The countdown is officially skipped! For C4, the fourth season of the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL), we are going in without a break before the offseason activities. After an unforgettable CNPL III Championship, the league is already gearing up to make 2026 our biggest and most globally connected year yet. For 2026, we’ve worked diligently with other global organization to design a schedule that avoids conflicts with major international tours and events, allowing players and fans to experience the full calendar of elite pickleball worldwide.
Below are the official key dates and milestones for CNPL Season 4:
Key Offseason Dates
- October 7: Re-signing period begins
- October 31: Teams must have at least one player signed; all non-re-signed players become free agents
- November 1: Trading opens, legal tampering period begins
- November 1–7: Legal tampering period (teams may communicate with unsigned players)
- November 8–14: Free agency period (teams may sign one free agent each)
- November 15: Draft registration opens, draft picks distributed
- January 19: Draft registration closes
- January 27: Draft Day
2026 CNPL Season Schedule
- May 9 & 10: Regular Season Opener
- May 23 & 24: Western Split
- June 6 & 7: Eastern Split
- June 27 & 28: Midseason Event
- July 18 & 19: Metropolitan Split
- August 8 & 9: Central Split
- August 11: Trade Deadline
- August 29 & 30: Regular Season Finale
- September 1: Season Awards Ceremony
- September 26 & 27: Championship Weekend
A Season Aligned with the Global Game
In shaping the 2026 calendar, CNPL has collaborated with the global pickleball alliance to ensure no conflicts with international tour schedules, ensuring that our athletes can proudly represent both their pro teams and themselves on the world stage. This balanced calendar reflects CNPL’s commitment to supporting the global growth of pickleball while maintaining Canada’s premier domestic league as a hub for top-tier talent.
What to Expect in C4
Expanded competition and deeper rosters will lead to an enhanced fan experiences both in-person and online. More opportunities for new talent to break through the ranks. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the end of 2025 as we approach the draft on January 27, 2026. Get ready, C4 is about to blow up.