In a landmark joint move, the Board of Directors of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) and the United World Pickleball Federation (UWPF) have formally committed to collaborate on establishing a single governing entity for pickleball. The decision responds to the sport’s rapid worldwide growth and the clear need for a unified structure to guide development. The federations state that the new body will be fully democratic and inclusive, and designed to comply with International Olympic Committee (IOC) standards—an alignment meant to provide certainty for national and continental federations and help secure pickleball’s place in major multi-sport competitions.
One Rulebook, One Voice
To translate the commitment into action, the boards have created a joint task force with representatives appointed by each federation. The task force is mandated to manage all aspects of negotiation and integration, facilitate a smooth transition, embrace the value of both organizations, and develop a governing entity with clear priorities that meet the highest standards of international sports governance.
The task force has begun work. Its inaugural meeting took place on November 8, 2025, at 22:00 Central European Time (CET). Attendees included the UWPF Unification Committee—Dr. Kelvin Yii, Ms Rika Riordan, Mr Seymour Rifkind, and Mr Arvind Prabhoo—and members of the GPF Board—Ms Jen Ramamurthy, Ms Ruth Rosenquist, and Ms Chandler Carney.
The creation of a single international federation is expected to accelerate pickleball’s development, foster greater investment, and create a cohesive, sustainable pathway for the sport on the world stage.
This unification drive sets a clear marker: one rulebook, one voice, and one roadmap for growth. By committing to an inclusive, IOC-compliant model and activating a joint task force with named leaders and a defined mandate, GPF and UWPF have moved beyond talk to execution. If they deliver on this framework, federations, players, and event organizers worldwide will gain the stability and clarity needed to scale the sport responsibly and consistently.
