The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has announced the creation of the Humana Cup, a first-of-its-kind event and the newest addition to the APP pro pickleball competition beginning in 2024.
The event will be a team-format competition for pickleball professionals aged 50 and over.
A New Partnership
The Humana Cup, named after the health insurance provider, kicks off a new partnership 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 and provides players with the opportunity to take home prize money and the coveted 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!”
Champions Pro And Masters Rro Teams
The new competition will feature six champion 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 hit the court in their regular APP Tour events at each tour stop. The APP will then select the 10 total team captains, who will, in turn, set their respective rosters. All relevant information can be found on theapp.global.
“A Leader In Integrated Care”
Humana Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Bazante said, “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.
“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.”
Schedule
The Humana Cup timetable of dates and locations is as follows:
- January 17-21: APP Tour in Punta Gorda, Florida
- March 6-10: APP Tour in Sacramento, California (players ages 50-59 only)
- April 3-7: APP Tour in Delray Beach, Florida
- May 22-26: APP Tour in New York, N.Y. (Major; players ages 50-59 only)
- June 26-30: APP Tour in Southern California (Major)
- August 28-September 1: APP Tour in Chicago, Illinois (players ages 50-59 only)
- December 4-8: APP Tour in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Major)
Additional details for the APP’s full 2024 schedule, including venues and broadcast information, will be announced 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.
