Expanded partnership equips RSPA-certified pickleball coaches and members with the power of DUPR, new income opportunities, and plans for 2026 growth

Orlando, FL – January 5, 2026 – The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) today announced an expanded partnership with DUPR Coach, electing the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) as its exclusive global rating system for all 14,000 members. This partnership establishes a unified standard for player ratings, coaching excellence and player development worldwide.

Current RSPA-certified pickleball coaches can upgrade to DUPR Coach for just $50, gaining immediate access to the exclusive ability to generate Coach-Assigned DUPR ratings, utilize advanced assessment tools, and unlock new revenue opportunities.

Looking ahead to 2026, the RSPA and DUPR Coach will launch a series of initiatives designed to enhance teaching, standardize player ratings and advance player development. These include a combined certification and credential pathway, expanded access to DUPR Rating Sessions, and exclusive benefits for RSPA-certified pickleball professionals. Through the combined certification, coaches will gain hands-on experience with DUPR Coach tools, learn to assign official Coach-Assigned DUPRs and apply practical strategies to expand their programs and increase revenue. These initiatives are designed to empower RSPA-certified pickleball coaches to enhance their expertise, expand their impact and support the continued growth of pickleball at every level.

“This expanded partnership with DUPR Coach and the adoption of DUPR as our exclusive global rating system reinforces our commitment to elevating coaching standards and advancing the game. RSPA-certified pickleball coaches now have unmatched education, confidence and tools to deliver DUPR ratings, enhance player development, and grow their programs and income, positioning them at the forefront of pickleball,” said Brian Dillman, CEO of RSPA.

The RSPA’s expanded partnership with DUPR Coach, its exclusive adoption of DUPR as the global rating system and upcoming 2026 initiatives underscore the organizations’ commitment to coaching excellence, accurate player ratings and the growth of pickleball. As RSPA certifies and supports thousands of coaches each year, DUPR’s reach and the number of rated players worldwide will continue to expand.

"DUPR is the language of pickleball, and the RSPA has one of the greatest influences on coaches and players worldwide," said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. "We are empowering coaches to help more players speak the same language while delivering exceptional education and practical tools. This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing coaching excellence, player development, and the growth of pickleball globally."

RSPA-certified pickleball coaches can upgrade their certification and begin their DUPR Coach journey here for just $50. RSPA members who are not yet pickleball certified, as well as new members interested in joining, can look forward to the combined certification launching in 2026 and find more details on the RSPA website.

About the RSPA

The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), formerly the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), is the leading trade organization for racquet sports professionals. Since 1927, the RSPA has grown to support the diverse needs of the racquet sports industry, including tennis, pickleball, padel, squash and platform tennis. With more than 14,000 members worldwide and 17 divisions across the country, the RSPA offers career advancement support, certification and development opportunities, from coaching to club management, executive development to sales and marketing and beyond. Our mission is to champion the passion of racquet sports by developing professionals who lead with integrity, innovate in coaching and inspire a diverse and inclusive racquet sports community. Learn more at RSPA.net.

About DUPR Coach

DUPR Coach is a program designed to empower pickleball coaches to launch Coach-Assigned DUPR ratings for the 34 million non-rated players worldwide. Powered by MyJourney Pickleball, DUPR Coach helps coaches provide valuable insights into players’ skill levels and supports the growth of pickleball through more competitive, enjoyable play. Coaches interested in becoming DUPR Coaches can visit duprcoach.com/coach-cert to sign up and learn more.

About DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world's leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and federations. DUPR’s dynamic system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to provide an accurate evaluation of players worldwide, on a scale from 2.000 to 8.000. DUPR is the official rating system of Pickleball Canada, the United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Life Time, The Picklr, and many more. DUPR also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the largest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and organizers can sign up for free at www.dupr.com.

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