2026 APP Overland Park Open Kansas-Mizzou Rivalry Adds a New Chapter: Pickleball Joins the Border War
Overland Park, Kansas — Kansas and Missouri have competed in more than 20 different sports throughout the history of the Border War — one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in American college sports, with roots tracing back to 1891 and Civil War-era conflict along the border between both states. This September 20, they'll add one more to that list: pickleball.
The club pickleball teams from the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri will face off as part of the Border Battle Showcase, the event kicking off Championship Sunday at the 2026 APP Overland Park Open, the sixth professional tournament on the 2026 calendar of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP).
A Chapter Already in the Making
This isn't the first time both programs have crossed paths on the court. The Kansas and Missouri clubs previously faced off in September 2025, the night before the football rivalry game between both schools — a matchup that helped lay the groundwork for what's now shaping up to be a budding tradition within both universities' student sports programs.
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Behind the push that brought pickleball to Mizzou is one name in particular: Dylan Frazier, a University of Missouri graduate from Ashland and the current No. 7-ranked pickleball player in the world. According to Paul Rubenstein, coach of the Mizzou club, it was Frazier who brought the vision for the sport to the university as a freshman — a seed that's now blossoming into a nationally televised showcase.
What's Coming September 20
Starting at 9:00 a.m. Central Time, two mixed doubles matches will take place on the Morton Championship Court, with the winner claiming bragging rights between the schools for another year. The second match will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 10:00 a.m. CT — an unusual level of exposure for a college club matchup, and one more sign of how pickleball is being absorbed into the traditional college sports media machine.
Current students, alumni, and fans from both schools are encouraged to attend and cheer on their team — with a portion of ticket sales going directly back to each club. Ticket information here: visitoverlandpark.com/events/app-overland-park-open.
The Full Event: 4 Days of Pickleball in Overland Park
The Border Battle Showcase is just the opening act of closing day at the 2026 APP Overland Park Open, running September 17-20 at AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk — the first time the Kansas City metro area has hosted a stop on the APP's professional circuit.
Over four days, the world's top professionals will share the facility with hundreds of amateur players of all ages and skill levels, in an event combining competition, food, and programming for the whole family, closing out with the pro gold medal matches on the Morton Championship Court.
Tickets and additional information for the 2026 APP Overland Park Open available at visitoverlandpark.com/events/app-overland-park-open.
Overland Park, Kansas — Kansas and Missouri have competed in more than 20 different sports throughout the history of the Border War — one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in American college sports, with roots tracing back to 1891 and Civil War-era conflict along the border between both states. This September 20, they'll add one more to that list: pickleball.
The club pickleball teams from the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri will face off as part of the Border Battle Showcase, the event kicking off Championship Sunday at the 2026 APP Overland Park Open, the sixth professional tournament on the 2026 calendar of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP).
A Chapter Already in the Making
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This isn't the first time both programs have crossed paths on the court. The Kansas and Missouri clubs previously faced off in September 2025, the night before the football rivalry game between both schools — a matchup that helped lay the groundwork for what's now shaping up to be a budding tradition within both universities' student sports programs.
LOVE PICKLEBALL?
Get Dink Authority Magazine updates, new editions, pro stories and event alerts.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
Behind the push that brought pickleball to Mizzou is one name in particular: Dylan Frazier, a University of Missouri graduate from Ashland and the current No. 7-ranked pickleball player in the world. According to Paul Rubenstein, coach of the Mizzou club, it was Frazier who brought the vision for the sport to the university as a freshman — a seed that's now blossoming into a nationally televised showcase.
What's Coming September 20
Starting at 9:00 a.m. Central Time, two mixed doubles matches will take place on the Morton Championship Court, with the winner claiming bragging rights between the schools for another year. The second match will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 10:00 a.m. CT — an unusual level of exposure for a college club matchup, and one more sign of how pickleball is being absorbed into the traditional college sports media machine.
Current students, alumni, and fans from both schools are encouraged to attend and cheer on their team — with a portion of ticket sales going directly back to each club. Ticket information here: visitoverlandpark.com/events/app-overland-park-open.
The Full Event: 4 Days of Pickleball in Overland Park
The Border Battle Showcase is just the opening act of closing day at the 2026 APP Overland Park Open, running September 17-20 at AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk — the first time the Kansas City metro area has hosted a stop on the APP's professional circuit.
Over four days, the world's top professionals will share the facility with hundreds of amateur players of all ages and skill levels, in an event combining competition, food, and programming for the whole family, closing out with the pro gold medal matches on the Morton Championship Court.
Tickets and additional information for the 2026 APP Overland Park Open available at visitoverlandpark.com/events/app-overland-park-open.
