Global pickleball giant JOOLA has inked a multi-year agreement to become the Official Equipment Partner of the 2025 PPA Tour Asia, standardizing nets, modular flooring, portable PickleRoll courts, and - taking center stage - the brand-new JOOLA HC-40 hard-court ball at every event on the calendar.
First Serve: Panas Malaysia Open, 3–6 July 2025
The partnership’s public debut happens in Kuala Lumpur at the Panas Malaysia Open (3–6 July), where pros and fans will see the HC-40 in live match play for the very first time.
“To launch the partnership, the Panas Malaysia Open from July 3–6 will feature an exclusive preview of the new JOOLA HC-40 ball, offering players and fans the first chance to experience this latest innovation in hard-court ball performance.” — Tom Nguyen, CEO, JOOLA Asia Pacific
A Logical Next Step in JOOLA’s Asian Strategy
Already the equipment backbone of PPA Tours in the United States and Australia - and a key supporter of the UPA Asia Trailblazers Program that funds grassroots courts - JOOLA is now bringing uniform pro-level conditions to every stop on the Asian circuit.
“JOOLA’s sustained support – from backing the Trailblazers to now equipping the tour – shows their long-term vision for Asian pickleball. Having consistent, world-class equipment across all our events elevates the competitive standard and establishes PPA Tour Asia as the region’s definitive professional stage.” — Kimberly Koh, Managing Director, UPA Asia
2025 Joola & PPA Tour Asia Stops Confirmed So Far
- 3–6 July - Panas Kuala Lumpur Open (Malaysia)
- 21–24 August - Hong Kong Open (Hong Kong SAR)
- 26–31 August - Sansan Fukuoka Open (Japan)
- 1–5 October - China Slam (China)
- 9–12 October - Kuala Lumpur Cup (Malaysia)
Additional Cup and Slam events are in the pipeline, with more venues to be revealed later this summer.
Why Standardised Gear Matters
- Fair Play - Identical balls, nets, and court surfaces remove equipment variables, letting pure skill decide outcomes.
- Player Safety - Consistent traction and bounce reduce injury risk when athletes transition between venues.
- Sponsor Appeal - Broadcast-ready courts boost production quality, attracting advertisers and media partners.
- Grassroots Halo - Recreational clubs tend to adopt whatever equipment the pros use, accelerating local growth.
Bottom Line
With JOOLA supplying the hardware and PPA Tour Asia providing the stage, 2025 promises the region’s most competitive - and most consistent - pickleball season yet. Mark the PPA Tour Asia on your calendar, and watch the first HC-40 serves fly in Kuala Lumpur!
