- With the integrity of the country’s fastest-growing sport top of mind, UPA-A will guide the innovation, regulation and growth of pickleball at all levels
- Former advertising and pickleball executive Jason Aspes will serve as President of UPA-A, overseeing advisory boards comprised of the sport’s most influential voices
Dallas, May 16, 2024 – Pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport by far, with a 52% increase in participants from 2022-2023 – 33 percentage points more than the next-fastest growing sport (Source: Sports and Fitness Industry Association). With the rapid growth of the sport and all of its related factors and industries – across integrity, professional play, equipment manufacturers, rules and regulations and more – the need for a nimble, forward-thinking and proactive governing body has arisen to protect, grow and champion the sport of pickleball globally.
The UPA of America (UPA-A) has been formed to be this governing body, working collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure the integrity of pickleball, while still being able to innovate with the quickly evolving sport. With a multitude of voices in the industry, UPA-A is dedicated to moving forward in a way that not only listens to, but also takes action based on the feedback of the sport’s most passionate advocates.
Global advertising, marketing and pickleball executive Jason Aspes, who has become a trusted advisor in the pickleball space, will serve as the President of UPA-A. Aspes will be tasked with overseeing the entity to achieve its mission.
“The growth of pickleball is amazing to see, but it necessitates a steward to champion the evolution of the sport in such a way that allows its players at all levels to enjoy pickleball in a safe and fair manner,” said Aspes. “The UPA of America is that steward. We will collaborate with the most respected and influential voices in the industry to guide what is best for the sport and all who value its growth to continue its meteoric rise.”
Aspes will work closely with two stakeholder committees which will provide valuable and actionable feedback on paddle regulations – perhaps the most urgent need – to help this cause.
The Equipment Manufacturer Advisory Board is comprised of representatives from:
- Franklin
- Gearbox
- Joola
- Onix
- United Pickleball Paddles (Paddletek/ProXR)
- Selkirk
- Vulcan
- Brian Levine
The Equipment Player Advisory Board is comprised of:
- Ben Johns
- Julie Johnson
- Brian Levine
- Altaf Merchant
- Catherine Parenteau
- Leigh Waters
- Thomas Wilson
For on-site testing at Major League Pickleball and Carvana PPA Tour events, UPA has been working with and will continue to work with Pickle Pro Labs (PPL), who are an independent third party seeking to protect the integrity of the game and eliminate the potential for product-related issues from having a negative impact on the growing market.
The PPL team has been collecting data on a variety of paddle specifications including GRIT and deflection, and continues to work with players and manufacturers on informing and updating the standards for play. The formation of UPA-A will further formalize this relationship and create a collaborative, yet unified set of testing and rules with an overarching goal to create an environment of fair and safe play without creating economic or operational hardship for players or paddle manufacturers.
Additionally, the information gathered at the pro level will inform standards across all UPA-A-sanctioned events at all levels to protect fair play.
No one has invested more time, energy, passion and capital into the sport of pickleball than Pickleball Inc. and the UPA (Major League Pickleball and the Carvana PPA Tour), and this new governing body will ensure that the integrity of the sport is protected across all levels.
Additional information will be communicated as appropriate.
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About UPA of America:
The mission of UPA of America is to protect, grow and champion pickleball globally at all levels, relying on these three pillars to guide the strategy and efforts of the organization.
Protect Pickleball:
- Above all else, UPA-A will maintain the safety and integrity of the sport by establishing, evolving and enforcing rules and regulations – across equipment standards, gameplay, facilities and more.
Grow Pickleball:
- UPA-A will create opportunities that encourage new players to participate and existing players to play more often. Establish best practices for infrastructure and education to flourish.
Champion Pickleball:
- UPA-A will promote, organize and celebrate events and competitions at all levels globally.
