United Pickleball Association’s Bold Moves: Professional pickleball is undergoing significant transformations as the United Pickleball Association (UPA) announces major developments in early April 2024. These changes include team acquisitions, new player contracts, and partnerships that are reshaping the landscape of competitive play.
UPA Acquires Teams and Disbands Others
On April 1, 2024, the UPA quietly revealed that it had acquired two teams from Major League Pickleball (MLP): the Austin Pickleballers and the Milwaukee Mashers. These franchises, originally part of the league’s eight founding teams, will be disbanded and removed from the Challenger division for the 2024 season.
The Austin Pickleballers were owned by Brene Brown and Charles Kiley, while the Milwaukee Mashers were owned by Marc Lasry and James Blake.
Draft Disputes and Contract Modifications
As the MLP draft approached on April 2, 2024, the UPA announced that it had resolved a long-standing dispute with the “Johnson 5.” Although various news outlets reported on the deal, it was not finalized until just an hour before the draft.
Additionally, on the same day, player Riley Newman modified his contract to allow participation in PPA events. Newman was previously known for refusing to renegotiate his MLP deal, which would have sidelined him from PPA competitions for three years.
New Rating System and Official Partnerships
On April 3, 2024, UPA declared that the DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) will serve as the official rating system for the MLP, PPA Tour, and related organizations. This announcement is a crucial step in ensuring the reliability of player ratings, which have faced challenges due to a lack of data.
In a separate development on April 18, 2024, UTR Sports announced a collaboration with the USAP and the APP to enhance software and ratings for pickleball events. This partnership signifies a shift away from the Pickleball Brackets tournament software to UTR’s platform, indicating a division in how events will be rated and managed.
Player Achievements and Tournament Highlights
Anna Leigh Waters achieved a significant milestone on April 7, 2024, winning her 100th career PPA title at an event in Cary, North Carolina. This victory not only highlights her skill but also underscores the rising competition within the sport.
Additionally, the 8th annual US Open wrapped up on April 21, 2024, featuring 3,200 players and nearly 4,900 divisions, marking a successful event as founders Chris Evon and Terri Graham prepared to step back from their roles.
Global Expansion Plans
On April 25, 2024, the PPA announced a deal with Global Sports to expand its reach into India, introducing PPA India and MLP India.
This move represents an exciting opportunity for the growth of pickleball on an international scale, as the sport gains popularity beyond North America.
News in Brief: United Pickleball Association’s Bold Moves
In early April 2024, the United Pickleball Association (UPA) announced significant changes, including the acquisition of two MLP teams and the disbanding of others.
The DUPR system will be adopted as the official player rating system. Anna Leigh Waters celebrated her 100th PPA title, and the PPA is expanding into India, marking a new chapter for international pickleball growth.
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