Heading into the 5th season of collegiate pickleball, we couldn’t be more proud of the growth and momentum this community has built. From just a handful of schools to a nationwide tour with dozens of events, collegiate pickleball is thriving.

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Each year, we make key updates to support players, improve event structure, and elevate the sport. Whether you're chasing higher pickleball ratings or building team chemistry, the 2025–26 season is packed with new opportunities to grow and compete.

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Below, we break down the changes in eligibility rules, regional tournament structure, and how your team can earn a spot at Nationals.

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Let’s dive into what’s new this season 👇

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Credit Hour Requirement Update

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Starting in the 2025–26 season, we’re adjusting the credit hour requirements for undergraduate players to better reflect the evolving level of competition. Our goal is to ensure student-athletes are maintaining academic commitments while still representing their schools with pride.

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This change promotes a level playing field while staying true to the mission of collegiate pickleball: competition and academic excellence.

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Campus Regionals Expansion

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Campus Regionals continue to be a critical part of the Collegiate Pickleball Tour, helping new and returning schools compete for a shot at Nationals. In 2024, we hosted 16 Regionals, and in 2025 we hosted 14—even with a shortened season.

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In 2025–26, we’re dedicating 30 of the 64 total Nationals bids to Campus Regionals—aiming for 15 Campus Regionals each semester. These tournaments will follow the Collegiate Pickleball Tour Format, creating a clear and unified path to the Collegiate National Championship.

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👉 Want to host a Campus Regional? Click here to learn more.

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Season Format Breakdown

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In the 25-26 season, we're planning 20 official collegiate pickleball tournaments per semester, each offering bids to Nationals.

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More details to come as we continue to lock down tournament dates and locations.

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Interested in hosting a collegiate event? Learn more here!

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Here’s how the season is shaping up:

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Fall 2025 — Bid Breakdown

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Collegiate World Championship (Dallas, TX at UPA Worlds): 6 bids
4 Super Regionals: 3 bids each (12 total)
15 Campus Regionals: 1 bid each (15 total)

Spring 2026 — Bid Breakdown

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Collegiate National Championship: 64 total team spots
4 Super Regionals: 3 bids each (12 total)
15 Campus Regionals: 1 bid each (15 total)

Other Bid Opportunities

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2 bids awarded to teams with the most Dual Match wins
2 wildcard bids selected by the CPT committee

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Why These Changes Matter

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As more universities invest in club pickleball programs, we’re seeing the competition level rise across the board. These updates to eligibility rules, Campus Regionals, and bid distribution are designed to:

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Support student-athletes on and off the court
Provide more clear and fair access to Nationals
Streamline the road to the Collegiate Pickleball National Championship
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If you are a college pickleball player trying to boost your pickleball ratings through competitive play—this season is full of opportunities.

Stay Updated

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Follow @collegiatepickleball on Instagram and bookmark our site for event announcements, registration deadlines, and more updates as we lock in tournament dates and locations.

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Want to host a campus regional? Apply here.

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