McKinney just hosted one of the biggest pickleball events on the calendar this month. From March 9 through March 15, The Courts of McKinney brought together the cream of the crop from the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour for the Veolia Texas Open.
This wasn’t just any pickleball tournament. The Veolia Texas Open served as the opening match of the PPA Tour’s 2026 season, which means the world’s best players came to our city first. Among the elite competitors were household names in the sport: Anna Leigh Waters, Ben Johns, Genie Bouchard, and Anna Bright.
“It’s been exciting to see the energy around professional pickleball,” said one local business owner who attended the event. The sport has exploded in popularity over the past few years, and McKinney’s hosting of a premier event puts the city on the national pickleball map.
What Makes This Tournament Special
The Veolia Texas Open isn’t your typical weekend tournament with recreational players. These are athletes at the highest level of the sport, competing for significant prize money and ranking points. The PPA Tour is one of the two major professional pickleball circuits, and matches draw serious fans who understand the nuances of the game.
McKinney’s hosting of this inaugural event speaks to the city’s growing reputation as a destination for sports and recreation. The Courts of McKinney, which already had a solid reputation in the pickleball community, proved it could manage a major national event.
Growing Pickleball Culture in North Texas
Pickleball has become a cultural phenomenon across North Texas, and McKinney residents have embraced it wholeheartedly. The sport appeals to players of all ages and skill levels, from retirees looking for an active social outlet to younger athletes seeking competitive play.
The arrival of the PPA Tour gave local players a chance to watch the sport’s elite compete at the highest level. For many, watching professional pickleball live is inspiring—seeing the angles, the speed, the strategy that separates amateurs from pros.
Looking Ahead
The tournament wrapped up on March 15, but its impact on the community will likely linger. Events like the Veolia Texas Open bring visitors to McKinney, support local businesses, and shine a spotlight on the city’s recreational amenities.
Whether you’re an avid pickleball player or someone who’s never picked up a paddle, the arrival of professional sports competitions in McKinney signals that the city is becoming a regional hub for quality athletics and recreation. Who knows what other major tournaments might find their way to our courts in the years to come.
For those who want to get involved in the local pickleball scene, community courts and local clubs continue to welcome players at all levels. It’s a great time to join the action and see why so many North Texans have fallen in love with the sport.