ASSOCIATION OF PICKLEBALL PLAYERS NAMES SPORTS IMPORTS AS ASSOCIATE PARTNER OF APP WOMEN’S OPEN PRESENTED BY THE JAMES AT OHIO STATE

APP-Sports-Imports-Associate-Partner-Logo

Sports Imports, a leader in net sports equipment, debuts premier portable pickleball nets at the historic, inaugural APP Women’s Open tournament, welcoming both professional and amateur players.
  

CHICAGO (July 17, 2024)The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) announced an addition to its partnership portfolio in anticipation of a historic pickleball event this October. Sports Imports makes its first foray into the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. as associate partner of the 2024 APP Women’s Open presented by The James at Ohio State.

The partnership begins October 4-6 at the vibrant, multi-day event exclusively for women’s pickleball players. Sports Imports will provide the official nets of championship court and three additional showcase courts at the APP Women’s Open. The nation’s industry leader in volleyball equipment and netting will also have a demo court where fans can test out the latest Sports Imports pickleball nets.

“We’re proud to partner with Sports Imports, a renowned leader in their field, to bring an elite playing experience to our historic event in October,” commented Sara Bonds, SVP of strategic partnerships of the APP. “The APP Women’s Open presented by The James at Ohio State promises to be a special event, and we look forward to working hand in hand with Sports Imports to bring the best player experience possible.” 

   

“Sports Imports has always been at the forefront of advancing sports through innovative, high-quality equipment on the largest stages,” stated Danielle Calo, CEO of Sports Imports. “Our move into pickleball is driven by a passion to support the sport’s rapid growth and to enhance the playing experience for all athletes.”

Evident in its name, the APP Women’s Open presented by The James at Ohio State will be a global platform for female competitors at all levels. The professional and amateur tournament will feature women competing in doubles and singles, including skinny singles for women 50 and older. The event will also feature social programming and entertainment designed to celebrate and fuel the growth of pickleball for women, ultimately creating a healthier and more active community. All key elements of the event will be presented by women—from players and referees to administrators and broadcasters. Pickle & Chill in Columbus, Ohio—the largest dedicated indoor/outdoor pickleball facility in the Midwest—will host the first-of-its kind, nationally televised pickleball event.

Registration and ticket information for 2024 APP Women’s Open presented by The James at Ohio State are available on theapp.global. 

 

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Media Contact: Daniel Sagerman, dsagerman@theapp.global or 847-800-8182 

 

About the APP:    

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) provides opportunities for pickleball players of all ages and skill levels—professionals, amateurs and recreational—to compete in world-class pickleball events for the opportunity to win prize money and be seen on more than 40 hours of nationally televised pickleball action on CBS Sports, ESPN and FOX Sports. Since its launch in 2019, the APP has operated the first and only pro and amateur pickleball tour fully and officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball and became the first pickleball organization ever to establish an official headquarters and training center with The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The APP Tour’s 2024 schedule features the most robust pickleball showcase across pro and amateur competitions, with 20 events across the country offering various combinations of single, doubles and mixed doubles play as well as pro team competitions. The APP prides itself on growing the game and developing the next generation of pickleball champions through its nationwide network of APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues and the Doubles Dink for Cancer fundraising program benefitting the American Cancer Society; support of international pickleball events and the APP’s Atlantic Cup, featuring Team USA vs. Team Europe; and youth initiatives including the APP Junior Circuit, APP Next Gen Series and APP Next Gen U.S. National Team. The 2024 tournament schedule, recent news and additional information about the APP are available at theapp.global and on Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

About Sports Imports:
Since 1976, Sports Imports has set the standard in designing, engineering, and manufacturing premier net systems for sports, establishing itself as a leader in net sports including volleyball, badminton, pickleball, and beyond. Its products are celebrated for safety, durability, quality, and innovation, and are trusted by 90% of Division I college programs. Sports Imports is the only supplier elected to the AVCA hall of fame and is the trusted partner and official volleyball net system of the NCAA, NJCAA, USA Volleyball, and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Expanding its expertise into the fast-growing sport of pickleball, Sports Imports now offers a portable pickleball net system, designed to meet the highest standards and support athletes from recreational to professional levels. Learn more at sportsimports.com.