The countdown is officially skipped!
For C4, the fourth season of the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL), we are diving straight into offseason activities without pause.
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 organizations 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.
Key Offseason Timeline
- 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 25-27: 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.
This strategic coordination ensures that our athletes can proudly represent both their professional teams and themselves on the world stage.
The 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
The fourth season promises to deliver on multiple fronts:
Expanded Competition: Deeper rosters and enhanced competitive balance will create more thrilling matchups throughout the season.
Enhanced Fan Experience: Both in-person and online experiences will be elevated with new features and improved coverage.
New Talent Pipeline: More opportunities for emerging players to break through the ranks and establish themselves at the professional level.
Global Integration: Seamless integration with international pickleball events will showcase Canadian talent on the world stage.
The Road to C4
Stay tuned for more updates throughout the end of 2025 as we approach the highly anticipated draft on January 27, 2026.
With teams already strategizing for the re-signing period and free agency, the offseason promises to be just as exciting as the season itself.
Get ready—C4 is about to blow up.