International Pickleball Federation (IPF)
The IPF aims to promote and develop pickleball globally by providing a unified structure for the sport. Their goals include:
Standardizing rules and regulations to ensure consistency in play worldwide.
Supporting national federations to grow the sport within their countries.
Organizing international competitions to foster global participation and recognition.
Olympic Aspirations: The IPF’s primary goal is to have pickleball included in the Olympic Games. They believe that by standardizing rules and organizing international tournaments, they can demonstrate the sport’s global appeal and readiness for Olympic inclusion1.
World Pickleball Federation (WPF)
The WPF focuses on expanding the reach of pickleball and enhancing its global presence. Their goals are:
Encouraging countries to join the federation and grow the sport locally.
Developing programs to promote pickleball at various levels, including schools and colleges.
Securing sponsorships for international competitions and professional players.
Standardizing equipment and rules to ensure fair play and consistency.
Olympic Aspirations: The WPF aims to make pickleball an official Olympic event by rapidly developing the sport worldwide. They are working on strategic initiatives, such as holding exhibition games at major events like the Asian Games, to showcase pickleball’s potential as an Olympic sport.
USA Pickleball
As the national governing body for pickleball in the United States, USA Pickleball’s goals include:
Growing the sport nationally through community programs and grants.
Supporting tournaments and events to increase participation and visibility.
Developing and updating rules to keep the sport evolving.
Promoting inclusivity by making pickleball accessible to players of all ages and skill levels5.
Olympic Aspirations: USA Pickleball supports the global effort to include pickleball in the Olympics by promoting the sport’s growth and standardization in the U.S. They believe that strong national participation and competitive integrity are crucial for gaining Olympic recognition5.
United Pickleball
United Pickleball, which oversees the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, aims to elevate the sport’s profile through professional competitions. Their goals are:
Organizing high-profile tournaments to showcase top talent.
Creating a festive and engaging atmosphere at events to attract fans and participants.
Providing opportunities for amateur players to compete alongside professionals.
Promoting the sport through media and sponsorships to increase its popularity.
Olympic Aspirations: United Pickleball is focused on professionalizing the sport and increasing its visibility. They believe that by showcasing top talent and organizing major events, they can help build the case for pickleball’s inclusion in the Olympics.
Each organization is striving to become the leading authority in pickleball to ensure the sport meets the International Olympic Committee’s criteria for inclusion, such as global reach, standardized rules, and competitive integrity. Their efforts reflect a shared vision of making pickleball an Olympic sport, which would significantly boost its global recognition and growth.
