A Year of Transformation in Pickleball: Part One – January to June 2024
The year 2024 witnessed a period of immense change and growth in the world of professional pickleball, marked by mergers, controversies, international expansions, and the rise of new powerhouses. This first half of the year, from January to June, laid the groundwork for a dramatic reshaping of the sport’s landscape, leaving fans and players alike in anticipation of what the future held.
The year began amidst uncertainty surrounding the proposed merger between the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP). Player contracts were in limbo, with significant pay cuts looming for many. Competing professional organizations, such as the Association of Pickleball Players (APP), forged ahead with ambitious schedules, while USA Pickleball (USAP) finalized new rules and sought a new venue for its National Championships. The international scene remained largely undeveloped, save for fledgling efforts in Australia and scattered grassroots movements globally.
January brought a flurry of activity, including a comprehensive oral history of the "Tour Wars" published by Jason Aspes, shedding light on the complex web of rivalries and alliances shaping the sport. PPA announced a switch to the Vulcan ball, accompanied by new serve modifications seemingly aimed at curbing the power of prominent servers. Meanwhile, the APP secured Melissa McCurley, former CEO of Pickleball Tournaments, to lead its competition initiatives. The first PPA tournament of the year showcased the debut of high-profile athletes like Jack Sock and Genie Bouchard but also sparked controversy with a series of forfeited bronze medal matches, highlighting the financial disincentives for pro players under the new contract structure.
February marked a significant turning point with the finalization of the PPA-MLP merger. This long-awaited consolidation created the United Pickleball Association (UPA), ushering in a new era of unified governance. Details of player contracts and the merger terms emerged, revealing player buyouts, continued pay disputes, and the potential for legal action. The APP continued its strategic moves, establishing its permanent headquarters at "The Fort" in Fort Lauderdale and partnering with The Dink as its official apparel brand for APP Next Gen. On the international front, PPA announced its expansion into Australia, further solidifying its global ambitions.
March brought further developments as the UPA released an updated schedule and announced draft dates and formats for the Premier and Challenger leagues. The APP expanded its youth program with the launch of the APP Junior Circuit. Significant player signings solidified the UPA’s roster, while the disbanding of two MLP teams reshaped the Challenger division. Amidst these changes, the UPA quietly eliminated the loser’s bracket from PPA pro divisions, a move that streamlined tournament formats but reduced playing opportunities for some.
April witnessed several key announcements, including Drew Brees joining Picklr as a brand ambassador and franchise owner. Anna Leigh Waters reached a career milestone, securing her 100th PPA title. The construction of a new $25 million pickleball facility in Utah, spearheaded by Connor Pardoe, owner of the Utah Black Diamonds, signaled significant investment in the sport’s infrastructure. The launch of Joola’s Gen 3 paddle line ignited controversy, foreshadowing future debates about paddle technology and regulations. Perhaps most notably, Federico Staksrud dethroned Ben Johns as the #1 ranked singles player, marking a historic shift in the sport’s competitive landscape.
May ushered in further developments in the paddle technology debate, with rumors of additional paddle delistings adding fuel to the fire. The UPA announced its National Championships in Dallas, a move seen as a direct challenge to USAP’s own Nationals. The formation of the United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) and its self-proclaimed status as a global governing body further complicated the governance landscape, drawing a sharp response from USAP. Amidst the political maneuvering, lighter moments emerged, with playful social media exchanges between top pro doubles teams highlighting the camaraderie within the sport.
June saw the emergence of new competition formats, with the APP’s "Pro Shuffle" proving a hit with players and fans. Continued challenges to the Johns brothers’ dominance in men’s doubles hinted at a potential shift in the competitive hierarchy. The Seattle Pioneers MLP team rebranded and relocated to North Carolina, reflecting the evolving geographical footprint of professional pickleball. The first MLP transaction period resulted in a significant reshuffling of Challenger league rosters, potentially impacting the competitive balance of the league. Finally, the ongoing paddle technology debate escalated, with rumors of significant costs associated with UPA-A’s certification program generating widespread discussion and concern.
This first half of 2024 set the stage for a transformative year in pickleball, characterized by significant organizational changes, technological advancements, and evolving competitive dynamics. The stage was set for a dynamic second half, with the full impact of the mergers, new regulations, and emerging rivalries yet to be fully realized.
