World Pickleball Players Association Launch: Professional pickleball players have launched a new group called the World Pickleball Players Association (WPPA). The group was formed to give players a stronger voice on issues like health, safety, and fair pay. The WPPA is supported by players signed with the United Pickleball Association (UPA) and is led by a seven-member board.
A New Step Toward Player Rights
The World Pickleball Players Association is the first formal organization made by pro pickleball players. The goal is to work together and improve the sport for everyone involved—players, fans, and organizers. The board includes top players: Tina Pisnik is the president, Dekel Bar is the treasurer, and Jessie Irvine is the secretary. Other members are Augie Ge, Collin Johns, Jay Devilliers, and Gabe Tardio.
“This is about players working together to advance our sport and raise it to the next level – for athletes, fans, and the game itself,” said WPPA president Tina Pisnik in the press release.
Players Say It’s the Right Time
Board member Collin Johns said the need for such a group has been there for a long time. With more tours, more events, and more competition, players want a group that will stand up for their needs.
“This is something that we’ve needed for a long time,” Collin Johns said. “This is the right time. We have a lot of issues that are important to the players.”
Johns also explained that the WPPA isn’t meant to fight with the pro tours. Instead, it hopes to work alongside them.
“I don’t view this forming of the association to be combative in any way with the tour,” Johns added. “They can make it as collaborative as they want. It’s about some minimum standards that we can all agree upon. … We want to make sure everyone is treated the same, whether you’re the No. 1 player or the 100th-ranked player.”
Why It Matters
The WPPA’s launch could help players get better support, fair rules, and more respect across all pro levels. It shows that pickleball is growing not just in popularity, but also in how it treats its athletes. The group could work with pro tours to set fair standards for every player.
News in Briefl: World Pickleball Players Association Launch
Top pickleball players have launched the World Pickleball Players Association to push for better treatment, safety, and pay. Led by Tina Pisnik and backed by UPA-signed players, the group plans to work with tours to set fair standards. Players say the time is right to unite and act.