The upcoming tournament blends world-class competition with premium social activations, anchoring the newly launched APP Asia Tour with Malaysia at its centre.
PENANG, MALAYSIA – 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 account @theapp.asia.
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About the Association of Pickleball Players (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 featured on nationally televised broadcasts on CBS Sports and ESPN. 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. The APP opened its official headquarters and player development center in January 2025 at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., while its corporate offices continue to be located in Chicago. The APP Tour’s 2026 schedule will feature the most robust pickleball showcase across pro and amateur competitions accompanied by youth development programs, grassroots charity initiatives and international partnerships to continue to grow the game. Schedules, recent news and additional information about the APP are available at TheAPP.global and on Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn. [CY2]
About Leapmotor
Leapmotor is a premier tech-driven electric vehicle manufacturer dedicated to delivering smart, sustainable mobility solutions. With a focus on innovation and clean technology, Leapmotor empowers consumers to make a progressive leap forward into an efficient, eco-conscious, and healthy lifestyle
For media enquiries, please contact:
Rad Reputation PR:
Elizabeth Harding | [email protected] | +60 12-220 5703
Vanesa Paxton | [email protected] | +60 16-342 5957.
APP US Media Contact:
Daniel Sagerman | [email protected] [CY3]
