Pickleball Federations Unite: A Historic Decision for the Sport’s Future
In a historic move for the sport of pickleball, the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and the World Pickleball Federation (WPF) have announced their merger to form a unified governing body for the global pickleball community. This decision comes as the sport approaches its 60th anniversary in 2025, with significant events such as the 10th anniversary of the Bainbridge Cup and the inaugural World Pickleball Games on the horizon.
The newly unified organisation, to be known as the World Pickleball Federation (WPF), will uphold the core mission of “No Country Left Behind” and invite national governing bodies (NGBs) worldwide to join in advancing the sport on a global scale. Both federations will have equal input within the new organisation, with member countries encouraged to align and clarify roles to best serve the global pickleball community.
A Transition Board, consisting of representatives from both federations and overseen by an experienced advisor from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), will guide the merger process. The final step will be a joint Annual General Meeting (AGM) where members will vote on finalising the merger and appointing a new Board of Directors.
This transparent and inclusive approach aims to keep the pickleball community at the forefront of this pivotal moment in the sport’s history. The unified federation seeks to streamline global governance, strengthen international relationships, and elevate pickleball’s profile worldwide, offering players, fans, and administrators an exciting step toward a more cohesive and dynamic future.
The new organisation also extends an invitation to the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) and other governing bodies to consider further consolidation, promoting unity across the sport. Leaders of the IPF and WPF, Arvind Praboo and Seymour Rifkind, expressed their shared commitment to the sport’s growth and bringing the ‘global pickleball family together’.
“This merger is about more than just organisations – it’s about uniting our community,” Praboo and Rifkind stated. “Together, we will ensure pickleball’s future is bright, inclusive, and accessible to everyone around the world.”
