USA Pickleball has announced that the 2026 USA Pickleball National Championships will return to Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego, California, taking place October 31 – November 8, 2026. This announcement marks the return of the sport’s most prestigious championship to Southern California for a second year in a row.
As the longest-standing and only National Championships in pickleball, the event brings together the nation’s most qualified athletes to compete for national titles across age and skill divisions. Barnes Tennis Center provides the infrastructure for championship-level pickleball, offering world-class facilities, an athlete-first environment, and a proven ability to host large-scale national events.
“Barnes Tennis Center has proven to be an exceptional home for our National Championships,” said Mike Nealy, CEO of USA Pickleball. “This event represents the very best of our sport, athletes who have earned their way to the highest stage, competing with integrity, intensity, and respect. Returning to Barnes allows us to continue delivering a world-class championship experience while honoring the legacy and competitive excellence that defines Nationals in our 18th year of the event.”
The 2026 championships will once again transform Barnes Tennis Center into the epicenter of competitive pickleball, welcoming athletes, families, officials, and fans from across the country and around the world.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the USA Pickleball National Championships back to San Diego and to build on an amazing first-year partnership,” said Jesse Steinberg, COO of Barnes Tennis Center. “Looking ahead to 2026, we’re proud to continue working with such a great organization in USA Pickleball whose values align closely with our own. San Diego is an incredible sports destination, and we’re excited to showcase our city while delivering a world-class experience for athletes, fans, and the pickleball community.”
The 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships provided extraordinary results. With over 10,000 in total attendance, 2,500+ players, 3,900+ matches, and an estimated economic impact of $3 million, San Diego proved to be a wonderful host to Nationals. A large point of pride was the transformation to 50 permanent courts, making Barnes one of the largest pickleball facilities in the country. To view the scope of impact, read the full report.
“We’re thrilled to bring the USA Pickleball National Championships back to San Diego in 2026,” said Mark Neville, CEO of Sports San Diego. This event not only showcases one of the fastest-growing sports in the country but also drives significant economic impact for our region during a need period and highlights San Diego as a top-tier destination for national championships. We’re proud to once again welcome the nation’s best players to our city.”
More registration details for the 2026 USA Pickleball National Championships will be announced in January 2026, and registration will follow a tiered process designed to support competitive integrity and athlete experience.
For more information, visit usapickleballnationals.com.
