Zane Navratil Pickleball Leadership: Zane Navratil has been elected president of the United Pickleball Association (UPA) Pro Player Committee. The announcement was made on July 28. The committee will represent professional players from the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball in discussions about rules, payments, and other key issues. Navratil, a well-known pro player, was chosen by his fellow athletes. The UPA made it clear that this group is the only official body speaking for its 167 contracted athletes.
What the Committee Does
The UPA formed its Pro Player Committee in 2020. But now, it’s stepping into a bigger role. According to a league statement, “The United Pickleball Association Pro Player Committee serves as the official and exclusive player representation body recognized by the UPA to weigh in on key matters including rules, regulations, player obligations, compensation structure, policies, and other professional pickleball governance.”
The UPA also stated that it does not recognize the WPPA (a different player group). The league wants one clear group to represent its players, and this committee is it. As president, Zane Navratil “will be instrumental in acting as the voice of not just the committee, but of his fellow 155+ contracted athletes of the UPA.”
Who’s on the Committee?
The UPA Pro Player Committee includes:
- Zane Navratil – President
- Roscoe Bellamy
- Brooke Buckner
- Jorja Johnson
- Allyce Jones
- Eric Oncins
- Catherine Parenteau
- Federico Staksrud
- Anna Leigh Waters
- Matt Wright
These players will help shape decisions that affect all pros in the UPA system.
Zane Navratil Speaks Out
Zane Navratil shared his thoughts in a LinkedIn post after being elected. He wrote:
“Honored to Serve as President of the UPA Pro Player Committee. I’m grateful to share that I’ve been elected by my peers to serve as President of the UPA Pro Player Committee. For those unfamiliar, the United Pickleball Association (UPA) is the parent organization of Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the PPA Tour (PPA).
While I didn’t actively seek this position, I take this responsibility seriously and am committed to serving the player community with integrity and balance. Like many others in this growing sport, I wear a lot of hats—professional athlete, team captain of the The New Jersey 5s – Major League Pickleball, partner at 35 Capital (owner of Paddletek and ProXR Pickleball), co-creator of an international clinic platform with Christopher Bouza/Pickleball Pros, YouTube content creator, podcast host with The Dink Pickleball, and ambassador for Stop Alzheimer’s Now. I’m also a proud husband to Jenny and dog dad to Murray and Arlo.
Despite a full plate, I believe strongly in the value of unified representation. Unlike other major sports, professional pickleball has yet to benefit from a true players’ association. It’s time for a collaborative, solutions-oriented voice at the table—one that works with the UPA rather than against it.
With a background in accounting and a deep respect for the business side of the sport, my goal is to advocate for smart, actionable improvements that elevate the player experience without disrupting operational sustainability. This role isn’t about conflict—it’s about constructive progress.
To the 167 UPA players who entrusted me with this role: thank you. I won’t take it lightly.
Let’s get to work.”
Why This Committee Matters
In the past, pro pickleball didn’t have a strong player group like other sports do. There were small councils, but nothing that united athletes from both the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. The sport has grown quickly, and so have the problems. Players are asking for better travel plans, fair rules, and more say in business choices.
Earlier this year, The Dink highlighted this issue in its article “Pickleball Pros Organize New Players Association.” Now, the UPA Pro Player Committee is set to fill that gap.
Why Zane Navratil?
Zane Navratil is one of the sport’s top players. He’s a champion in both the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. He is also the team captain of the New Jersey 5s.
Navratil is more than just a player. He’s involved in business as a partner at Paddletek and ProXR Pickleball. He runs global clinics with Christopher Bouza through Pickleball Pros. He co-hosts PicklePod on The Dink Pickleball, where he talks about the sport’s future.
His podcast has helped him become one of pickleball’s most trusted voices. In 2023, he won The Dink’s “Most Influential Voice in Pickleball” award.
Here’s a quick look at his roles:
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| President, UPA Pro Player Committee | Advocates for pro players’ interests within the UPA |
| Pro Pickleball Player | Top competitor, team captain for New Jersey 5s |
| Co-host, PicklePod | Offers thought leadership and analysis on the sport |
| Partner, Paddletek & ProXR | Business involvement in paddle technology |
| Clinic Organizer | Runs international clinics with Pickleball Pros |
| Ambassador, Stop Alzheimer’s Now | Supports charity work |
| Winner, Dink Award | Named “Most Influential Voice in Pickleball” in 2023 |
What’s Next?
Zane Navratil wants this committee to work with the UPA, not against it. He wrote, “It’s time for a collaborative, solutions-oriented voice at the table—one that works with the UPA rather than against it. My goal is to advocate for smart, actionable improvements that elevate the player experience without disrupting operational sustainability. This role isn’t about conflict—it’s about constructive progress.”
His background in accounting gives him extra tools to work with league leaders and sponsors. The real test will be how well the committee can create real change.
Many players took part in the vote to elect him. That shows that athletes are ready to be heard.
Zane Navratil closed his message with a promise:
“To the 167 UPA players who entrusted me with this role: thank you. I won’t take it lightly.”
News in Brief: Zane Navratil Pickleball Leadership
Zane Navratil has been elected president of the UPA Pro Player Committee, the official group representing 167 pro pickleball players from the PPA and MLP. The committee aims to improve player conditions and bring a united voice to the sport. Navratil promises to focus on progress, not conflict.
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