“Proton has didn’t resolve its excellent money owed and is now in dangerous standing with the United Pickleball Affiliation (UPA),” PPA Tour Founder and CEO Connor Pardoe wrote in a league memo.
In an e-mail communication with skilled gamers Friday, PPA Tour Founder and CEO Connor Pardoe conveyed the information that Proton paddles are now not permitted in skilled play.
“Regardless of repeated communications, clear contractual obligations, and ample time to treatment,” he wrote.
“Proton has didn’t resolve its excellent money owed and is now in dangerous standing with the United Pickleball Affiliation (UPA), the PPA Tour, Main League Pickleball (MLP), and Pickleball Inc.”
The ban takes impact on the conclusion of the continued Better Zion Cup on March 30, 2026, at which level no Proton paddles can be permitted in any sanctioned professional-level play.
Insurance policies for newbie play, Pardoe mentioned, are additionally beneath view, “with additional communication to observe.”
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What the Electronic mail Stated
A duplicate of the e-mail – titled “Necessary Discover: Proton Paddles Banned from Skilled Play” – was shared with The Dink. We have additionally confirmed its receipt with a number of energetic professionals.
Proton has been a serious paddle model on the professional tour for years. And a title sponsor of the PPA Tour in latest seasons.
Andrei Daescu was a prime sponsored professional till he not too long ago signed with CRBN. Jade and Jackie Kawamoto re-signed with the model as of a pair months in the past. Different Proton-affiliated professionals embrace Meghan Dizon, Jalina Ingram, and Travis Rettenmaier.
“It’s our understanding that a number of Proton-sponsored athletes might also be owed important sums by Proton,” the e-mail learn. “We encourage you to proceed nonetheless you see match to pursue and gather any money owed owed to you immediately from Proton.”
Reached for remark, a member of the Proton staff mentioned this:
“We worth our relationship with the PPA and plan to resolve this matter promptly.”
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What Occurs to Proton Gamers?
Any present professional who’s sponsored by or utilizing Proton paddles is now required to make totally different preparations.
“In case you are at the moment utilizing Proton paddles, we strongly advocate contacting them instantly to resolve your scenario and to safe gear options forward of upcoming occasions,” Pardoe’s e-mail continued.
Gamers counting on Proton gear should make preparations to make sure they’re absolutely ready for future competitions.
The ball now seems to be in Protons court docket.
In the event that they “rectify their money owed,” the e-mail mentioned, “they are going to be thought-about again in good standing and their gear can be eligible for play.”
The subsequent U.S.-based PPA Tour occasion is the Sacramento Open, April 13-19, 2026. The PPA Asia Hanoi Cup takes place April 1-5 in Vietnam.
Affect on the MLP’s Phoenix Flames
Proton is a part of the possession group of Main League Pickleball’s Phoenix Flames franchise.
It is unclear how this information impacts that relationship in the mean time, however the staff posted the next to their Instagram channel, saying, partly,
“Proton will not be related to the Phoenix Flames as of earlier this 12 months.”
President of PPA Professional Participant Committee Reacts
Zane Navratil, President of the PPA Professional Participant Committee, posted a response video on Friday night time reacting to the information.
