We recognized there was a major void in pickleball…


So we did something about it. After launching the first team-based pickleball league in 2012—the East Valley Interclub League (EVIL)—Greg Mather and a group of dedicated volunteers created the Arizona Pickleball Players League (APPL). What began as a local effort has since grown into a statewide powerhouse of more than 5,500 players competing on organized teams across Arizona. That proven model is now being replicated nationwide through the American Team Pickleball League (ATPL). Statewide leagues are already thriving in California, Florida, Oregon, and Arizona, and their top teams now earn the right to clash at the ATPL National Championships—the ultimate stage where league champions from a base of over 9000 players across the country compete for national glory. 

Now it’s your league’s turn—join the movement, bring your champions forward, and be part of the team-based pickleball revolution. 

Meet The Leaders Behind ATPL

Our executive team brings decades of leadership, passion, and vision to ATPL—an organization of pickleball leagues working together to grow the game and create pathways from local play to national competition. 

 Our Team

More About ATPL

American Team Pickleball League (ATPL) – Information Sheet Building a Unified National Platform for Team-Based Pickleball 

What is ATPL? 

The American Team Pickleball League (ATPL) is a coalition of like-minded league organizations committed to the growth and standardization of team-based league pickleball across the United States. ATPL provides a collaborative national platform to connect local leagues and promote competitive, community-oriented play. 

Mission & Purpose 

ATPL’s mission is to expand, align, and elevate team-based league pickleball nationwide. By adopting a unified format and leveraging shared best practices, ATPL aims to create a structured pathway from local league play to a national championship, featuring qualified teams from participating member leagues. 

Who Founded ATPL? 

ATPL was founded by a group of experienced league leaders, spearheaded by the Arizona Pickleball Players League (APPL). Current members include leagues from Arizona, California, Florida, and Oregon, with additional interest and involvement from other states. 

How Did ATPL Begin? 

APPL pioneered an innovative team-based league format that sparked interest from organizations in multiple states. Over the past several years, APPL leaders have helped launch and support leagues in Nevada, Utah, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Ohio, and others, offering guidance on format, scoring, and management tools. 

These collaborative efforts originally led to the creation of the National Team Pickleball League (NTPL), which hosted the 2024 National Championships, with several APPL teams participating. As NTPL evolved, APPL and other key league contributors recognized a strategic divergence from the original core principles. In response, ATPL was established to reaffirm and advance the original vision: a unified, team-based league structure with a clear path to national competition. 

What is ATPL’s Immediate Focus? 

ATPL is currently focused on welcoming new league partners who share its values and vision for the sport. Affiliated organizations benefit from collaborative support, shared resources, and a standardized format that fosters long-term growth and national visibility. 

Planned Milestone: ATPL will be holding its inaugural National Team Championship Tournament in early November 2025. 


Additional championships are planned in 2026 subject to logistical feasibility and league readiness. Participating leagues will have the opportunity to qualify and send teams to these national events. 

What Platform Does ATPL Use? 

ATPL leagues utilize the Pickleballscores league management platform, developed by Tenniscores. This robust platform supports the unique needs of team-based pickleball and is continuously refined in collaboration with APPL and ATPL to drive consistency and efficiency across all member leagues. 

While some leagues may use variations of the team format, ATPL is committed to partnering with all interested leagues to align with the ATPL national standard. Through transitional support, we help affiliated leagues provide players and teams qualified for national competition. 

Thinking of Starting a League? 

Start your league with confidence. Take advantage of ATPL’s Quick Start Program, the same program used by the Florida Team Pickleball League (FTP). In just two years, FTP has grown to over 2,400 players competing on more than 200 teams. ATPL equips affiliated League Managers with the Pickleballscores management platform—preloaded with rules, Captain’s guides, scoresheets, registration tools, and more—giving every league a fast, seamless start… so you can focus on building teams, not building systems. 

Why Join ATPL? 

● Access a proven league format designed for scalability and player engagement 

● Participate in a larger national movement with a shared strategic vision 

● Get support from experienced league leaders and platform experts 

● Offer your players a pathway to national recognition and competition 

● Collaborate with other passionate organizers to shape the future of team-based pickleball 


Interested in joining or learning more? Contact Greg Mather (glmather314@yahoo.com) to explore how your league can be part of the growing ATPL network. 

Visit ATPL Team ProShop

Discover our complete collection of premium ATPL apparel & accessories.
Shop Now