The Games and Amusements Board has officially recognised pickleball as a professional sport in the Philippines, a landmark decision formalised under GAB Resolution No. 2026-10, Series of 2026. The ruling also grants accreditation to the Pickle Yard Conference League (PYCL) as a professional sports organisation operating under GAB supervision and regulation.
Key Milestones for Philippine Pickleball
- Philippine pickleball is now officially a professional sport, as declared by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
- The Pickle Yard Conference League (PYCL) has been granted official accreditation, cementing its status.
- This landmark decision, enshrined in GAB Resolution No. 2026-10, elevates pickleball alongside the country's most established professional leagues.
- The move promises increased player protection, investment, and unparalleled growth for the sport nationwide.
A Game-Changing Mandate from the GAB
The GAB is far from a symbolic approving body. Founded in 1951, it serves as the Philippines’ official regulator for professional sports, overseeing disciplines ranging from boxing and basketball to esports and mixed martial arts. Its endorsement places pickleball within the same legal and institutional framework as the nation’s established pro leagues. For PYCL, this means a structured environment that safeguards athletes, upholds competitive integrity, and strengthens credibility among sponsors, broadcasters, and potential investors.
Unlocking New Horizons
This recognition carries profound implications. For players, it means better protection, standardized contracts, and a clear career path. For the Pickle Yard Conference League (PYCL), it signifies a stamp of legitimacy that will attract major sponsors, broadcasters, and investors eager to tap into the sport's undeniable momentum. The future of pro Philippine pickleball just got a lot brighter.
PYCL's Historic Accreditation: A Dream Realized
PYCL officials and athletes marked the milestone with a courtesy visit to the GAB Central Office in Makati City, where they were welcomed by GAB Chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera, Commissioner Angel P. Bautista, and ProSports Division officer-in-charge Dr Oliver O. Evangelista. During the meeting, PYCL presented its vision for the sport along with highlights from Season 1—won by Born2WinPH Forex Bulls in May—and its roadmap for expanding professional pickleball in the country.
Celebrating the Journey
PYCL president John Talusan described the moment as a long-awaited breakthrough. “We are very happy because, for the longest time, this was just a dream for the pickleball community,” Talusan said. “We never thought that pickleball would reach the point of becoming professional.”
A Formal Professional League Structure
The sport’s rapid evolution in the Philippines has been striking, moving from casual play in malls and local communities to a franchise-based professional league complete with corporate-backed teams, drafts, and prize money. The GAB’s recognition not only validates this growth but also lays the foundation for its next stage of development.
With formal regulation now in place, Philippine pickleball enters its professional era with structure, legitimacy, and long-term direction—key pillars for transforming grassroots momentum into a sustainable sporting industry.
