The UPA (United Pickleball Association) has unveiled its plans to launch the UPA International Championship Series in 2025. The series will include five major international events, operated in partnership with leading organizations from each host country.
Events are set to take place in Australia, India, Canada, Asia, and Europe, and will feature top PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) contracted pros. This marks UPA’s first significant international expansion, following the APP’s (Association of Pickleball Professionals) earlier international partnerships.
International Expansion for UPA
The UPA International Championship Series will bring top-level pickleball to players and fans across the globe. By collaborating with local organizations in each region, UPA aims to build a strong international presence.
This effort comes after the APP’s successful partnerships with major international tournaments in 2023 and 2024, which made it the first major organization to expand internationally. UPA’s new initiative signals its ambition to compete in the global market, offering exciting opportunities for both players and fans.
Improved Match Data Tracking for Players
In addition to the international series announcement, UPA also revealed a new development for players. Starting on July 29, 2024, all match data from DUPR-enabled events held on UPA-owned platforms will automatically update to the DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) system.
This new system will streamline the player rating process, allowing players to avoid manually entering their match results or relying on tournament directors to update them. The move has been welcomed by players, who have long struggled with self-reporting or waiting for tournament data to be updated.
Looking Ahead for UPA’s Global Impact
The launch of the UPA International Championship Series in 2025 is a major step toward global expansion for the organization. With top pros participating in international events, the series promises to elevate the visibility of pickleball worldwide.
The automatic match data updates through DUPR will also enhance the player experience by making rating tracking easier. As UPA continues to expand its reach, this combination of international events and improved technology could reshape the future of competitive pickleball.
News in Brief: UPA International Championship Series
The UPA will launch the UPA International Championship Series in 2025, featuring five global events with top PPA pros. The series aims to expand UPA’s international presence, competing with the APP’s global efforts. Additionally, UPA introduced automatic match data updates via the DUPR system to improve player ratings and experience.