United Pickleball Association Contract Changes: On Monday, June 23, 2025, the United Pickleball Association (UPA) contacted all its signed players with new contract offers. These updated deals aim to spread guaranteed salaries over more years while introducing over $15 million in prize money, reshaping how pro pickleball will function from 2026 through 2028.
Why the UPA Is Changing Contracts Again
This is the second time in 2025 that the UPA has asked players to restructure contracts. The new offer takes the guaranteed 2026 salary from current contracts and splits it evenly across three years—2026, 2027, and 2028.
For example, a player making $120,000 in 2026 would now receive $40,000 per year across those three years.
This change focuses on reducing fixed payments while offering much more prize money. Over $15 million in prize money will be available across the Professional Pickleball Association Tour (PPA Tour) and Major League Pickleball (MLP), plus $11 million in guaranteed salaries and $5 million in global prize pools.
How This All Started
Back in August 2023, a period known as the “tour wars” began. Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the PPA Tour were competing to sign the best players. MLP signed more athletes overall, while the PPA Tour signed top stars like Anna Leigh Waters, Catherine Parenteau, and Ben Johns.
In March 2024, MLP and the PPA Tour merged under the UPA. The contracts signed during the tour wars covered 2024–2026 and offered full yearly pay regardless of performance.
First Wave of Pay Cuts in Early 2024
As the new league structure took shape, the UPA realized it couldn’t afford all the promised salaries.
So, in early 2024, MLP players were asked to take pay cuts of 25%–35%. In exchange, they had fewer required events. PPA Tour players had smaller or no pay cuts.
One example shows how Player X had agreed to a $150,000 yearly salary from MLP but later accepted $100,000 annually for the good of the league.
New Contract Extensions: What Players Are Being Offered
The new UPA contracts aim to extend player deals through 2028 while lowering annual guarantees.
Each player’s 2026 salary would be split into thirds and paid out equally across 2026, 2027, and 2028. This means players would earn less each year, but would be eligible for large prize money payouts.
Why Would Players Agree?
The main reason players might accept these new terms is the introduction of real prize money. Right now, most signed players receive the same pay whether they win or lose. Prize money is only given out during limited events, like the MLP Mid-Season Tournament or the Finals.
With the new structure, all players could earn extra money based on how well they perform at events.
Contract Types and Prize Money Levels
There are four levels of contracts, each with different prize money access:
Gold Contract: For players who signed during the 2023 tour wars. These players get access to the biggest prize pools. Signing period: July 1–August 15, 2025.
Standard Contract: For players signed after 2023 but before now. Signing period: August 15–September 23, 2025.
New Player Contract: For players not yet signed with the UPA. Signing period: September 23–November 1, 2025.
Futures Contract: For players who miss all deadlines. These players stay in this category for at least six months before they can qualify for better prize money by ranking in the top 25 or 30 or by being moved up by the UPA player committee.
Event Requirements and League Exclusivity
To get any of these contracts, players must agree to play in at least 25 events per year across both the PPA Tour and MLP.
Required events include:
15 PPA Tournaments
3 PPA Slams
4 PPA Cups
1 PPA World Championships
6 PPA Opens
1 International Tour Stop
PPA Finals (if qualified)
6 MLP events (5 regular, 1 mid-season)
MLP Playoffs (if team qualifies)
4 optional events from a UPA-approved list
Players must also play only in UPA events. To play in any outside pickleball activity, such as exhibitions or charity matches, players must get written permission 60 days in advance. The UPA has 20 days to approve or deny these requests.
Newly Introduced Prize Brackets
Gold Contract Prize Money Grid
Standard Contract Prize Money Grid
Futures Contract Grid
Non-contracted players
Non-contracted playersNon-contracted players who earn a spot in the main draw through qualifiers or wild cards will receive 50% of the prize money outlined in the Futures Contract Pro Prize Money Grid.
New Ranking System: PPA World Ranking
The UPA will now use the PPA World Ranking to measure the best players across all divisions.
This system scores players over 52 weeks using this breakdown:
50%: Gender doubles
35%: Mixed doubles
15%: Singles
These rankings will decide how much prize money players can earn and determine future contract levels.
News in Brief: United Pickleball Association Contract Changes
The United Pickleball Association is offering contract extensions to pro players, spreading 2026 pay over three years and adding $15 million in prize money. The UPA’s plan includes a new ranking system, prize money tiers, and more required events. Players must choose between current deals or new offers by late 2025.
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