The event taking place from the 11-16 August will see the NEC Campus transformed into a dedicated indoor pickleball arena.
Plans are also in place for 60 courts spread across multiple interconnected halls, creating what is expected to be the largest indoor pickleball event in the world.
The move marks a major milestone for the tournament as it heads to the UK's largest exhibition venue for the first time.
The relocation reflects the rapid growth of both the sport and the tournament itself, with the event already attracting more than 3,000 player registrations.
The 2026 edition is set to surpass previous records and further strengthen the English OPEN's position as the largest pickleball tournament outside the United States.
A hybrid of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball has experienced significant growth across the UK in recent years.
Played in singles or doubles formats, the sport is easy to learn and accessible to people of all ages and abilities, making it one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
Players from across the UK and around the world will compete in a wide range of age groups and skill levels, from 3.0 divisions through to Open (Pro) categories, ensuring competitive opportunities for participants of all abilities.
The move to the NEC Campus follows several years of sustained growth.
The 2025 event, held at the Telford International Centre, welcomed more than 2,300 players from over 40 countries, underlining the sport's growing international appeal. With excellent air, rail and road connections, the NEC Campus is ideally positioned to welcome competitors and visitors from around the world.
Karen Mitchell, chair and co-founder of Pickleball England, said: “Bringing the English OPEN to the NEC Campus in Birmingham is a landmark moment for pickleball in England.
“The scale and flexibility of the venue allow us to deliver an experience like never before for players, spectators and partners alike.
“With demand already at unprecedented levels, this move ensures we can continue to grow the event and showcase the very best of our sport on a truly world-class stage.”
Sarah Harvey, deputy CEO and managing director of Exhibitions for the NEC Campus, said: “We're delighted to welcome the Pickleball English OPEN to the NEC Campus in 2026.
“As we continue to evolve our year-round events programme, this is a fantastic addition to our calendar.
“The scale of the event, combined with the sport's growing popularity, makes it an exciting opportunity for both the NEC Campus and the wider region.”
