The IPF-WPF Merger: Paving the Way for Pickleball’s Olympic Dreams

In a landmark move that’s set to reshape the landscape of international pickleball, the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and the World Pickleball Federation (WPF) have announced their merger. This historic consolidation, unanimously approved on June 14, 2025, marks a significant step towards unifying the sport’s global governance and bolstering its Olympic aspirations. As pickleball enthusiasts and players worldwide celebrate this momentous occasion, let’s delve deep into the implications of this merger, its potential impact on the sport’s future, and what it means for pickleball’s journey to the Olympic stage.

Understanding the Merger: A New Era for Global Pickleball

The decision to merge the IPF and WPF under the banner of the World Pickleball Federation represents a pivotal moment in the sport’s history. This unification is not just about combining two organizations; it’s about creating a singular, powerful voice for pickleball on the international stage. The merger aims to streamline governance, enhance the sport’s global profile, and most importantly, strengthen pickleball’s bid for Olympic inclusion.

According to the official merger resolution, both federations unanimously voted in favor of this consolidation. This overwhelming support underscores the shared vision and commitment to pickleball’s growth and development worldwide.

The Road to the Olympics: A Dream Within Reach

With this merger, pickleball’s Olympic dreams have never seemed more attainable. The unified body is setting its sights on inclusion in either the 2032 or 2036 Olympic Games. Remarkably, there’s even speculation about a potential appearance in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, though this remains a long shot.

The merger addresses several key criteria that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) considers when evaluating sports for Olympic inclusion:

• A unified global governing body
• Widespread international participation
• Established competition structures
• Compliance with anti-doping regulations

By consolidating under one umbrella, pickleball is positioning itself as a more attractive proposition for the IOC, potentially fast-tracking its path to Olympic recognition.

The Federations Behind the Merger

International Pickleball Federation (IPF)

The IPF, originally established in 2010 as the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP), has played a crucial role in pickleball’s global expansion. After facing initial challenges, it was reestablished in April 2023 with a renewed focus on growing the sport internationally. Under the leadership of President Arvind Prabhoo, the IPF has rapidly expanded its reach, boasting 77 national associations at the time of the merger.

World Pickleball Federation (WPF)

Founded in 2018 by Seymour Rifkind, the WPF has been instrumental in professionalizing pickleball on a global scale. Its mission to expand the sport, particularly in underdeveloped regions, aligns perfectly with the IPF’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative, making this merger a natural progression for both organizations.

The Merger Process: A Roadmap to Unity

The process of merging two major international sports federations is complex and requires careful planning. Here’s an overview of the key steps and milestones in the IPF-WPF merger:

1. Transition Team Formation: A bi-federation Transition Team, led by IOC-experienced consultant Michael Jacki, has been established to oversee the merger process.
2. Whitepaper Development: A comprehensive whitepaper has been created to guide the harmonization of national federation memberships into single National Governing Bodies (NGBs), ensuring compliance with IOC standards.
3. Special General Meetings (SGMs): On June 14, 2025, both the IPF and WPF held separate SGMs to approve the merger proposal. The unanimous positive vote set the stage for full integration.
4. Joint Annual General Meeting (AGM): Following the SGMs, a joint AGM will be held where members of the newly merged organization will elect a new Board of Directors.

The Global Pickleball Federation: A Third Player in the Game

While the IPF-WPF merger is a significant step towards unification, it’s important to acknowledge the role of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). Launched in November 2023, the GPF emerged as a response to governance issues within the international pickleball community. With 67 member countries and a strong emphasis on transparency and democratic governance, the GPF presents itself as a credible alternative in the global pickleball landscape.

The GPF has extended an invitation to the newly merged WPF to join forces, stating that “the path to Pickleball’s inclusion in the Olympics requires a unified effort.” This openness to further consolidation demonstrates the shared goal of Olympic recognition across all major pickleball governing bodies.

Looking Ahead: The Future of International Pickleball

As the dust settles on this historic merger, the pickleball community eagerly anticipates the next steps. Here’s what we can expect in the coming months:

1. New Board Formation: Following member elections, a new leadership team will be established, likely headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland – home to the IOC.
2. Membership Alignment: All countries under the former IPF and WPF will transition to a single NGB status, a crucial step for Olympic compliance.
3. IOC Outreach: With its new structure and unified membership in place, the merged federation will formally petition the IOC for recognition and inclusion, targeting the Brisbane 2032 or 2036 Olympic Games.
4. Potential GPF Integration: Discussions with the GPF may lead to further consolidation or cooperation, strengthening pickleball’s global governance structure.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Pickleball

The IPF-WPF merger represents more than just an administrative change; it’s a transformative moment for pickleball. Here’s why this merger matters:

• Enhanced Global Reach: A unified governing body can more effectively promote and develop pickleball worldwide, potentially accelerating its growth in new markets.
• Standardized Rules and Regulations: With a single authority, we can expect more consistent application of rules and standards across international competitions.
• Increased Funding and Resources: A larger, more influential organization may attract more sponsorships and partnerships, benefiting the sport at all levels.
• Stronger Olympic Bid: A unified front significantly enhances pickleball’s chances of Olympic inclusion, potentially exposing the sport to millions of new fans and players.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Pickleball

The merger of the IPF and WPF marks the beginning of an exciting new era for pickleball. As the sport continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, this unification provides the structural foundation needed to support and accelerate that growth on a global scale.

While challenges remain – including potential negotiations with the GPF and the ongoing quest for Olympic recognition – the pickleball community can take pride in this significant step towards unity and professionalization. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: pickleball’s journey from a backyard pastime to a potential Olympic sport is more exciting than ever.

For players, fans, and stakeholders in the pickleball world, this merger represents not just a change in governance, but a reaffirmation of the sport’s bright future. As pickleball continues to evolve and expand, we can all look forward to being part of this thrilling journey towards international recognition and, hopefully, Olympic glory.