Women’s International Pickleball Association Launches to Promote Female Representation in the Sport

Women’s International Pickleball Association: Pickleball is experiencing rapid growth, and efforts are underway to ensure women have equal opportunities in this expanding sport. The Women’s International Pickleball Association (WIPA) officially launched on Wednesday, aiming to create a supportive ecosystem for women in pickleball.

Co-Founders and Mission

WIPA was co-founded by professional basketball player Chiney Ogwumike, pickleball pro Rachel Hong, and Disrupt the Game president Allison Galer. The organization’s mission is to provide resources and support to help women thrive in pickleball. Ogwumike shared her excitement, saying,

“I came late to the pickleball game, but it’s really the best-kept secret.”(Chiney Ogwumike)

the importance of increasing representation in the sport, particularly for women.

Inaugural Women’s World Tour

One of WIPA’s key initiatives is the launch of an inaugural world tour exclusively for women. As discussions about making pickleball an NCAA or Olympic sport gain momentum, Hong mentioned that WIPA plans to contribute to these developments.

“We want to ensure women have a place at the table as the sport evolves,” (Rachel Hong).

Advocating for Equity

A major focus of WIPA will be advocating for equitable compensation in pickleball. Hong explained that the organization will work towards achieving comparable prize money and sponsorships for female competitors.

“Very rarely is there a sport that’s new enough where you can start out with equitable pay,” (Rachel Hong).

The organization aims to increase sponsorship opportunities for women, who have been historically underrepresented in sports.

Mainstream Appeal and Support

Pickleball has quickly gained traction in the mainstream, thanks in part to the support of high-profile athletes like former NFL quarterback Drew Brees and NBA stars such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant. These athletes have invested in Major League Pickleball teams and helped raise the sport’s profile. Additionally, former professional athletes like Dirk Nowitzki and Julie Foudy have embraced pickleball as a way to stay competitive after their playing careers.

The sport is also inclusive, with recent tournaments featuring teams of players ranging from high school students to those in their 40s. This diversity further solidifies pickleball’s reputation as a sport for everyone.

With WIPA’s commitment to advancing women’s involvement in pickleball, the future looks promising. More investments, initiatives, and opportunities for public engagement are expected as the sport continues to evolve.

News in Brief: Women’s International Pickleball Association