The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has chosen Malaysia as the permanent home of its new Asia Headquarters, and the Leapmotor APP Penang Open 2026 marks the first major milestone of that commitment.
Scheduled from 22nd to 26th July 2026 at Pickle By The Sea @ Penang Gurney Drive, the tournament goes beyond elite competition to deliver an elevated social hub experience for players and spectators at every level. Whether a first-time Novice or a seasoned Pro, attendees will find premium hospitality, interactive fan zones and community-driven activations designed to foster connection on and off the court.
Aligning perfectly with this modern lifestyle approach is Title Sponsor Leapmotor, the fastest growing NEV startup brand in China. Leapmotor is recognised for its technology-led philosophy and commitment to making premium, award-winning intelligent electric mobility accessible worldwide. This partnership represents a shared philosophy of empowering communities to make a forward-thinking “leap” to an accessible and sustainable electric future – brought to life on-site by the Leapmotor B10.
The Leapmotor B10 is built on the cutting-edge LEAP3.5 platform with Cell-to-Chassis 2.0+ technology, offering a competitive WLTP-rated range of up to 434km, lightning-fast charging from 30% to 80% in under 20 minutes, and a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. This partnership brings together both brands in championing a dynamic and active movement that aligns with the energy and spirit of the pickleball community.
“Stellantis is honored to be part of the APP Penang Open 2026 through our all-electric Leapmotor brand where we celebrate a partnership built on shared values of innovation, performance and forward-thinking ambition. As a technology-led NEV brand, Leapmotor combines the agility of a startup with cutting-edge engineering to redefine the future of mobility. These qualities closely reflect the spirit of pickleball, a sport driven by speed, precision and continuous evolution. By partnering with the APP Penang Open, we look forward to engaging with a vibrant and growing community while showcasing how intelligent, sustainable mobility can empower modern lifestyles.”
[Isaac Yeo, Managing Director of Stellantis ASEAN]
This shared commitment to community, from the tournament floor to the road ahead, has helped drive unprecedented momentum for the sport. Building on the success generated during the first half of the year, the APP has officially formalised its presence within the continent with the launch of the APP Asia Tour, with the Penang tournament serving as a major mid-year anchor. The decision to establish a full-scale, consolidated circuit was a direct response to the overwhelming demand and growth witnessed across the region. Following Penang, the tour will continue through China, Chinese Taipei, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and India through the remainder of 2026.
The rapid scale of the APP Asia Tour is made possible through partners genuinely invested in the sport’s long-term growth. Foremost among them is Selkirk, whose commitment has evolved from providing world-class equipment to actively building the sport’s infrastructure from the ground up. The brand is bringing the Selkirk Academy to Malaysia, a milestone that reflects a conscious, long-term commitment to expanding its community footprint and ensuring that players at every level have access to elite training, foundational clinics and a supportive ecosystem that mirrors the social spirit of the APP Tour.
“We are passionate about growing the sport globally, and bringing Selkirk Academy to Malaysia alongside the APP Asia Tour is a natural evolution of that commitment. We are proud to invest directly in the players, local clubs and lifestyle that makes pickleball unique. Partnering with the APP in Penang allows us to consciously expand our community footprint and empower the next generation of players.”
[Mike Barnes, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Selkirk.]
Official player registration, the schedule of events, and ticket availability for the Leapmotor APP Penang Open 2026 are all now available online. For more information, registration details, and updates, please visit https://www.sportssync.asia/tournament/222 or follow the official Instagram accoun @theapp.asia.
