JOOLA has officially announced a landmark multi-year partnership with DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), confirming that the JOOLA HC-40 will become the official ball for all DUPR-sanctioned competitions beginning 1 September 2026.
Key Points:
- The JOOLA HC-40 is now the official ball for all DUPR-sanctioned events, effective September 1, 2026.
- This multi-year partnership guarantees a single, standardized playing experience across DUPR's vast global network.
- The move critically aims to enhance the precision and reliability of DUPR player ratings by eliminating equipment variables.
- It will impact millions of players and hundreds of events in 183 countries, from local qualifiers to national championships.
Elevating the Game: Why Standardization Matters
The agreement introduces a unified playing standard across DUPR's global tournament ecosystem, covering everything from grassroots qualifiers to national championships. With more than two million registered players in 183 countries and an expected 350 sanctioned events in 2026, the partnership represents one of the most significant standardisation efforts in competitive pickleball.
The DUPR Rating Imperative
For DUPR, accurate player ratings depend on more than just match results—they also rely on consistent playing conditions. Different pickleball balls can vary in flight, bounce and durability, creating inconsistencies that may influence player performance.
By adopting one designated competition ball across every sanctioned event, DUPR aims to eliminate one of the biggest variables affecting its global rating system. The move is designed to ensure that player ratings more accurately reflect skill rather than differences in equipment from one tournament to another.
JOOLA: Precision Equipment Creates Better Competition
JOOLA President and CEO Richard Lee believes equipment consistency is essential for fair competition. According to Lee, DUPR has established itself as the benchmark for measuring player performance, and that level of precision begins with reliable equipment. He said the HC-40 was engineered to deliver consistent performance from match to match, allowing players at every level to compete under the same standard while helping elevate the sport as a whole.
HC-40 to Be Used Across All DUPR-Sanctioned Events
The partnership extends well beyond tournaments directly operated by DUPR. Beginning in September, the JOOLA HC-40 will be mandatory for:
- The Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) events in the United States
- International MiLP Regional and National competitions
- DUPR collegiate and high school tournaments
- The College World Championship
- The Nationals
- The DUPR College Pickleball Tour
- All third-party tournaments officially sanctioned by DUPR
By requiring external tournament organisers to adopt the HC-40 as well, DUPR is creating a truly unified competition standard across its expanding global network.
DUPR Focuses on Competitive Integrity
DUPR CEO Tito Machado said consistency plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of competitive pickleball. He explained that reliable ratings begin with trusted equipment, making the HC-40 an ideal choice to provide players, clubs and tournament organisers with a common standard across every level of competition—from local qualifying events to national collegiate tournaments.
Every DUPR-sanctioned match from 1 September 2026 will be played using the same official ball, providing consistent bounce, flight characteristics and durability regardless of tournament location. Whether competitors are juniors establishing their first DUPR rating or experienced amateurs chasing national titles, they can expect a more uniform playing experience throughout the season.
Another Step in JOOLA's Push for Equipment Standards
The DUPR partnership also reflects JOOLA's broader commitment to maintaining high equipment standards within pickleball. The company has been active in protecting its product technology, including pursuing patent infringement litigation involving multiple paddle manufacturers. Naming the HC-40 as DUPR's official competition ball further strengthens JOOLA's position in the sport, reinforcing its focus on precision-engineered equipment and helping establish a trusted standard for competitive play worldwide.
