New Sports expands international competition opportunities for Vietnamese athletes

New Sports sets out international path for Vietnamese basketball and pickleball players

New Sports announced its 2027 basketball and pickleball development plan in Hanoi on Nov. 5 and signed cooperation agreements with the Asian University Basketball League, PPA Tour Asia and FPT Play. The company says the plan will expand domestic competitions and give Vietnamese athletes more chances to gain experience and compete internationally.

New Sports plans to host the AUBL 2026-2027 Southern Conference in Hanoi from April 7 to 11, 2027. The VCBC champion is expected to get a chance to compete in the AUBL, linking Vietnam’s university league with regional competition.

The company’s 2027-2028 cooperation plan aims to hold two international pickleball tournaments in Vietnam each year. New Sports also plans to improve event access for spectators through in-person activities and expanded television and online coverage.

Anna Leigh Waters to headline Dec. 9 Manila showcase

World No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters is scheduled to appear at “IAM Experience: Anna Leigh Waters” on Dec. 9, 2026, at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Organizers say the program will include exhibition matches, interactive activities, musical performances and celebrity guests.

The event was moved to the venue after strong demand following Waters’ October visit to the Philippines, organizers said. A presale for registered IAM Worldwide members begins Nov. 5, with general ticket sales starting Nov. 9; admission is free with the purchase of designated product packages.

Dill Dinkers plans indoor pickleball facility in Gulf Breeze

Regional developers Beth Wilson and Amy Wallace are preparing to open a Dill Dinkers indoor pickleball facility at 330 Gulf Breeze Parkway, in a former Tuesday Morning store. The location is planned to include four indoor courts, an event space, a ball machine and a pro shop.

Wilson said the facility will partner with North Florida Bone and Joint to provide physical therapy equipment for strength and agility workouts. The franchise, founded in 2022, has grown to 32 locations across 15 states, according to the report.

Agribank Thanh Hoa takes overall title at regional sports festival

Agribank’s Thanh Hoa branch won the overall first prize at the 2026 Region 7 Banking Sector Sports Festival, held in Ninh Binh on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. The event brought together 83 teams and more than 1,000 athletes.

The branch entered 34 athletes, the largest delegation at the festival, and competed in pickleball, table tennis and women’s volleyball. Its results included first-place finishes in men’s leaders’ pickleball doubles and two table-tennis events.

Ben Johns uses left-handed forehand at PPA Worlds

Ben Johns surprised opponents with a series of left-handed forehands in a singles match against Brandon French at PPA Worlds, The Dink reported. Johns is right-handed and usually plays a forehand and two-handed backhand.

In a post-match interview, Johns said he had preferred using two forehands during his tennis days and brought the approach into pickleball until it stopped working.

Professional Pickleball Partners to acquire Professor Pickleball

Professional Pickleball Partners has agreed to acquire Professor Sports, the Florida-based company behind the Professor Pickleball brand. The companies did not disclose financial terms, a planned closing date or additional transaction conditions.

Professor Pickleball sells paddle grips, paddle erasers and other accessories, alongside instructional videos and educational resources. P3 plans to use its product development, marketing and distribution capabilities to expand the brand’s reach while continuing its educational content.

Pickleball World Championships draw players to Farmers Branch

The Pickleball World Championships are underway in Farmers Branch, drawing professional and amateur competitors, CBS News reported.