USA Pickleball, the National Governing Body for the sport, in collaboration with pickleball federations across 28 countries, has officially introduced the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF).
The GPF’s primary objective is to foster and advance amateur and professional pickleball on an international scale, with a steadfast commitment to integrity and purpose.
Key Priorities
Key priorities for the GPF encompass securing recognition from the International Olympic Committee as the global authority for pickleball and advocating for pickleball’s inclusion in the Olympic and Paralympic sporting programs.
Additionally, the GPF aims to offer member countries and their pickleball enthusiasts access to essential resources such as equipment, official regulations, educational materials, an engaged ambassador network, international competitions, and standardized equipment criteria.
A “Significant Milestone”
Justin Maloof, Chief Operating Officer of USA Pickleball and a Board Member of the Global Pickleball Federation, talked enthusiastically about this significant milestone:
“We are thrilled to announce this significant milestone, the launch of the GPF, in conjunction with our colleagues around the globe.
“This has been an important project for the growth of our sport and a necessary effort as we continue to unify pickleball and establish a path forward in the coming years.”
“I look forward to seeing the GPF’s work yield results as we continue to introduce pickleball to new countries, establish ourselves on the world stage, and pursue the inclusion of pickleball in future Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Across Four Continents
Four out of the five continental federations, namely the Asian Pickleball Association, Confederation of African Pickleball, Oceania Pickleball Federation, and the Pickleball Federation of the Americas, have aligned exclusively with the GPF and hold immediate representation on the board of the new organization.
The national governing bodies across the four continents mentioned above, encompassing a diverse range of countries, have joined forces with the GPF. The GPF’s headquarters will be based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a hub for various National Governing Bodies and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Pickleball In Venezuela
Leon Stango, President of Pickleball Venezuela, emphasized the familial spirit of pickleball in Venezuela and highlighted the remarkable progress made:
“Pickleball in Venezuela is one big family. Since Pickleball Venezuela was formed in May 2021, we have grown from zero courts and players to over 40 dedicated courts and 1,000 players. We believe pickleball should be available to all, which is also the mission of the GPF.
“We are proud to develop players to compete on an international stage in support of the Global Pickleball Federation, and look forward to working with our peers around the world to build pickleball on a global level.”
A Strategic Partnership
The GPF has established a strategic partnership with Pickleball United, which will serve as the inaugural official sponsor of the new global federation.
GPF member countries will benefit from the GPF Equipment Grant Program, supporting the launch of pickleball programs and clubs and introducing new players to the sport.
The GPF and Pickleball United extend an invitation to other equipment manufacturers who share this vision to join in the mission of propagating the sport worldwide.
Starting from January 1, 2024, 500 pickleball starter sets will be made available to GPF-member countries, with an additional 1,000 sets offered at a subsidized rate of $100.
Becoming A Member
The initial step to becoming a member of the GPF is to apply through the respective Continental Federation, meeting their specific membership criteria. Applications will then undergo evaluation by both the Continental Federation and the Global Pickleball Federation.
Further details about the GPF and an online application for GPF membership are available at globalpickleballfederation.org.
About The GPF
The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2023 and operates in accordance with GPF bylaws, available on the organization’s website.
Guided by a Board of Directors, including a Chairman and elected leaders of each participating continental federation, the GPF is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The GPF’s media contact is Javier Regalado, Pickleball Federation of the Americas (PFA) President and GPF Board Member.
About USA Pickleball
USA Pickleball serves as the National Governing Body (NGB) for pickleball in the United States.
Its mission is to foster the development and expansion of the sport while overseeing sanctioned events and offering annual members access to premier tournaments, educational opportunities, player rankings, official rules, and other exclusive benefits.
USA Pickleball, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, is governed and managed by a Board of Directors and a national office staff, providing the necessary guidance and infrastructure for the continued growth of the sport.
