Foshan is set to make history in the world of pickleball, with Lishui Town in Nanhai District confirmed as the host of the Asia Pacific Pickleball Alliance’s 2025-2026 Season World Finals – marking the first time a premier international pickleball event has been held in the Greater Bay Area.

Two events make up the finals. The APBA Le Yili Cup Club Individual Event Grand Finals will run from 10 to 14 June, followed by the U-Series Grand Finals from 23 to 26 July, both held at the Le Yili Bay Area International Outdoor Sports Zone. 

The combined tournament boasts a total prize pool of 2.29 million yuan (US$338,000) and is expected to draw athletes and enthusiasts from over 20 countries and regions.

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Often described as a hybrid of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball has surged in global popularity in recent years, praised for being easy on the joints and accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. The sport’s grassroots appeal has made it particularly popular among families and older recreational players, earning it a reputation as a true “sport for all.”

Beyond the competition itself, Nanhai District plans to launch a “Sports plus Tourism” initiative around the event, giving competitors and spectators access to local Lingnan cuisine and scenic spots. 

Organisers aim to transform the tournament into a wider summer carnival that blends international sport with local culture.