As more athletes chase the podium, the landscape of professional pickleball is shifting.
Selkirk is doubling down on supporting the future of the sport by officially opening applications for the 2026 Spring Selkirk Sparta Combine, the sport’s premier talent-identification initiative.
The Combine is a professional bridge designed to transition emerging elite players into the next generation of dominant professional athletes.
What is the Selkirk Sparta Program?
The Sparta Program is an incubator for talent. Its mission is to scout and develop the next breakthrough stars of pickleball through data-driven performance testing and professional mentorship.
Rather than focusing solely on current rankings, Selkirk is scouting the players who will dominate upcoming seasons.
Athletes who earn a Sparta Pro contract receive comprehensive support, including:
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Paid travel to compete on the professional circuit.
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Professional gear and apparel from the leading brand in pickleball.
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Direct mentorship from top athlete managers.
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Professional exposure and brand-building support to increase visibility with sponsors and tour organizations.
A look back at the inaugural 2025 Combine
In September 2025, Selkirk hosted the industry’s first-ever Pickleball Combine in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The event proved that the future of the sport is waiting to be discovered.
From that inaugural session, four athletes were signed to Sparta contracts: Rafa Lenhard, Charlie Trevino, Anouar Braham, and Cade Edwards.
These athletes are now navigating the pro scene, transitioning from competitive regional play to the national pro stage with the full backing of Selkirk’s resources.
What to expect at the 2026 Combine
The Selkirk Sparta Combine is a rigorous two-day event (with an optional third day for elite coaching) held at Selkirk’s headquarters in Idaho.
Selected athletes are put through a battery of assessments, including:
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Physical testing: Measuring strength, agility, stamina, and reaction time.
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Match play: Intensive singles and doubles matches against elite competition.
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Evaluation model: Athletes are scored on a proprietary model that considers performance, future potential, and promotability.
At the conclusion of the combine, top-scoring athletes may be offered two-year Sparta Pro contracts, ensuring they are funded to compete in up to 17 PPA/APP events per year.
Who should apply
Selkirk is looking for serious athletes who are ready to treat pickleball as a full-time career. Applicants should meet the following criteria:
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High-level competitive players (typically a 5.0+ rating).
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Players not currently signed with another brand.
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A commitment to train, travel, and compete regularly on the pro circuit.
To ensure an elite talent pool and a thorough review process, Selkirk has implemented a $95 evaluation fee. This fee reflects the seriousness of the program and covers the intensive one-to-two-hour research and scoring process dedicated to every single application.
Important dates and deadlines
The upcoming spring combines are scheduled for May 13–15 and May 16–18, 2026.
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Application deadline: March 13, 2026
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Selection notification: April 13, 2026
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Location: Hayden, Idaho
Note: Travel costs to the combine are the responsibility of the athlete. A second application window for the Fall September 11–13 combine will open in early May.
How to apply for the Sparta Combine
The selection process is highly competitive. To begin your journey toward a professional contract, follow these steps:
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Pay the evaluation fee: Submit the $95 fee via the Sparta landing page to initiate your file.
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Complete the application: Fill out the comprehensive form, including video reels, highlights of your top matches, and your athletic background.
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Internal evaluation: The Selkirk leadership team will review your data and footage.
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Selection: Chosen players will be notified at least one month prior to the event.
