The award celebrates standout sporting events that drive meaningful economic and community impact and further elevate San Diego’s reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism. USA Pickleball earned top honors for delivering a world-class championship experience that brought together elite competition, passionate fans, and the broader pickleball community.
“USA Pickleball exemplifies exactly what the Rising Tide Awards are all about,” said Mark Neville, CEO of Sports San Diego. “Their event brought world-class competition to San Diego, energized our community, and showcased our city as a premier destination for sports tourism. We are proud to recognize them as our Special Event of the Year and look forward to watching pickleball continue to grow right here in America’s Finest City.”
Held at the renowned Barnes Tennis Center, the 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships delivered measurable and impressive impact. Over nine days, more than 2,500 athletes competed across nearly 4,000 matches, drawing over 10,000 attendees and generating an estimated $3 million in economic impact for the San Diego region. The event also mobilized more than 2,100 volunteer hours and reached a global audience of 1.35 billion through media coverage and social reach from earned, paid, owned, and shared assets, underscoring the growing power of pickleball as both a sport and a tourism driver.
“Receiving this recognition from Sports San Diego is an incredible honor and a testament to the strength of our community and the continued growth of our sport,” said Mike Nealy, CEO of USA Pickleball. “The National Championships represent the pinnacle of competition in our sport, and we are proud to showcase that on a national stage. We’re excited to return to Barnes Tennis Center this year and continue building on the momentum, delivering an even bigger and better experience for athletes and fans alike.”
USA Pickleball will return to Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego for the 2026 National Championships, reinforcing its commitment to hosting the sport’s premier event in one of the country’s top sports destinations. As the National Governing Body for the sport, USA Pickleball continues to lead the way in growing the game and creating experiences that bring communities together.
With momentum continuing to build, the recognition from Sports San Diego further cements USA Pickleball Nationals as not only the longest-standing Nationals in the spot but also one of the most impactful sporting events in the country.
