The APP is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Kittch, the leading culinary platform, combining the worlds of sport and gastronomy like never before. The collaboration aims to ensure that pickleball, the only sport with a "kitchen," offers the finest food experience in the sports world.

The APP / Kittch partnership was launched on Memorial Day, 2023, live on Good Morning America, ABC’s iconic morning show. On the show, Kittch Founder and chef Elana Karp and fellow chef Chad Rosenthal were joined by APP pro players Parris Todd, Alix Truong, and Hunter and Yates Johnson live on air to try examples of the range of the food offerings Kittch will serve at the APP events, and help GMA host Michael Strahan enjoy playing pickleball for the first time.

The key aspects of this innovative partnership will be the rebranding of the APP’s kitchen area – the seven-foot, non-volley zone in front of the net – to become "The Kittch'n" and the creation of the Kittch’n Court, a unique food festival atmosphere at key tournaments that showcases the best local and national culinary talent. This dynamic new space will be backed by influential culinary sponsors and brings together food enthusiasts, professional chefs, and athletes in a unique and engaging environment.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Kittch to bring together two such complementary and rapidly growing worlds - sport and gastronomy," said Tom Webb, Chief Marketing Officer of the APP. "The Kittch'n will elevate the culinary experience at APP events, providing fans with unforgettable memories and an enhanced appreciation for the sport.

Brian Bedol, CEO of Kittch, added, "Many of the world’s greatest sports events are synonymous with iconic food and drink - from the Kentucky Derby and the Mint Julep, to strawberries and cream at Wimbledon - and now Kittch and the APP are bringing this to pickleball. Our partnership with the APP is a game-changer for our platform. We're excited to create a unique, food-centric experience for pickleball players and fans, while showcasing the best local and national culinary talent at APP events."

The APP recently unveiled its latest round of pickleball participation research which shows that nearly 50 million Americans 18+ have played the sport in the last 12 months, a 35% increase since August 2022, with an average age of 35. That research also shows that pickleball players are very conscious of their food and drink choices, with 72% preferring organic foods, 62% more likely to eat out than at home, and 69% wanting to try new restaurants and bars, further reinforcing the value of the partnership between Kittch and the APP.

The Kittch activation will be unveiled at APP Tour events later this year. Follow Kittch and the APP on social media for updates on this thrilling collaboration.