Pickleball Professionals Unite to Create the World Players Association
In a significant milestone for the sport, professional pickleball players have come together to form the World Pickleball Players Association (WPPA). This is a historic moment, as it marks the first time that professional players have organized formally, unifying under a single entity. The official announcement from the WPPA is scheduled for this Friday.The association will be led by a board of directors of seven players, whose priorities include health and safety, as well as transparency regarding compensation. Consolidation among professional leagues, which led to the formation of the United Pickleball Association, prompted the players to organize.“This is something we have needed for a long time,” commented Collin Johns, board member and player. “It’s the right time. We have many important issues for the players.”
Collin Johns
The previous player council initiatives sponsored by the circuit lacked the independence of the WPPA, which prevented lasting changes to player issues. The creation of the association was supported by Sports Solidarity, founded by former baseball player Harry Marino, who helped unionize minor league baseball players in 2022.“I don’t see the formation of this association as conflicting with the circuit,” Johns added. “They can make it as collaborative as they want. It’s about some minimum standards that we can all agree on. We want to make sure everyone is treated equally, whether you’re the number 1 player or the number 100 player.”
Collin Johns
Initially, the WPPA will resemble a group like the Association of Tennis Professionals more than a union like the MLBPA or NFLPA, as pickleball players are currently classified as independent contractors. The WPPA simply wanted an independent voice for the players and felt it was a natural progression given the sport’s popularity.“We formed Sports Solidarity to help groups of players like those on this circuit, who are working, dedicating hours and making the sport move forward, and who just want to have a voice,” Marino said. “This is not an attempt to get money for them. We want professional pickleball to thrive, and we know that as a group of players, they can help change the course in a positive direction.”
Harry Marino
Johns cited the classification system as an example of something that could be modified under the guidance of the WPPA. This is just one of the issues they consider worth addressing, along with security, scheduling, and player discipline.“This really gives legitimacy to the players and the tour,” Johns stated. “I also feel that there has been quite a bit of frustration among the players over certain basic things that don’t even necessarily cost money.”
Collin Johns
The PTPA also issued a statement supporting the creation of the WPPA.“It’s these problems that can be solved,” Johns said. “We’re not going to ask for anything unreasonable, but you have to stay on target to get all the players to join. That’s what’s been missing in previous years.”
Collin Johns
Pickleball has grown immensely in the last half-decade, with professional players earning hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on tournament prizes and sponsorships.“This is a significant and commendable milestone, representing the crucial first step towards independent representation, led by the players,” said the tennis association. “We firmly believe in the importance of athletes having a unified voice that is free from the control or interference of the league or circuit. Such independence is vital to ensure that the interests, rights, and well-being of the players remain the priority in all decision-making processes.”
Tennis Association
