Luxembourg – July 02, 2026

The European Pickleball Federation has received an overwhelming mandate from its Full Members to take a more active and constructive role in supporting the unification of the international governance structure for pickleball.

At the EPF Annual General Meeting held on 30 June 2026, Full Members approved a motion authorising the EPF Board to apply for Continental Membership of both the World Pickleball Federation and the Global Pickleball Federation. The motion was approved by 17 votes in favour and only 1 against.

Importantly, the motion was approved on a non-exclusive and neutrality-preserving basis. It does not represent a decision by EPF to choose one international organisation over the other. Rather, it reflects a clear and positive mandate from Europe to engage with both organisations in support of international unification, while protecting the interests of European member countries and ensuring that EPF can exercise appropriate influence within both international structures.

EPF had previously adopted a position of neutrality, choosing not to affiliate with or support either international federation while the international landscape remained divided. That position was taken responsibly, to preserve EPF’s independence and to allow the Federation to encourage and support efforts towards the creation of one unified international federation for pickleball.

The newly approved motion confirms that EPF’s long-term position remains unchanged: the best interests of pickleball require one unified, democratic and IOC compliant International Federation.

The motion also authorises the EPF Board to negotiate appropriate terms and safeguards and preserves the Board’s right to withdraw from either or both memberships if continued membership no longer serves the interests of EPF, its members, or the objective of international unification.

EPF believes the timing of this decision is significant. With renewed dialogue, positive engagement and fresh leadership opportunities within the international landscape, Europe has now given EPF a clear mandate to contribute constructively, practically and positively to the process.

EPF President Frank Arico said: “This is a very positive and important moment for European pickleball. Our members have sent a clear message: Europe is not choosing sides — Europe is choosing unity. The overwhelming support for this motion confirms that EPF remains committed to neutrality, good governance and constructive engagement with both international federations. We believe this is the right time to contribute positively to the unification process, while protecting the interests of our European members and helping to build the single, democratic and credible international federation that pickleball urgently needs.”

The European Pickleball Federation will now seek to engage with both international organisations in a spirit of cooperation, mutual respect and shared responsibility for the future of the sport.

EPF remains firmly of the view that the long-term interests of pickleball — including athletes, national federations, officials, volunteers, clubs, event organisers and the wider pickleball community — are best served by one unified international federation with strong governance, transparency, democratic member control and a credible pathway for the future development of the sport.

About the European Pickleball Federation: – EPF is a not-for profit federation established in Luxembourg and created on 31st of May 2023 now comprising 38 member countries.

EPF’s objectives are: 

• To facilitate the growth of pickleball as a world-renowned sport and to promote the sport by demonstrating its physical, mental, and social benefits to people of all ages and abilities. 

• To represent the best interests of the EPF internationally and of pickleball players in Europe.

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Media Contact: info@epfpb.org