APP And Charles Smith Wines Uncork A Bold New Partnership For Pickleball
Charles Smith Wines becomes Official Wine Partner of APP Tour and The Fort, the APP’s global headquarters in Fort Lauderdale
The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) is raising a glass to its newest partner: Charles Smith Wines. In a landmark multi-year agreement, the celebrated Washington-based winery becomes the official wine partner of both the APP Tour and the APP’s global headquarters, The Fort, in Fort Lauderdale.
The partnership marks Charles Smith Wines’ debut into the world of sports sponsorship—choosing not just any sport, but the fastest-growing one in America. And in partnering with the APP Tour, widely recognized as the world’s premier professional pickleball tour, the winery is betting on a cultural movement that blends community, competitiveness, and a touch of flair.
“We are honoured that Charles Smith Wines chose the APP as they venture into the world of pickleball for the first time,” said Ryan McSpadden, Chief Revenue Officer of the APP. “Their commitment to craft and community aligns seamlessly with our mission to grow the sport and enrich the experience for players and fans alike.”
Wine Meets The Court
The collaboration isn’t just symbolic—it’s immersive. Charles Smith Wines will be featured across APP Tour events nationwide, offering its award-winning portfolio in VIP lounges and premium seating areas. With 12 nationally televised events and over 55 hours of linear broadcast coverage in 2025, the visibility is set to be enormous.
“For us, this partnership is about more than just great wine and great games—it’s about shared energy, creativity, and community,” said Brandon Ackley, CEO of Ackley Brands, which owns Charles Smith Wines. “We’re thrilled to align with the APP and celebrate a sport that, like our wine, brings people together in unexpected and joyful ways.”
Spotlight On Women’s Pickleball
As part of the partnership, Charles Smith Wines will also serve as an associate partner for the 2025 APP Women’s Open presented by The James at Ohio State. This all-women event promises a high-energy blend of elite competition and vibrant social programming, serving as a platform to spotlight female players while inspiring more women to pick up a paddle.
It’s another strategic move by the APP to foster inclusivity and community within the sport—core values that clearly resonate with their new wine partner.
The Fort: Where Passion Meets Performance
At the heart of the APP’s global ambitions is The Fort, the organization’s state-of-the-art headquarters in Fort Lauderdale. With 43 dedicated courts, the world’s first pickleball stadium, and a strong developmental ethos, it’s a natural home for a brand that values quality and boldness.
The Fort recently hosted the season’s first Major, the 2025 APP Fort Lauderdale Open, and will serve as a key activation point throughout the season for both athletes and wine aficionados alike.
More Than A Partnership—A Cultural Match
This partnership signals more than just a smart brand alignment—it reflects the growing sophistication and cultural reach of professional pickleball. By welcoming a lifestyle brand like Charles Smith Wines into the fold, the APP is not only expanding its commercial ecosystem but also enhancing the off-court experience for fans nationwide.
As registration opens for the 2025 APP Tour and excitement builds toward a full calendar of high-level events, this fusion of wine and sport adds another rich layer to the narrative.
For a sport that thrives on passion, energy, and connection, this partnership feels like a perfect pour.