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Hard Rock Bet Announces Partnership with APP Tour

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Publish Date: Aug 12, 2026

Fact checked by: Sara Jane Gamelli

Key Points

Hard Rock Bet announced Wednesday a strategic partnership with Fort Lauderdale-based The Fort and the Association of Pickleball Players (APP).
Hard Rock Bet will take over The Fort’s marquee grandstand court as the Hard Rock Bet Violet Court.
Partnership culminates at the APP Tour Championships (Dec. 3-6).

Hard Rock Bet announced Wednesday a new partnership with Fort Lauderdale-based The Fort and the Association of Pickleball Players (APP).

Widely regarded in the pickleball world as the sport's top venue and APP's official headquarters, Hard Rock Bet will take over The Fort’s marquee grandstand court as the Hard Rock Bet Violet Court and become The Fort’s official watch party partner, with integrations and programming year-round.

The partnership will culminate at the 2026 APP Tour Championships (Dec. 3-6), where Hard Rock Bet will serve as their presenting and official sports betting partner, where they will have a presence courtside, premium hospitality, exclusive player experiences and fan-zone activation throughout.

“Hard Rock Bet is elevating what live entertainment looks like for our players, and our partnership with The Fort and the APP Tour brings that to life with packed courts, buzzing watch parties, and a true community built around America’s fastest-growing sport,” said Lauren Varnas, Vice President of Brand Marketing at Hard Rock Digital in a news release. “The Fort and the APP are the perfect extension of the Hard Rock Bet Party and we’re excited to engage their passionate members and host our players at this world-class venue and tournament.”

Hard Rock Bet is the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s sports betting platform and is Florida’s only legal sportsbook.

“The APP is proud to join forces with our friends at The Fort and welcome Hard Rock Bet as our newest partner,” said Ryan McSpadden, Chief Revenue Officer of the APP. “Our season finale is primed to be an epic experience, hosted at the pinnacle of pickleball facilities, and filled with nonstop excitement. All eyes will be on Hard Rock Bet at The Fort this December.”

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