The International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and the World Pickleball Federation (WPF) — two of the sport’s longest-standing governing bodies — announced plans to merge into a single, unified organisation dedicated to the growth and development of pickleball worldwide.
The timing carried special significance: 2025 marked the sport’s 60th anniversary, six decades since pickleball’s invention on Bainbridge Island, Washington, and the year would also bring the 10th anniversary of the Bainbridge Cup and the inaugural World Pickleball Games.
The unified body would operate under the World Pickleball Federation name, carrying forward the IPF’s core mission of “No Country Left Behind.” National governing bodies worldwide were invited to join, with both federations sharing equal input in the new organisation.
A Transition Board — two representatives from each federation, led by an independent advisor with International Olympic Committee (IOC) experience — was established to oversee the process, culminating in a joint Annual General Meeting to finalise the merger and elect a new Board of Directors. The announcement also invited the Global Pickleball Federation and other bodies to consider further consolidation.
IPF and WPF leaders Arvind Prabhoo and Seymour Rifkind expressed their shared commitment to the sport’s growth. “This merger is about more than just organisations — it’s about uniting our community,” they said. “Together, we will ensure pickleball’s future is bright, inclusive, and accessible to everyone around the world.”