USA Pickleball today announced an expanded and more clearly defined Path to Nationals for the 2026 USA Pickleball National Championships, providing athletes across all age groups and competitive tiers with additional opportunities to qualify, earn priority registration, and secure eligibility through the Tiered Point System (TPS).

The enhanced framework builds on the success of Golden Ticket Tournaments and sanctioned competition nationwide, ensuring that performance, participation, and consistency throughout the season are rewarded.

As part of the expanded Path to Nationals, USA Pickleball announced several new Golden Ticket Tournaments across the country, made possible through partnerships with local Tournament Directors. Below is the full listing of all Golden Ticket tournaments as of February 3, 2026.

Golden Ticket Tournaments: A Direct Path to Nationals

USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Tournaments continue to serve as one of the most direct and prestigious pathways to the National Championships. Every Golden Ticket Tournament provides athletes with the necessary TPS points to meet Nationals eligibility requirements.

For the 2026 season, USA Pickleball Golden Ticket events include:

USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Tournaments
Golden Tickets in Partnership with Tournament Directors
Golden Tickets in Partnership with APP
- Midland, MI | August 13-17, 2025 | Great Midland Tennis Center (Completed)
- Mesa, AZ | November 5-9, 2025 | Arizona Athletic Grounds (Completed)
- Sacramento, CA | April 29- May 3, 2026 | Johnson Ranch Sports Club
- Cincinnati, OH | June 10-14, 2026 | TBD
- Chicago, IL | July 22-26, 2026 | TBD

Tiered Point System (TPS) Eligibility

TPS points are earned through participation in USA Pickleball–sanctioned tournaments, with points awarded for both registration and placement.
To be eligible for the USA Pickleball National Championships, athletes must earn a minimum of 4,500 TPS points.
TPS points determine eligibility and priority for Tier 2 Nationals registration, supporting competitive balance across divisions.
Every Golden Ticket Tournament automatically provides 4,500 TPS points, satisfying the baseline eligibility requirement.
* Additional TPS points are awarded for medal placement.
Participation in the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships provides 4,500 TPS points, making participants eligible for Nationals. Medalists will receive the maximum additional points possible through TPS.

Priority Registration Opportunities for 2026 Nationals

USA Pickleball has also outlined several priority registration pathways for the 2026 National Championships:

Earn a Golden Ticket at a 2026-Nationals-qualifying tournament, securing priority registration for that event. (Division placement determined by DUPR at the time of registration).
2025 USA Pickleball National Championships gold medalists, athletes age 70 and older that competed in a 70+ division, and athletes impacted by rainouts at the 2025 Nationals: Must accrue 4,500 TPS points through Golden Ticket or USA Pickleball–sanctioned tournament play. Please note that athletes impacted by 2025 Nationals rainouts have already been contacted if they fall within this category.

DUPR is the official rating of Golden Ticket Tournaments and Nationals

DUPR is the official exclusive rating system for all USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Tournaments and the USA Pickleball National Championships.
DUPR ratings will be used to:

- Determine appropriate division placement at Golden Ticket Tournaments.
- Support competitive balance at the USA Pickleball National Championships
- Provide athletes with a consistent, transparent rating framework across qualifying and championship-level play.

Athletes competing in Golden Ticket Tournaments and Nationals are encouraged to maintain an active DUPR profile to ensure accurate ratings and division placement.

Wheelchair and Junior Eligibility

USA Pickleball remains committed to providing inclusive access to the National Championships. Registration window for Wheelchair and Juniors will be determined at a later date.

Wheelchair athletes and junior athletes are not required to qualify through TPS or Golden Ticket pathways.
Wheelchair and junior athletes may register directly for the USA Pickleball National Championships once the designated registration window opens, subject to division availability.

A More Accessible, Performance-Driven Path

With expanded qualifying opportunities and clearly defined eligibility standards, USA Pickleball continues to strengthen a fair, transparent, and performance-driven pathway to the National Championships. To read more about TPS visit usapickleball.org/tps and for registration and Nationals updates, visit usapickleballnationals.com.

USA Pickleball

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