New PPA Gold Card Rules Shake Up 2025: The PPA Gold Card, a new designation for exclusive United Pickleball Association (UPA) players, has already caused challenges in 2025. Some players, like Vivian Glozman, faced unexpected hurdles at the Masters tournament in January, exposing a gap in the qualification system. In response, the PPA introduced stricter eligibility rules to clarify participation guidelines.
New Qualification Rules and Controversy
At the Masters in January, Glozman had to go through qualifiers despite being a Major League Pickleball (MLP) player. Her contract allows her to play MLP but does not include a PPA deal, forcing her into qualifiers alongside Jackie Kawamoto and Riley Newman.
Their presence in the qualifying rounds was seen as unfair to aspiring qualifiers and top-seeded main draw players.
To address the issue, the PPA implemented new rules. Now, any player ranked in the top 50 of PPA Points cannot enter qualifiers. Meanwhile, any player without a UPA contract must go through qualifiers or play in the PPA Challenger Series. Dillon Segur, the PPA Player Liaison, clarified these rules in a recent message to players, obtained by The Dink.
Impact on Players Like Freeman
These rules force unsigned players to make difficult choices: either avoid the PPA Tour, compete only in the Challenger Series, or sign an exclusive UPA contract. This situation directly impacts talented up-and-coming players like Freeman.
He had planned to play on the PPA Tour in 2025 but, without a Gold Card, he cannot team up with contracted UPA players. Since he is not yet in the top 50, he is eligible for qualifiers or the Challenger Series but faces restrictions on partnerships.
Freeman has not found the UPA contract financially beneficial enough to sign. As a result, he plans to compete in the APP Tour instead. Recently, he participated in the World Pickleball League in India, representing the Hyderabad Super Stars.
Uncertain Future for Teaming and Partnerships
The rule changes have left some top players searching for partners. Ben Johns, a leading figure in pickleball, may need a new teammate for the upcoming PPA Cape Coral event. With the PPA rules now in place, only signed UPA players can pair with him, adding complexity to team formations and partnerships moving forward.
News in Brief: New PPA Gold Card Rules Shake Up 2025
New PPA Gold Card rules in 2025 are creating difficulties for players without UPA contracts. Vivian Glozman’s situation at the Masters led to rule changes that limit qualifier access.
Players like Freeman must decide between signing a UPA deal or seeking other tours. Ben Johns now searches for a new PPA Cape Coral partner under these new restrictions.
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