FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phoenix, AZ — October 22, 2025
The Ultimate Pickleball League (UPL) has officially launched — introducing the nation’s first inclusive semi-pro pickleball league that bridges the gap between recreational and professional play. Built on verified competition, city-based franchises, and a full-scale Junior Development Program, the UPL is redefining what competitive pickleball looks like in America.
Founded by Charles Farr, the UPL is changing the pickleball landscape by doing what no other league has done: uniting men and women, youth and seniors, and athletes of all abilities into one verified, structured system of play.
Verified. Inclusive. Built for Every Athlete.
At the core of the UPL is the VAIR (Visually Assessed International Rating System) — a proprietary evaluation system that visually rates players across skill categories to ensure accuracy and fairness.
“VAIR gives us the power to make competition truly inclusive,” said Charles Farr, Founder and League Owner of the Ultimate Pickleball League. “No politics, no favoritism — just verified skill. Whether you’re 15 or 55, male or female, elite or developing, you compete on a level playing field. That’s what makes the UPL special.”
What Makes the UPL Different
The UPL isn’t just another league — it’s a movement changing how pickleball is played, broadcast, and developed across the country.
- City-Based Teams: Every franchise represents its hometown with pride, giving fans a local team to support and cities a reason to rally behind their athletes.
- Verified by VAIR: All athletes are rated through VAIR to guarantee fair and data-driven matchups.
- Inclusive for All: The UPL welcomes all ages, genders, and skill levels, ensuring equal access to the semi-pro stage.
- Junior Development Pipeline: The league’s new Junior Development Program identifies and trains young athletes, providing mentorship, coaching, and verified ratings that allow juniors to advance seamlessly into UPL competition.
- Broadcast-Ready Events: Professionally produced matches are designed for television, streaming, and live audiences, showcasing the sport at a semi-pro standard.
- Community and Opportunity: From local tournaments to sponsorship revenue, the UPL offers players, coaches, and cities tangible benefits and long-term growth potential.
A League with Purpose — From Junior Courts to National Stages
The UPL’s mission is clear:
To bridge the gap between recreational and professional pickleball, providing every athlete — young or seasoned — a path to verified, competitive play.
Its vision:
To unite generations of players and fans through competition, community, and inclusion — shaping the future of the fastest-growing sport in America.
“We’re building a real system of progression,” Farr added. “You can start in the junior program, compete in verified regional matches, and rise all the way to the national semi-pro stage — all under one league. No shortcuts, no confusion, just a clear path for talent to grow.”
A National League with Local Roots
With franchises already claimed in key U.S. cities — including Phoenix, Goodyear, Tempe, Yuma, Seattle, Minneapolis, Omaha, Albany, and San Diego — the UPL’s city-versus-city format gives players the pride of representing their hometown while competing for national recognition.
Each region features structured play, postseason tournaments, and a chance for top athletes — including emerging juniors — to advance to national championships.
Join the Movement
The UPL is currently welcoming team owners, sponsors, and junior athletes who want to be part of the next evolution in pickleball.
Learn more at: www.ultimatepickleballleague.com
Contact: charles.farr@ultimatepickleballleague.com
About the Ultimate Pickleball League (UPL)
The Ultimate Pickleball League is America’s premier semi-pro pickleball league, built around city-based teams, verified VAIR ratings, and structured match play. Founded by Charles Farr, the UPL promotes inclusion, competition, and opportunity through both its semi-pro division and Junior Development Program, creating a complete pipeline for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
Media Contact:
Charles Farr
charles.farr@ultimatepickleballleague.com
www.ultimatepickleballleague.com