Photo Credits to: PCL Asia
Pickleball Champions League Asia (PCL Asia) has announced a new partnership with RPM Pickleball, naming the performance equipment brand as the Official Paddle Partner for the league’s flagship youth development program, PCL Rising Stars (U19).
The collaboration brings PCL Asia’s structured competitive platform for elite under‑19 players together with RPM’s focus on performance‑driven paddle design and grassroots growth. As part of the agreement, RPM will supply standardized competition paddles for all Rising Stars athletes - ensuring fairness and consistency across events “so performance, preparation, and skill determine outcomes.”
“Rising Stars represents the future of pickleball in Asia,” said James Ignatowich, founder of RPM Pickleball. “We believe the sport grows strongest when young players are given the right tools, the right platform, and a clear pathway forward. Partnering with PCL allows us to support that vision in a meaningful and lasting way.”
Ignatowich and the RPM team will attend the PCL Rising Stars (U19) Finals at the Asia Elite Pickleball Academy (AEPA) in Hainan, China - offering on‑court coaching, mentorship, and competitive insight for youth participants.
Hands‑On Support at the Finals
The Finals mark the culmination of a season of national, regional, and provincial qualifiers that form Rising Stars’ competitive structure. Alongside RPM leadership, top professional players will engage directly with finalists to enhance athlete development and reinforce PCL’s commitment to world‑class youth standards.
Rising Stars (U19) features mixed‑gender teams - typically two male and two female players - competing through structured play designed to identify and elevate Asia’s emerging talent.
Investing in the Future of Pickleball
Steve Kuhn, Chairman of PCL Asia, highlighted the broader impact of the partnership:
“This partnership with RPM is not about logos alone. It’s about aligning with partners who understand that investing in youth is how the sport builds credibility, longevity, and global relevance.”
RPM will also gain integrated brand visibility across Rising Stars events, digital content, and athlete storytelling initiatives. The agreement is structured as a long‑term collaboration, aimed at expanding youth pathways and professional standards across the region.
With programs like PCL Rising Stars, Asia is fast becoming a powerhouse in global pickleball development. As more young athletes enter structured training pathways, backed by brands and leagues that prioritize fairness and access, the region’s youth scene is not just growing - it’s transforming the future of the sport.
