The longtime rivalry between the University of Kansas and University of Missouri is adding one more sport to its storied history: pickleball.  

On Sunday, Sept. 20, the club pickleball teams from KU and Mizzou will face off against each other as part of the Border Battle Showcase, kicking off the Championship Sunday festivities at the Association of Pickleball Players' (APP) upcoming event, the 2026 APP Overland Park Open. AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk in Overland Park will host the four day-long celebration of pickleball Sept. 17-20, with food, music and programming for all.

Starting at 9 a.m. CT, two mixed doubles matches will take place on the Morton Championship Court, with the winners securing ultimate bragging rights between the schools. The second match will be streamed live via ESPN Plus starting at 10 a.m. CT.  

Current students, alumni and fans are urged to attend and support their favorite teams, with portions of ticket sales donated directly back to each club team. To support the Kansas club pickleball team, purchase tickets here. To support the Mizzou club pickleball team, purchase tickets here.

Set for its inaugural event as a first-time stop in the Kansas City area, the 2026 APP Overland Park Open represents the sixth APP Tour professional event on the 2026 calendar. The world’s best pro players, plus hundreds of amateur players of all ages and skill levels, will take the courts Sept. 17-20 for nonstop pickleball action, culminating with pro gold medal matches on Morton Championship Court.  

To secure media credentials for the event or to inquire about coverage opportunities, please visit TheAPP.global/Media, or contact Daniel Sagerman at dsagerman@theapp.global.  

Tickets and additional information on the 2026 APP Overland Park Open are available via TheAPP.global/OverlandPark. The pickleball community can stay in the know on the latest APP updates by following the APP’s Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn channels.