Pickleball's UPA Faces $10 Million Emergency Bridge Loan Amidst Financial Struggles

The UPA, the governing body of pro pickleball, is seeking a $10 million bridge loan by January 15th due to a Q1 cash crunch. This financial strain comes less than 10 months after a $75 million merger. The UPA cites front-loaded player contracts and debt as reasons for needing the loan. Paddle companies are being asked to contribute $100,000 each for certification and marketing fees. Some industry insiders describe the UPA as "insolvent" and a "house of cards" due to financial mismanagement.

PPA and MLP Report Record Attendance, Ticket Revenue Surpasses Amateur Registration

The PPA and MLP announced that more than 320,000 fans attended their events in 2024, a 40% increase from 2023. For the first time, revenue from ticket sales exceeded revenue from amateur registrations. However, the organization did not provide amateur registration numbers, which may have declined. Broadcast numbers were also not provided. The PPA and MLP also stated that 130 contracted players earned over $30 million collectively.

Paddle Manufacturers Protest UPA-A Fees, Demand Independent Testing

Paddle manufacturers are protesting the UPA-A's new fees for certification and marketing, calling them a "mafia fee". They've sent a letter to the UPA requesting a one-year reprieve from the fees and are asking for a more transparent and unbiased testing process. Many companies are concerned that they do not have the necessary testing equipment to meet the UPA-A’s standards. Several paddle companies, including Selkirk, Head, and Engage co-signed the letter.

Selkirk and Other Paddle Companies Push Back on UPA-A Certification Process

Selkirk, along with several other paddle companies, are disputing the UPA-A’s certification process, claiming lack of communication and transparency. They assert that the "interim certification" process was created at the request of Joola and that the costs associated with certification are "astronomical". A leaked letter indicated that many brands had not agreed to the UPA-A’s terms and are asking for an extension to the timeline. The companies have requested a one-year reprieve from the certification and marketing fees.

MLP Las Vegas Night Owls Fire GM Kaitlyn Kerr After Compensation Dispute

The MLP Las Vegas Night Owls fired their GM, Kaitlyn Kerr, after she requested a compensation adjustment. Kerr was also a minority owner of the team, which was in first place after the first round of MLP events in 2024. Kerr was one of only two female GMs in the league. Her firing came as a surprise given the team's success and her ownership stake.

PPA Announces Challenger Tour for Rising Pros in 2025

The PPA is launching its Challenger Series for players outside the top 20. The series, which begins in 2025, will offer prize money and ranking points to participants. Top finishers in the 2025 Challenger rankings will have the opportunity to earn a tour contract. The PPA Challenger series was previewed by PPA CEO Connor Pardoe in August of 2024.

MLP and PPA Expand to Asia with New Joint Venture

The MLP and PPA are expanding into Asia with a joint venture called MLP Asia/PPA Asia. The PPA Tour Asia will feature events in major Asian markets, including China, Vietnam, Japan, and Singapore, culminating in an October marquee event in 2025. MLP Asia will debut in 2025/2026 with franchised team play. This expansion aims to grow the sport's presence in the region.

Anna Leigh Waters Dominates, Ben Johns Loses Top Spots in Year-End Rankings

Anna Leigh Waters finished the 2024 season ranked #1 in all three disciplines (singles, doubles, mixed doubles). In contrast, Ben Johns, who swept all three #1 titles in 2023, finished #1 in mixed doubles only. Federico Staksrud finished #1 in men's singles, and Collin Johns finished #1 in men's doubles. This shift marks a change in the top rankings in men's pickleball.

USA Pickleball Decertifies First Paddles Under New Testing Protocol

USA Pickleball has decertified several paddles following its newly implemented Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR) testing. The list includes two older Joola models, one Gearbox model, and four ProKennex models. These paddles are not immediately banned but will be phased out of competitive use by July 1, 2025. Gearbox is offering a program to help customers transition to new paddles.

Joola Partners with Tennis Legend Andre Agassi for New Product Line

Joola has partnered with tennis legend Andre Agassi to produce Agassi-labeled paddles and accessories. This collaboration builds upon Agassi's previous involvement in the sport, which started earlier in the year with his DUPR collaboration. Agassi's partnership with Joola represents another move by the tennis legend into the world of pickleball.

Pickleball Facility Nears Completion in Holland

A new pickleball facility is nearing completion in Holland, featuring a two-court layout for both advanced and beginner players. The facility, called Pickle Zone, is expected to be a welcome addition to the local pickleball scene. The facility will allow both new players to learn the game and experienced players to compete.

