platform to showcase this, and we are proud to provide it. It is long overdue.”

Closing Out 2025

The NPL is in its third season.

It will have its regular-season finales this month with simultaneous events in Indianapolis, IN, and Atlantic City, NJ, hosted by the Indy Drivers and Princeton Bruisers, respectively.

The season will culminate next month at the Championship Weekend in Seattle, WA, from October 16-19. All 12 NPL teams will compete for a share of the $100,000 prize pool and the NPL Championship.