UWPF and GPF Announce Joint Initiative to Establisha Single International Governing Body for Pickleball

Rika Riordan, Vice President of the PJF, has been appointed as an official member of the international Integration Task Force overseeing the unification process!

In a landmark decision set to reshape the future of the sport, the Board of Directors of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) and the United World Pickleball Federation (UWPF) jointly announce a formal commitment to collaborate to establish a single governing entity dedicated to the governance and global expansion of pickleball.

This move comes in response to the rapid, worldwide growth of pickleball and the clear need for a unified structure to guide its development. The entity will be established as a fully democratic and inclusive body, designed to be fully compliant with the standards of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

This strategic alignment is a critical step toward providing certainty for national and continental federations while also helping secure pickleball's place in major multi-sport competitions. 

To translate this shared vision into reality, the boards have acted decisively by establishing a joint taskforce comprising representatives from both federations, appointed by each board respectively, and entrusted with a critical mandate: manage all aspects of the negotiation and integration process. Its primary objectives are to facilitate a smooth and efficient transition, ensuring the process is collaborative, embracing the value of both organisations and managing negotiation for the development of a governing entity with clear priorities and representing the highest possible standards of international sports governance. 

The taskforce has already commenced its work, holding its inaugural meeting on November 8, 2025, at 22:00 Central European Time (CET). The meeting was attended by representatives from both federations, including the Unification Committee from UWPF consisting of Dr. Kelvin Yii, Ms Rika Riordan, Mr Seymour Rifkind, and Mr Arvind Prabhoo; and members of the GPF Board consisting of Ms Jen Ramamurthy, Ms Ruth Rosenquist, and Ms Chandler Carney. 

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. 

 Jen Ramamurthy

(GPF Secretary-general)

Miguel Montano Freire 

(UWPF Secretary) 

Access the official press release here. https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000016.000144389.html