The 2026 CNPL season is raising the bar.
When the Canadian National Pickleball League launches its fourth season on May 9th in Oakville, the competition won’t just be the best in Canada, it will feature some of the highest-rated players in the world.
What do the #1 rated women’s doubles player in Asia, the #3 rated women’s doubles player in Central America, the #5 rated women’s doubles player in Europe, and the #6 rated men’s doubles player in South America all have in common?
They’re all playing in the CNPL this season.
A New Era of Competition
The CNPL has always been about showcasing elite team pickleball competition. But Season 4 represents a significant leap in talent depth and international representation.
For the first time, world-class players from four continents will compete under one league structure. These aren’t exhibition matches—these are meaningful team competitions with playoff implications.
Meet the Global Four:
- Aibika Kalsarieva – #1 Women’s Doubles, Asia
- Ariana Rodriguez – #3 Women’s Doubles, Central America
- Maria Klokotzky – #5 Women’s Doubles, Europe
- Bruno Faletto – #6 Men’s Doubles, South America
Why This Matters
These four players aren’t just regionally competitive, they’re among the best in their respective continents according to DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), the global standard for measuring player skill level.
DUPR ratings provide an objective, algorithm-based assessment of player performance that transcends regional tournaments and competition levels. Unlike regional rankings or tournament seedings, DUPR provides an objective measure of skill that allows players from different continents to be compared fairly.
When you combine top continental talent with Canada’s already strong domestic player pool, including established CNPL stars and emerging pros on the Global Pickleball Alliance Tour and PPA Challenger Series, the result is the most competitive season in league history.
The Competitive Landscape
The addition of world-class international talent creates several compelling storylines for the 2026 season:
Cross-Continental Matchups
For the first time, we’ll see direct competition between top-rated players from Asia, Europe, Central America, and South America—all competing under one league structure. These matchups will showcase different playing styles, strategies, and techniques from around the world.
Raising the Floor
When the top end of talent rises, everyone must elevate their game. Canadian players will be tested against international competition styles they may not have faced regularly. The result: better preparation, higher-level strategy, and improved overall play across the league.
Global Exposure
International players choosing the CNPL validates the league’s standing in the global pickleball ecosystem. It signals that Canada isn’t just developing its own talent it’s attracting the best from around the world.
What This Means for Season 4
For fans: Expect to see playing styles, strategies, and techniques from around the world colliding on Canadian courts. The variety of approaches and competitive intensity will make for compelling viewing.
For players: The competition level just jumped significantly. Making rosters, earning playing time, and winning matches will require elevated performance from everyone in the league.
For the league: This level of international talent validates the CNPL’s standing as a premier professional pickleball league. It positions Season 4 as a showcase for what elite team pickleball looks like when the best from multiple continents compete together.
The Season Ahead
The 2026 CNPL season kicks off May 9-10 in Oakville and runs through the Championship in late September. Seven regular season events. One Global Alliance Tour stop (Canadian Open). One CNPL champion.
And now, with the addition of top-ranked international talent, the competition has never been fiercer.
Here’s what you need to know about the international stars joining the league.
What They All Bring
These four players share more than just elite rankings. They represent:
- International Competition Experience: All four have competed at the highest levels in their respective regions, and in the United States, facing elite competition in pressure situations.
- DUPR Validation: Their rankings aren’t subjective—they’re based on DUPR’s algorithm, which analyzes match results across all formats and competition levels to create objective ratings.
- Global Perspective: They’ve trained in different environments, faced different competition, and developed their games in different pickleball cultures. That diversity makes the CNPL more competitive and more interesting.
The Season Starts May 9
When the 2026 CNPL season kicks off in Oakville, these four players will take the court alongside Canada’s best. The competition has never been fiercer. The talent has never been deeper.
Welcome to the CNPL, Aibika, Ariana, Maria, and Bruno. Let’s see what you’ve got.
Season Opener: May 9-10, 2026 at CourtX, Oakville
Rankings Powered By: DUPR – Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating
Player DUPR ratings and regional rankings are current as of January 27th, 2026. For the most up-to-date ratings, visit DUPR.com