Swiggy Acquires Mumbai Team in World Pickleball League

Swiggy, an online food ordering and delivery platform, has acquired the Mumbai team in the World Pickleball League (WPBL). The WPBL is India’s first and only global franchise-based pickleball league. The inaugural season of the WPBL is set to take place from January 24 to February 2, 2025. Swiggy's acquisition signals growing interest in the league.

Filmmakers Atlee and Priya Acquire Bengaluru Franchise in World Pickleball League

Filmmakers Atlee and Priya Atlee have acquired the Bengaluru franchise in the World Pickleball League (WPBL), naming it the "Bengaluru Jawans". The team includes players Vrushali “Hammer” Thakare, Jack Foster, and Katerina Stewart. The WPBL is set to begin on January 24, 2025, and will feature 48 players from India and around the globe across six franchises.

ONIX Pickleball Signs Undefeated Senior Pro Steve Deakin

ONIX Pickleball has signed professional pickleball player Steve Deakin to its team. Deakin had an undefeated season in his first year of senior pro play on the PPA Tour with a 57-0 match record in 2024. His season included 18 titles and two world championships, one of which was earned with fellow Team ONIX pro Altaf Merchant.

The Masters Tournament Set to Begin With Player "White Out"

The Zimmer Biomet Masters, the second event of the 2025 Carvana PPA Tour season, is set to begin with a "white out" tradition where all players wear white. The tournament, which is being held at Invited’s Mission Hills Country Club, will feature over 1,250 players. The tournament is a Grand Slam event, one of only four tournaments worth 2,000 points.

PWR DUPR India Masters Sees Record Global Participation

The PWR DUPR India Masters in Delhi saw 750 players from around the world participate in the event, which is a PWR 700 event. The competition included five different categories and was held at the RK Khanna Tennis Complex. The event also included an exhibition match between men's singles finalists Armaan Bhatia (India) and Dustin Boyer (USA). PWR 700 events are those that offer 700 ranking points.

PPA Implements, Then Abandons, Service Rule Modifications

The PPA initially implemented service rule modifications at the beginning of 2024, but later abandoned them, reverting to the USAP rules. The service rule changes were barely enforced among certain players. The PPA’s manipulation of the service rules led to criticism and snarky social media posts by players.

Pickleball TV App to Shift to Subscription-Based Model

The PPA is launching a new Pickleball TV app with a subscription-based model for content. While the app has been announced, it is not yet available on the Apple Store, and the pickleballtv.com website remains free. This indicates that the shift to a pay structure for online viewing is imminent.

Indian Star Armaan Bhatia Takes Triple Crown at PWR Major Event in India

Indian pickleball star Armaan Bhatia took the triple crown at the first PWR major event in New Delhi, India. Bhatia's success is a major accomplishment for the sport in India. Bhatia is one of India's top pickleball players. He also participated in an exhibition game with Dustin Boyer at the PWR DUPR India Masters.

Dreamland, Early Pro Pickleball Venue, Closes

Dreamland, a venue that played a significant role in the birth of professional pickleball, closed as of December 31, 2024. Dreamland hosted the first two MLP events and was a launching pad for the Austin pro pickleball scene. The venue provided a playing location and housing for many up-and-coming pros.

Leigh Waters Returns to Competition After ACL Injury

Leigh Waters returned to compete in the PPA Women’s Doubles for the first time since her ACL injury in November 2022. She partnered with her daughter, Anna Leigh Waters, at the season-ending Daytona Beach Open, where they won the gold medal. The pair is expected to compete again at the 2025 US Open.

PPA Manipulates Service Rules Ahead of Atlanta Grand Slam

Ahead of the Atlanta Grand Slam, the PPA sent emails to its tour players that they were manipulating the service rules again. The new rule was leaked and criticized on social media by players such as Zane Navratil. Navratil called the new rule the "Dekel Bar" rule because Bar’s serving was heavily criticized at the Las Vegas event.

Pickleball Faces Olympic Hurdles: Lack of Global Play, WADA Compliance

Pickleball is facing major roadblocks in its quest to become an Olympic sport. These challenges include competing governing bodies, insufficient participation in enough countries, lack of WADA compliance, and other issues. The topic of pickleball's inclusion in the Olympics comes up frequently in social media.

Pickleball Player Contracts Coming Up For Renewal in 1.5 Years

The majority of pro pickleball player contracts are set to expire in 1.5 years, creating uncertainty among MLP team owners. Some team owners have expressed concern over whether to invest more money when player contracts are coming up and competition from other leagues is increasing. Ben Johns, for example, only signed a one-year contract.

PPA's New 25% Rule Causes Confusion in MLP NYC Tournament

The PPA introduced a "25% rule" for calling balls out during tournament play at the MLP NYC event. The rule was an attempt to define in/out calls quantitatively, but it created confusion and more issues than it solved. The rule conflicted directly with existing rules for calling balls in or out.