The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) announced a first-of-its-kind event as the newest addition to APP pro pickleball competition beginning in 2024—the Humana Cup, a team format competition for pickleball professionals ages 50 and over.
The Humana Cup kicks off a new partnership with the namesake health insurance provider for a first-of-its-kind competition in a team format for pickleball professionals in two divisions: champion pros (ages 50 and over) and master pros (ages 60 and over). It will take place over the course of seven APP Tour events throughout the year for these skilled pickleball players to take home prize money and the title of Humana Cup champions.
“At its core, pickleball is a sport that is truly inclusive to everyone regardless of age; and players ages 50 and over are a significant part of the nationwide player base,” said APP Founder Ken Herrmann. “From its very beginning, the APP has always been a home to champions and masters professionals. We are excited to partner with Humana to showcase the best of the best in the APP’s newest competition format. May the best team win the Humana Cup!”
The new competition will feature six champions pro teams and four masters pro teams, each with eight players—four men and four women—going head-to-head in men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles at select APP Tour events. Humana Cup participants will also partake in their regular APP Tour events at each tour stop. The APP will select the ten total team captains that will then set their respective rosters, which can be found on theapp.global.
"As a leader in integrated care for seniors, we strive to create experiences that enable health, enhance activity and foster connectivity so seniors can live their healthiest age yet,”
said Humana Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Bazante.
“We are thrilled to partner with the APP to host the Humana Cup and create this first-of-its kind competition for pickleball players ages 50 years and older. It is an exciting opportunity to champion the game of pickleball.”
The Humana Cup is scheduled to take place at the following events:
- Jan. 17-21: APP Tour in Punta Gorda, Fla.
- March 6-10: APP Tour in Sacramento, Calif. (players ages 50-59 only)
- April 3-7: APP Tour in Delray Beach, Fla.
- May 22-26: APP Tour in New York, N.Y. (Major; players ages 50-59 only)
- Aug. 28-Sept. 1: APP Tour in Chicago, Ill. (players ages 50-59 only)
- Dec. 4-8: APP Tour in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Major)
Champions Pros – 50 and up
Masters Pros – 60 and up
Additional details for the APP’s full 2024 schedule, including venues and broadcast information, will be announced at a later date on theapp.global. The pickleball community can stay in the know by following the APP on social media: Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn.
