NPL Joins Forces with PWR: The Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) and the National Pickleball League (NPL) have solidified a significant partnership, naming NPL as the exclusive and official tournament and league provider for the Oceania region in 2025. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for the sport, as NPL’s leagues and tournaments will now be integrated into the PWR structure. As a result, NPL players will be able to earn points toward their PWR rankings, assisting them in qualifying for the prestigious PWR World Series.
A Unified Global Ranking System
PWR is the home of the newly established Pickleball World Rankings, along with the PWR World Tour and the PWR World Series. This unified global ranking system offers a clear pathway for pickleball players to accumulate ranking points by competing in regional events. Players can earn points through the PWR World Tour, ultimately qualifying for the PWR World Series, thereby elevating their competitive prospects.
Exclusivity of NPL Events in Oceania
With NPL now serving as PWR’s exclusive partner in Oceania, only NPL events—encompassing both leagues and tournaments—will award PWR ranking points in the region. This strategic collaboration seeks to unify regional organizations under one global framework, enhancing the long-term growth and governance of pickleball.
While the specific point structure for NPL Australia tournaments will be unveiled later in 2024, all events will adhere to PWR’s established categories: PWR50, PWR100, PWR200, PWR400, PWR700, PWR1000, and PWR2000.
Expanding PWR’s Global Reach
PWR is a joint venture between The Times Group, India’s news and entertainment leader, and Pickleball League Asia Private Limited. The PWR, PWR World Series, and PWR World Tour were officially launched in Dubai in July 2024, with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) designated as the host region for the inaugural PWR World Series.
In addition, PWR recently announced the PWR DUPR Indian Tour & League, a significant pickleball tour and league for India. Former world number one tennis player Andre Agassi is set to visit India in January 2025 to ceremoniously kick off the PWR DUPR Indian Tour & League.
The upcoming PWR DUPR India Masters, classified as a PWR700 event on the PWR World Tour, will feature an impressive roster of 750 participants—comprising both professionals and amateurs. This landmark event will take place in New Delhi from October 24 to 27, 2024, serving as a key milestone in enhancing pickleball’s presence in both the Indian and global sports landscapes.
Leadership Voices on the Partnership
NPL CEO Ron Shell expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with PWR for 2025 and support their significant investment in the global pickleball ecosystem. PWR’s vision for the sport is incredibly exciting, providing our players with the opportunity to be part of a global movement while still enjoying regional competition. The introduction of a unified, international ranking pathway is exactly what has been missing. We look forward to delivering top-tier Oceania leagues and tournaments in 2025, helping players progress in their professional pickleball careers.”
The Times Group managing director Vineet Jain added, “The vision of PWR is to unify the global pickleball community and drive the growth of pickleball in global markets. The partnership with NPL is a step in that direction, and we are excited to partner with them.”
PWR CEO Pranav Kohli remarked, “Australia is a key market for the growth of PWR in the Oceania region. We’re excited to collaborate with Ron, David, and the entire NPL Australia team. This partnership is a major step in PWR’s global expansion.”
News in Brief : NPL Joins Forces with PWR
The Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) and the National Pickleball League (NPL) have partnered to name NPL as the official tournament provider for Oceania in 2025. This partnership integrates NPL events into the PWR structure, allowing players to earn ranking points. PWR aims to unify global pickleball under a structured ranking system, fostering the sport’s growth. The specific point structure for NPL Australia tournaments will be announced later, aligning with PWR’s established categories.
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