Inside the IPF‑WPF Merger and Pickleball's 'Olympic Aspirations' Ahead

In a move to help define the sport’s global governance, the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and the World Pickleball Federation (WPF) are merging to form a unified international body under the WPF name. On Saturday, June 14, 2025, both bodies unanimously voted YES on a merger, multiple sources confirmed with The Dink.

With this historic consolidation, pickleball aims to strengthen its bid for Olympic inclusion in either the 2032 or 2036 Olympic Games. This detailed analysis explores the origins of each federation, the transition strategy, who's steering the merger, and how this shapes the race toward the Olympics — as other bodies like the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) vie for legitimacy.

Federation Origins

Prior to this merger, there were three separate international governing bodies in pickleball: the IPF, the WPF, and the GPF. This is a quick breakdown of each.

International Pickleball Federation (IPF / IFP)

• Founded: 2010 initially as the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP), formalized by the USA, Canada, Spain, and India. The federation later became defunct due to financial and governance issues.
• Reestablishment: April 2023 - Reestablished as the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) to refocus its mission of growing the sport globally
• Headquarters: Based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, expanding with liaison offices in Mumbai, India, Shenzhen, China, and soon, Lausanne, Switzerland
• Membership: Grew rapidly to 77 national associations as of publishing
• Leadership: Arvind Prabhoo (India) serves as President, supported by key figures like Alicia Wolfgruber, Adnan El Guennouni, Dwight Crawford, and Marlon Schulman

World Pickleball Federation (WPF)

• Founded: 2018 by Seymour Rifkind, following his earlier creation of the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA)
• Mission: Expand pickleball worldwide, particularly in underdeveloped regions, and professionalize the sport via world rankings and series
• Support: Core backers such as the Asia Federation voiced strong endorsement for the merger’s vision

Global Pickleball Federation (GPF)

• Emergence: Launched in November 2023 after the withdrawal of the U.S. and other nations from the IFP/IPF
• Structure: Organized into continental bodies — the Confederation of African Pickleball, Pickleball Federation of the Americas, Asian Pickleball Association, and Oceania Pickleball Association — plus European national representation
• Membership: 67 countries as of publishing
• Mandate: Promote democratic, transparent governance, strict adherence to anti-doping, and a unified front for Olympic pursuit

Announcing the Merger: A Unified Vision

On November 15, 2024, the IPF and WPF declared their plan to merge into a single entity under the “World Pickleball Federation” name. This marked a pivotal alignment aimed at streamlining global governance and enhancing the sport's Olympic potential.

Merge Highlights

• Adopts IPF’s banner, “No Country Left Behind,” signaling a commitment to inclusivity.
• Proposes headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland — home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
• Encourages openness to further alignment with the GPF or other bodies

Merger Process & Transition Framework

Transition Team Composition

A bi-federation Transition Team, chaired by an independent IOC-experienced consultant Michael Jacki, is steering the unification:

Key Milestones

1. Whitepaper: Developed to guide harmonization of national federation memberships into single National Governing Bodies (NGBs), in compliance with IOC standards
2. Special General Meetings (SGMs): Held June 14, 2025 — one each for IPF and WPF — to approve the merger proposal - both entities passed the merger unanimously
3. Joint Annual General Meeting (AGM): Members of the merged organization will elect a new Board of Directors post-SGMs

Olympic Aspirations: The Final Frontier

The merger makes an Olympic bid more attainable by offering:

• Single Global Federation: Addresses the IOC requirement for a unified governing structure
• IOC Alignment: Lausanne headquarters and IOC-compliant bylaws; gameplay against multiple federations shows unity of purpose
• National Cohesion: Each country now commits to a unified NGB, eliminating disputes

How the GPF Fits In

Founded in 2023, the GPF positioned itself as the fastest-growing federation, harnessing support from USA Pickleball and other key national bodies. With 67 members supported by active website links and transparent data, the GPF promotes itself as the most credible international governing body of pickleball.

Invitation to Unify

The GPF has called on the merging bodies to join forces, saying:

GPF has a couple of things going for it:

• Robust Membership: 67 countries, with transparent governance and active national bodies
• Olympic Appeals: It claims governance standards, transparency, and global presence surpass IPF/WPF

Ultimately, the IOC will evaluate governance structures, global reach, anti-doping compliance, and dispute resolution mechanisms (e.g., CAS recognition). The merged IPF/WPF must reconcile these against the GPF's credibility.

What Exactly Happens Next?

1. SGM Voting Outcome: The June 14 SGMs had members vote on unification; the unanimous positive outcome sets stage for full integration.
2. New Board Formation: Following member elections, a cohesive leadership team will launch, likely headquartered in Switzerland. There is a 45-day nomination period. In August, the newly combined organization will vote on the new Board, finalize bylaws, and finish formation.
3. Membership Alignment: All countries under IPF/WPF will transition to a single NGB status — essential for Olympic compliance.
4. IOC Outreach: With structure and membership in place, the federation will formally petition the IOC for recognition and inclusion — targeting Brisbane 2032 qualification or 2036 Games.
5. GPF Engagement: The GPF may pursue reconciliation or run as a rival body, pending outcomes of diplomatic and governance negotiations.

Conclusion

The IPF-WPF merger marks a pivotal step toward global unity and Olympic recognition for pickleball. With Lausanne as its new home and IOC-aligned governance, the single federation looks poised to fulfill its sports diplomacy targets. Yet the GPF’s challenge — grounded in transparency, membership, and independence — may test whether the sport can truly unify.

Whether a single federation emerges or a fractured landscape persists, pickleball's future at the Olympics will depend on its ability to speak with one voice — internationally and institutionally.