Landmark Merger Unifies Global Pickleball Community and Sets Forward-Looking Governance Approach
In a historic move that aims to unite the global pickleball community, the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and the World Pickleball Federation (WPF) have announced a landmark merger. This decision comes as the sport approaches its 60th anniversary in 2025, a significant milestone since pickleball’s invention on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
The merger will establish a new organisation under the name World Pickleball Federation (WPF), with a focus on advancing the sport on a global scale. National governing bodies (NGBs) worldwide are invited to join this collaborative effort, with the goal of strengthening international relationships and elevating pickleball’s profile worldwide.
A Transition Board, led by an experienced advisor from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), will oversee the merger process, culminating in a joint Annual General Meeting where members will vote on finalising the merger and appointing a new Board of Directors. This transparent and inclusive approach is designed to ensure that the pickleball community remains at the forefront of this pivotal moment in the sport’s history.
Leaders from both federations, Arvind Praboo and Seymour Rifkind, have expressed their shared commitment to the sport’s growth and to bringing the global pickleball family together. They believe that this merger will not only streamline global governance but also create a more cohesive and dynamic future for players, fans, and administrators alike.
The unified federation also extends an invitation to the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) and other governing bodies to consider further consolidation, promoting unity across the sport. Praboo and Rifkind are confident that this merger will ensure pickleball’s future is bright, inclusive, and accessible to everyone around the world.
Overall, this merger represents a significant step forward for the sport of pickleball, as it seeks to establish a cohesive and forward-looking approach to governance while celebrating its rich history and exciting future.
