World Pickleball Federation Olympic Bid: In a major step to unite the sport of pickleball and help it reach the Olympic Games, the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and the World Pickleball Federation (WPF) have officially merged. The new organization will be known as the World Pickleball Federation. On June 14, 2025, both federations voted in favor of this historic merger. The goal is to build a single strong global body that will push for Olympic recognition, possibly by 2032 or 2036. A source within the WPF said there is even a small chance the sport could be included in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Building One Global Federation
Before the merger, three international organizations led pickleball: the IPF, WPF, and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). The IPF was first created in 2010 as the International Federation of Pickleball, but it later had issues and was reestablished in April 2023. It is based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with offices in India and China, and plans to open one in Lausanne, Switzerland. The IPF grew quickly and had 77 national members. Arvind Prabhoo from India led the group as president.
The WPF started in 2018 by Seymour Rifkind, who also created the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association. The WPF focused on spreading pickleball in developing areas and creating a system for world rankings. The Asia Federation was one of the key supporters of the merger.
The third group, the GPF, was launched in November 2023 after some countries left the IPF. The GPF includes 67 member countries and works through regional bodies across continents. It promotes clean sport, democratic values, and Olympic dreams.
Making the Merger Work
The IPF and WPF agreed to work together under the name World Pickleball Federation. They kept the IPF motto, “No Country Left Behind,” and plan to set up their main office in Lausanne, home of the International Olympic Committee. They also invited the GPF to join in the future.
A special Transition Team is leading this process. The team is chaired by Michael Jacki, a consultant with IOC experience. The team released a whitepaper to help national groups become single National Governing Bodies, as the IOC requires. On June 14, 2025, both federations held votes to approve the plan, and it passed without opposition. A new Board of Directors will be elected in August after a 45-day nomination window.
Pushing for the Olympics
The main goal of this merger is to help pickleball become an Olympic sport. A single global body meets the IOC’s rules. The move to Lausanne and changes to bylaws also help. Each country will now be part of one national group, which avoids confusion and disagreement.
The Global Pickleball Federation is still growing and gaining respect. It includes USA Pickleball and 67 member nations. The GPF has called for unity, saying:
“The path to Pickleball’s inclusion in the Olympics requires a unified effort… the door remains open to join forces in the spirit of unity and the greater good of our game.”
The GPF believes it has strong standards and a wide global reach. The IOC will decide which group best meets its standards. These include good governance, strong membership, fair play rules, and the ability to resolve conflicts.
What Happens Next
With the vote passed, the IPF-WPF merger will now move ahead. In August, members will vote for a new board and confirm rules. All countries in the merged group will become single national organizations. This is key for being accepted by the IOC.
The new group will then officially request to join the Olympics. The main goal is to be part of the Brisbane 2032 or 2036 Games. A small chance for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics also remains.
The GPF may still join or continue on its own. Talks and decisions in the coming months will decide the future.
“The need for a singular, unified international governing body to enhance the sport’s growth, governance, credibility, and Olympic aspirations.”
Whether the sport unites under one roof or remains split, its Olympic future depends on unity and strong leadership.
News in Brief: World Pickleball Federation Olympic Bid
The International Pickleball Federation and World Pickleball Federation have merged to form a single global body. Their goal is to get pickleball into the Olympic Games, possibly by 2032. The Global Pickleball Federation has called for unity, while the new group sets up leadership and prepares to apply for Olympic recognition.