A Groundbreaking Partnership
Scheduled to make its debut at the COPA LATAM TOURNAMENT in São Paulo, Brazil, from September 13-15, 2024, this partnership is a significant leap forward for the sport. With UTR Sports’ cutting-edge technology now integrated into the PFA’s operations, players and organizers alike can expect a new level of precision and efficiency in tournament management and player rankings.
Gary Schwartz, Chair and CEO of the PFA, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “This partnership is focused on the emerging regions of the Americas. We strongly believe that the UTR Sports platform will revolutionize the way we run services and expand the game regionally. UTR is the gold standard for tennis and with its significant investment, expertise, comprehensive platform, and APP (Association of Pickleball Players) and USA Pickleball strategic partnerships, it is clear the UTR-P, software platform, and team is already the best technology and solution provider in the market poised to become the de facto standard in pickleball. This platform will completely change the landscape for the PFA and make us a powerful and impactful organization.”
UTR Sports: A New Era for Pickleball
UTR Sports, known for its innovative approach to ratings and event management in tennis, is now bringing that same expertise to pickleball. The UTR Pickleball Rating (UTR-P) will offer a sophisticated, standardized system for assessing player skill, while the event management software will streamline tournament operations from local to international levels.
Mark Leschly, CEO and Chairman of UTR Sports highlighted the global significance of this move: “Our partnership with the PFA highlights our long-term commitment to the growth of all stakeholders in pickleball globally. We are excited to provide our market-leading solutions to the PFA and a growing number of Federations across the globe so they can continue to support and grow their local, regional, and national pickleball communities.”
What This Means for the Sport
The integration of UTR Sports’ technology into the PFA’s framework is expected to have a profound impact. With accurate player ratings and efficient tournament management, the PFA can now offer a more competitive and engaging environment for players at all levels. The move also underscores a broader trend towards professionalism and standardization in the sport.
This strategic alliance not only promises to elevate the quality of pickleball events but also positions the PFA as a leading force in the sport’s global expansion. As the PFA and UTR Sports work together, they are set to usher in a new era of pickleball, characterized by enhanced competitive play and a more connected international community.
News in Brief: PFA and UTR Sports Join Forces
The Pickleball Federation of the Americas (PFA) has partnered with UTR Sports to adopt the UTR Pickleball Rating (UTR-P) and UTR Sports’ event management software. Debuting at the COPA LATAM TOURNAMENT in São Paulo in September 2024, this alliance aims to revolutionize pickleball tournament management and player rankings. Gary Schwartz, CEO of the PFA, highlighted the partnership’s potential to expand the sport regionally with UTR’s advanced technology. Mark Leschly, CEO of UTR Sports, emphasized their commitment to global pickleball growth. This move marks a significant step toward professionalizing and standardizing the sport.
Also Read: The Journey of Christian Alshon:Tennis Prodigy to Pickleball Star
