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5 December 2025
As the international governing body for pickleball, the GPF now joins a large community of sport organisations that have entrusted the ITA with the development and independent management of their anti-doping programs. With pickleball evolving rapidly across continents, this partnership represents a decisive step toward establishing a credible and sustainable clean sport framework aligned with international standards.
Under this initial agreement, which runs through 2028 and establishes the foundation for long-term cooperation, the ITA will gradually introduce the structures, procedures and best practice required for a fully independent qualitative anti-doping program. The development will follow a multi-year roadmap agreed jointly by the ITA and the GPF, ensuring that the program grows in a coordinated and sustainable manner.
This stepwise approach reflects the current maturity of pickleball at the international level and is designed to support the GPF on its path toward meeting the requirements for potential future World Anti-Doping Code Signatory status.
In the immediate stages of the partnership, priority will be given to building the regulatory, educational and administrative foundations of the program, including the adoption of GPF Anti-Doping Rules in line with the Code and the delivery of introductory education activities for athletes and support personnel. Operational components such as the establishment of a comprehensive risk assessment to enable targeted testing, results management, and the administration of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) will be introduced in 2026. Further clean sport activities will then be progressively rolled out over the coming years as the program’s infrastructure is strengthened.
“We are honoured and excited to welcome the Global Pickleball Federation into the ITA community of partners,” said ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen. “Pickleball has experienced extraordinary global growth, and with that comes the responsibility to build strong, independent integrity structures. By following a carefully designed roadmap, the GPF is laying the right foundations for a credible and sustainable long-term clean sport framework. We look forward to supporting the sport of pickleball and its athletes throughout this important journey.”
GPF President Javier Regalado emphasised the significance of the partnership: “This agreement is a major moment for pickleball. As our sport expands internationally, it is essential that we uphold the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and athlete welfare. Partnering with the ITA ensures that our anti-doping program is managed with full independence and world-class expertise. This is a clear commitment to clean sport and to the future of pickleball.”
GPF Board Member and Anti-Doping Programme Lead Marcin Matysik, who oversaw the development of this initiative, highlighted the responsibility that comes with growth: “We want pickleball to stand among the most respected sports globally, and that means building strong integrity structures now, not later. The ITA will help us create a system that is modern, credible, and trusted by athletes and national federations. This partnership protects our athletes and reinforces the values that the GPF was founded upon.”
The collaboration between the ITA and the GPF takes effect immediately, with both organisations working closely to ensure a smooth and well-structured implementation. This partnership reinforces their shared mission to protect athletes’ health, guarantee a level playing field and uphold the integrity of pickleball as it continues its dynamic global growth.
