UPA-A Announces Pricing Changes in Paddle Certification, Impending Shift to Not-For-Profit Status
PPA Cincinnati was marked by breathtaking action and unbelievable upsets. But it was also marked by controversy as many players weren’t using their normal paddles and were left seemingly unsure of what paddles they can and cannot use.
The reason for this mix-up is the UPA-A implementing new paddle testing standards starting 1 September 2025. As these new standards were implemented, several previously approved paddles—most Selkirk models, for instance, along with Paris Todd’s Franklin Dynasty—were removed from the approved list of paddles pre-September. This delisting, in turn, caused massive confusion at the pro level.
At the time the new implementing standards took effect, only 91 models from 22 brands were on the UPA-A approved paddles list, as many were omitted despite already receiving certification.
In response, the UPA-A has introduced changes to its paddle certification pricing structure, which it describes as a “pivotal step in UPA-A’s mission to grow the sport of pickleball by ensuring fair and competitive play at every professional and competitive event.”
UPA-A Introduces New Paddle Certification Pricing, Underscores Vital Role in Paddle Standardisation
The pricing changes are significant because they are quite substantial, with some fees reduced by up to 50%. The UPA-A’s new pricing structure, per its official announcement, looks like this:
- Annual Fee: Reduced from USD $20,000 (2025) to USD $10,000
- Per Paddle Certification: USD $3,000 (standard eight-week turnaround)
- Expedited Service (four weeks): USD $2,500 additional
- Super Expedited Service (four weeks): USD $7,500 additional
- Retest after failure: USD $2,000
“This new structure reflects feedback from manufacturers who certified in 2025, as well as those who opted not to, demonstrating UPA-A’s commitment to listening, learning, and lowering barriers while maintaining the integrity of the game,” the UPA-A said in its announcement of the new pricing structure.
The UPA-A also underscored its role in standardising paddles, noting in its announcement that pickleball paddle certification for so long used to rely “on outdated and inconsistent testing methods that failed to keep pace with the rapid evolution of paddle technology.”
“Recognising this gap at the professional level of play both at PPA and MLP, UPA-A was established… to build the world’s most advanced pickleball paddle testing facility,” the UPA-A added. “UPA-A partnered with Pickle Pro Labs, invested in custom-built machines designed by Automated Design Corp., and collaborated with researchers at UMass Lowell’s Baseball Research Lab to build the world’s most advanced pickleball paddle testing facility. In just 16 months, this unprecedented collaboration has established UPA-A Certification as the global gold standard…”
UPA-A Touches on Status Transition
In the same announcement, the UPA-A also touched on its impending transition from a for-profit entity into a not-for-profit one, pointing out that it’s “going from an LLC under the broader UPA umbrella into a fully independent 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organisation.”
“This change, which will be completed shortly, underscores the association’s core mission: to ensure pickleball remains fair, fun, and competitive for all participants, while reinvesting in the growth of the game,” it added.
Notably, UPA-A President Jason Aspes has previously endorsed this change in status to ensure independence.
“I recognise that we need to move towards independence and being a non-profit, and I think that will bring a lot of confidence in the system. We are happy to move towards that. We said that we would do that this year, and we are actively taking steps to do so,” Aspes said in a meeting of pickleball industry leaders at RacquetX in Miami back in March.
Now, along with changing the pricing structure of the paddle certification process, it looks like the UPA-A is also on the verge of becoming a not-for-profit organisation.
The UPA-A Approved Paddles list can be viewed here. Registration for paddle brands can be found here.
