GPF, UWPF Take Bold Step Towards Forming Single International Governing Body for Pickleball
The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) and United World Pickleball Federation (UWPF) have taken a major step towards creating a single international governing body for pickleball. On Monday, the two organisations announced a joint formal commitment to establish this unified governing identity dedicated solely to governing and expanding pickleball.
This collaboration is a bold response to the rapid, worldwide growth of pickleball, and the clear need for a unified structure to guide its development. The single entity will be established as a fully democratic and inclusive body that will be fully compliant with the standards of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This strategic alignment is a critical step towards providing certainty for national and continental federations, while also helping secure pickleball’s place in major multi-sport competitions, notably the Olympics.
To turn this vision into reality, the boards of both the GPF and UWPF have established a joint task force made up of board-appointed representatives from each federation. These representatives will be tasked with a critical mandate: to manage all aspects of the negotiation and integration process to facilitate a smooth and efficient transition into one governing body. This joint representation aims to ensure the process is collaborative, embracing the value of both organisations, and managing negotiation for the development of a unified entity with clear priorities, and representing the highest possible standards of international sports governance.
GPF and UWPF Boards Already at Work
The task force, in fact, has begun the process, holding its inaugural meeting on 8 November 2025 with representatives from both federations present. Among those in this meeting were Dr Kelvin Yii, Rika Riordan, Seymour Rifkind, and Arvind Prabhoo of the UWPF, and Jen Ramamurthy, Ruth Rosenquist, and Chandler Carney of the GPF.
The creation of a single International Federation promises immense benefits for the entire pickleball community. This consolidation is expected to accelerate the sport’s development, foster greater investment, and create a cohesive and sustainable pathway for pickleball’s future on the world stage.
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