Professional pickleball players have established the World Pickleball Players Association (WPPA) to advocate for improved health, safety, and fair pay within the sport. Supported by athletes signed with the United Pickleball Association (UPA), the WPPA is led by a seven-member board including president Tina Pisnik, treasurer Dekel Bar, and secretary Jessie Irvine. The organization aims to unite players to enhance the sport for athletes, fans, and organizers alike, promoting minimum standards and equitable treatment for all players regardless of ranking.
Board members emphasize that the WPPA is not intended to be adversarial toward professional tours but rather collaborative, seeking to address longstanding player concerns amid the sport’s rapid growth. By working alongside tours, the WPPA hopes to establish fair rules and better support systems, reflecting pickleball’s evolution not only in popularity but also in how it values and respects its professional athletes.
