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Pickleball Merger Could Pave Way for Olympics
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Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 30th 2025 at 11:59 GMT by Forbes- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Pickleball's Path to Paris (and Beyond): Merger Signals a Serious Push for Olympic Inclusion
The world of pickleball is experiencing a moment of significant evolution, one that could dramatically accelerate its journey towards becoming an Olympic sport. A planned merger between two competing international governing bodies – the USA Pickleball (USAP) and the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) – is generating considerable excitement and providing a much-needed boost to the sport's credibility on the global stage, as detailed in Forbes’ recent article by Todd Boss. This development isn't just about organizational streamlining; it represents a crucial step towards fulfilling pickleball’s Olympic dreams.
For those unfamiliar, pickleball has exploded in popularity over the last decade, transforming from a niche recreational activity to a booming sport with millions of players worldwide. Its accessibility – requiring relatively little space and equipment – contributes significantly to its appeal. However, this rapid growth also created an organizational challenge. The USAP, initially formed to govern pickleball within the United States, gradually expanded its influence internationally. Simultaneously, the IFP was established specifically to spearhead pickleball’s global development and push for Olympic inclusion. This dual-federation structure presented a significant hurdle in gaining recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The IOC generally prefers dealing with a single, unified international federation for each sport seeking inclusion. Having two competing organizations muddied the waters, creating confusion about leadership, standards, and representation. As Boss points out, this fragmentation undermined pickleball’s ability to effectively advocate for itself within the complex machinery of the Olympic movement. The existence of both bodies risked being perceived as a sign of internal disarray, something that rarely impresses the IOC.
The proposed merger, currently under review by USAP members and awaiting final approval, aims to rectify this situation. The plan envisions a new entity – tentatively named “World Pickleball” – that would consolidate the roles and responsibilities of both existing organizations. This unified body would be responsible for establishing global rules, organizing international tournaments (including potential World Championships), developing player rankings, and crucially, lobbying the IOC for Olympic recognition.
While details are still being finalized, the merger agreement outlines a framework where USAP’s considerable resources and experience would contribute to the new organization's foundation. The IFP brings its established focus on international growth and Olympic aspirations. The Forbes article highlights that this isn’t simply about absorbing one into the other; it represents a collaborative effort designed to leverage the strengths of both entities.
Why is This Merger So Important for Olympic Inclusion?
Olympic inclusion is not a guarantee, even with a unified federation. The IOC has stringent criteria, including widespread participation across multiple continents, robust governance structures, and demonstrated global appeal. However, having “World Pickleball” significantly strengthens pickleball's position. It sends a clear message to the IOC that the sport is serious about its future on a global scale.
As explained in USAP’s own communications (linked within Boss’ article), a unified federation will allow for more consistent rule enforcement across different countries, which is crucial for fair competition and attracting international talent. It also allows for the development of standardized training programs and athlete pathways, further demonstrating the sport's maturity and professionalism.
Challenges Remain
Despite the optimism surrounding the merger, challenges remain. Boss’ article notes potential concerns from USAP members regarding the balance of power within the new organization, particularly concerning representation on the board and control over finances. Ensuring equitable representation for all stakeholders – including players, coaches, tournament organizers, and national federations – will be vital to the success of “World Pickleball.”
Furthermore, while the merger addresses the governance issue, pickleball still needs to continue demonstrating its global reach. While incredibly popular in North America, particularly the US and Canada, it's crucial to expand its presence in other regions like Europe, Asia, and South America. Investment in grassroots development programs and international marketing will be essential for achieving this goal.
Looking Ahead: Potential Timeline & Olympic Prospects
The timeline for Olympic inclusion is complex. The next opportunity would likely be the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, but gaining a place on the program requires significant effort and IOC approval several years in advance. A unified federation provides a vital foundation, allowing "World Pickleball" to present a compelling case to the IOC.
The Forbes article suggests that if all goes according to plan, “World Pickleball” could be fully operational by early 2025. This would allow ample time for the organization to focus on demonstrating pickleball’s global appeal and advocating for its inclusion in future Olympic Games. While there's no guarantee of success, this merger marks a pivotal moment – a significant step closer to seeing pickleball grace the Olympic stage. The sport’s rapid growth and passionate fanbase have created an undeniable momentum; now, with a unified voice, pickleball has a much stronger chance of realizing its Olympic dreams.
I hope this provides a comprehensive summary of the Forbes article!
Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/toddboss/2025/12/30/pickleball-olympic-dreams-given-boost-with-merger-plans-of-dueling-international-federations/ ]
