A new era of team pickleballProfessional league · Recruiting now
PADL Pro CircuitPADL
PRO CIRCUIT
Academy (16–18) concept scene from the supplied PPC flyer

PAC / Professional age-group division · Ages 16–18

PADL Academy Circuit

The next generation of pro racquet sports starts here.

The PADL Academy Circuit (PAC) is the professional division for players ages 16 through 18. Academy athletes are pro players in their age group, part of their city’s professional team alongside Pro and Legends. Developmental players are part of the same franchise’s practice squad within the PPC system.

Explore the opportunity
Professional league · Recruiting now
12 inaugural city franchisesAmerican + National ConferencesInaugural dates forthcoming

The opportunity

What no other tour offers teen athletes.

Explore openings in the PADL Pro Circuit. Share your experience and connect with the team responsible for your role.

01 / Academy (16–18)

Zero entry fees

No entry, registration or division fees for PAC combines or championships. Spots are earned through verified court play.

02 / Academy (16–18)

Name, image and likeness

PAC athletes compete under a name, image and likeness (NIL) framework: they keep their name and image rights, can sign sponsorship deals while they play, and can direct earnings toward education savings. Each arrangement is set out in the athlete’s own agreement.

03 / Academy (16–18)

Ages 14–15: the Developmental League

The PADL Developmental League is your city team’s semi-pro minor-league and practice squad within the PADL Pro Circuit. Players ages 14–15 train, develop and compete as part of the same team, one step below its professional rosters, and can be called up to play in professional competition.

04 / Academy (16–18)

Broadcast exposure

Professional Academy competition receives PADL TV coverage with commentary and match data. Broadcast schedules will be announced.

05 / Academy (16–18)

Travel & gear support

Player agreements include franchise-covered travel for the traveling squad and team competition gear for rostered athletes.

06 / Academy (16–18)

A professional roster

Academy players occupy eight professional roster spots — four doubles teams — within their city’s 24-player franchise. They compete as professionals in the 16–18 age group.

Who we’re looking for

Bring your experience.
Help set the standard.

  • Professional age-group competitors ages 16 through 18
  • Ages 14–15 join the same team’s semi-pro Developmental practice squad within PPC, with opportunities for professional call-up
  • PADL Rookie membership with parent or guardian consent and a verified PPI record
  • Team-first conduct, academic standing and readiness for a broadcast stage

Start the conversation

How you earn your spot.

  1. 01

    Register at Rookie

    Create a Rookie membership at padl-usa.com or in the PADL App, with a parent or guardian co-signing.

  2. 02

    Activate your NFT Scorecard

    Your NFT scoring ID authenticates every verified match.

  3. 03

    Build your PPI

    Log verified matches at your local indoor facility to build your PADL Performance Index.

  4. 04

    Earn your professional roster spot

    Top verified PPI players ages 16–18 compete for invitations to their city’s PAC Regional Combine, then drafted onto an eight-player Academy roster — one of four doubles teams in your city’s 24-player franchise.

Academy (16–18) / Expression of interest

Be part of the first chapter.

Parent or guardian contact, PADL ID, recent verified results, school and home city. Contact athlete relations for professional Academy openings and selection dates.

Contact the recruitment team about openings, requirements and selection dates.

Find your place in the circuit

A league built by all of us.

Fans, athletes, coaches, officials, production crews and host facilities. Different roles. One national stage.