Global Pickleball Merger: What It Means for Players & The Olympics
Pickleball is growing faster than almost any sport in the world—but one of the biggest factors holding it back has been confusion at the global level. Until now, there hasn’t been a single international governing body steering the sport toward major milestones like the Olympics. Instead, multiple organizations have claimed leadership, leaving players, brands, and even national federations unsure of who is “in charge.”
That changed this week.
Two major groups—the United World Pickleball Federation (UWPF) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF)—announced they are officially joining forces to create one unified international governing body for pickleball. And while most recreational players may have never heard of these organizations, this move could shape the sport’s future on the international stage.
Let’s break down what this means in simple terms—without the politics.
Why Are There So Many Federations?
Most sports have one global governing body. Pickleball has had several—formed at different times, with different goals—as the sport exploded worldwide. This created:
Confusion for governments and sports commissions
Barriers for Olympic recognition
Mixed messaging for national federations
The UWPF–GPF merger is an attempt to end that fragmentation and build a single, credible home for global pickleball.
What Exactly Is Happening?
The two federations have agreed to merge into one democratic, internationally recognized organization that meets the standards required by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
They’ve already formed a joint task force to combine structures, rules, and governance models. Their goals include:
Creating one international authority
Aligning global competition standards
Meeting Olympic-level governance requirements
Supporting national federations worldwide
This is the most serious and unified step we’ve seen toward global organization.
Where Does USA Pickleball Fit Into This?
Here’s what’s important for U.S. players to know: USA Pickleball (USAP) remains the official governing body for the United States.
USAP continues to oversee:
Rules of play
National tournaments
Rankings
Coaching standards
Grassroots development within the U.S.
Nothing in this merger changes the role or authority of USAP inside the U.S.—And that’s all players need to worry about for now. We are not getting into the weeds of global affiliations—that landscape is still evolving, and it is too early to know how different national bodies will align.
Why This Matters for the Olympics
The Olympic Committee only recognizes one international federation per sport. Until now, pickleball hasn’t had that. Instead, it’s had competing groups, competing world championships, and competing visions for the sport.
This merger signals:
Stability
Unity
A clear pathway to future Olympic consideration
It does not mean pickleball is joining the Olympics tomorrow—but it brings the sport closer than ever before.
What This Means for Everyday Players
While global politics can feel far away, this shift will eventually impact:
1. International Competitions
A single governing body allows for:
Recognized world events
Continental championships
Junior and youth development pathways
2. Investment and Growth
Unified leadership attracts:
Sponsors
Government support
Long-term global development
3. A More Organized Future
Just like soccer, tennis, or volleyball, pickleball is moving toward a standard international structure.
One Step Closer to the Podium
Pickleball’s international landscape has been messy for years, but this merger between UWPF and GPF is one of the clearest signs yet that the sport is maturing into a true global presence.
For players in the United States, nothing changes on your courts or in your leagues. USA Pickleball continues to lead the sport domestically, just as it always has.
But at the highest levels, this is a major step forward—especially for anyone dreaming of seeing pickleball on the Olympic stage one day.
Empower Pickleball will continue breaking down developments like this with clear, accessible language—for rec players, families, women in the sport, and anyone who just wants to understand where pickleball is headed next.
