By Kelly Campbell
Happy New Year from TrackitHub!
Even though we’re only just kicking off 2026, the world of pickleball already has plenty to talk about, with new headlines, fresh debates, and storylines developing on and off the court.
These are the hot topics shaping the top of the 2026 pickleball year. Read on for all of this year’s changes, drama, and upcoming dink developments.
Parris Todd Suspended & Fined $50k, Other Contracts Terminated
After participating in multiple Pickleball Japan Federation-sponsored events in early December, UPA fined Parris Todd $50,000 and suspended her for two events. UPA claims that these were unsanctioned competitor events, and participating in them violated her contract.
In addition to Todd’s punishment, UPA terminated contracts for several other players for their involvement in the same events: James Ignatowich, Ryan Fu, and Vivian Glozman. They have filed an appeal, claiming that their contracts did not prohibit participation in the activity since they did not receive compensation, promote a rival tour, or compete in another league. Todd’s contract was not terminated because she reached out for permission to participate in the event beforehand. Even though it granted permission, UPA alleges that there was incomplete context, and this event did, in fact, violate her contract.
Todd’s full statement to Pickleball.com (date):
“At no point was it my intention to submit inaccurate or incomplete information when requesting to participate in this event. I did not have all the details at the time. Upon learning that certain activities associated with the event did not align with the original submission to the UPA, I immediately ceased all involvement with the event and proactively contacted the UPA to report the discrepancy. I remain fully committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and compliance in my career. Thank you for your continued support.”
USA Pickleball’s 2026 Rule Changes
Another year, another set of rule changes from USA Pickleball. Some changes are minor or seem like they’re common-sense, but the additions remove ambiguity. Some of the notable updates for 2026 include:
- Adaptive standing division formalized: Players with significant balance or mobility impairments can use a two-bounce rule; in hybrid doubles, only eligible players get the second bounce.
- Rally scoring game-winning points: Games played with rally scoring can now end on a point won by either the serving or receiving team; the “freeze” rule is no more.
- Conduct and referees: Referees can issue warnings or technical fouls before a game begins, including during warm-ups. Players can explicitly be disqualified for violent behavior.
- Line calls: Line calls must be prompt and immediate; delayed calls aren’t valid. Players must not consult spectators for line calls; violations may result in warnings or penalties.
- The volley serve: Tweaked 2026 rules state that each serve requirement must be executed clearly, or the ref could consider it a fault.
Anna Leigh Waters and Paddletek Cut Ties
Many have noticed that Anna Leigh Waters is no longer on the Paddletek website, signaling the end of their seven-year collaboration. Their dissolution as of December 31 was confirmed via Paddletek’s Instagram post, in which they thanked Waters for her partnership and wished her luck in the future. Waters thanked Paddletek similarly on her own Instagram, saying, “It’s been a joy representing a brand that truly cares about the game, their paddles, and players”.
Waters signed her deal with Paddletek when she was 11 years old, in 2018. She has since become one of the best players and biggest names in pickleball.
We’re sure she has no shortage of brand partnership opportunities, but we’re curious to see where her stamp of approval will land next. Rumor has it she was spotted using a Franklin paddle in a since-deleted Instagram post.
Pickleball Kingdom and Franchise Expansion – 2026 Reality Series
Pickleball Kingdom, an indoor pickleball franchise, is making headlines not just for its ambitious growth plans for 2026 but also its first-of-its-kind reality series, Pickleball Kingdom Paddle Battle, which is set to premiere in January.
The show will follow sixteen players as they compete for one of two grand prizes. There will be four total winners; one man and one woman will receive one-year professional contracts, and the other two will receive their own Pickleball Kingdom franchises.
“This show is about dreams,” said Ace Rodrigues, creator of the show and Founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom. “We will make four dreams come true, for two players on the court and for two in business. Lives will be changed. This has never been done before.”
“The Dink” Anticipated 2026 Premiere
We’re still waiting patiently for a release date for Ben Stiller’s The Dink, but since it’s been in post-production since (and some even anticipated a release in the fall of) 2025, we can assume it’ll be sometime in 2026. We’re super excited to have more pickleball on the big screen, especially after A Pickleball Christmas’ release in December. Here’s everything we know so far about The Dink.
Vivienne David Announces Retirement
Pickleball pro Vivienne David announced her retirement on Tuesday via her Instagram. She plans to continue being involved in pickleball, but more as a teacher than a player. She has competed professionally for over five years and has 42 medals, including 15 gold, under her belt.
Mickey Mouse to Watch MLP
In a new milestone for professional pickleball development, MLP announced that it will close out their 2026 season at Walt Disney World as part of a four-day finale at ESPN Wide World of Sports, which is considered to be one of the leading multi-sport complexes in the U.S.. The decision and ability to host these pickleball events at such a complex signals another positive step for pickleball development and growth.
Potential Merger for International Pickleball Organizations
Towards the end of 2025, the Board of Directors of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) and the United World Pickleball Federation (UWPF) jointly announced their plans to work together toward becoming one unified global body. They expressed their “formal commitment to collaborate to establish a single governing entity dedicated to the governance and global expansion of pickleball.” You can look to our pulse check on international pickleball for more specific information on these organizations.
Stay tuned: in the coming weeks, we’ll do a deeper dive on this potential merger and what it could mean for global pickleball expansion and Olympic potential.
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