Pickleball, the hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, is a fast-growing sport, and efforts are already underway to ensure women have equal representation and opportunities in the sport. To achieve this, the Women’s International Pickleball Association (WIPA) was officially launched on Wednesday, co-founded by WNBA player and ESPN talent Chiney Ogwumike, pickleball pro Rachel Hong, and Disrupt the Game president Allison Galer. 

The goal of WIPA is to create a supportive ecosystem for women in pickleball and to ensure they have equal opportunities and representation. This includes advocating for equitable compensation, including comparable prize money and sponsorships. WIPA athletes will have the opportunity to play in an inaugural world tour exclusively for women, and the association will play a crucial role in the development of pickleball as an NCAA or Olympic sport. 

“I came late to the pickleball game, but it’s really the best-kept secret,” Ogwumike told Boardroom. “As someone that works in media and also currently plays at the professional level, what caught my eye was increasing representation. Sponsorship opportunities for women are also what I really want our organization to advocate for, because that’s where women are underrepresented in sports. Females are driving one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and there’s significant need for guidance to help get these women the representation they deserve.” 

Pickleball has gained mainstream popularity quickly, partially due to the support of sports stars such as former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, and NBA stars LeBron James, Draymond Green, Kevin Love, and Kevin Durant. These athletes have made headlines for their support of the game and their investments in Major League Pickleball teams. The sport has also attracted former athletes like retired NBA champion Dirk Nowitzki and USWNT great Julie Foudy, who have cited pickleball as a way to continue competing in their post-professional lives. 

The most recent Major League Pickleball tournament featured five-player squads, with competitors ranging from high school students to athletes of 40 years and older. This inclusive approach to athletes of all ages and genders makes pickleball a sport for everyone, and with WIPA at the forefront of the sport’s growth, we can expect to see more investments, initiatives, and public pickleball challenges from some unexpected athletes in the future. 

In conclusion, the launch of WIPA is a crucial step in ensuring equal representation and opportunities for women in the fast-growing sport of pickleball. With its focus on advocacy and growth, WIPA is poised to make a significant impact on the sport and to empower women’s pickleball players 

The post Women’s Pickleball Takes the Court: Chiney Ogwumike Launches WIPA to Empower Women’s Players appeared first on womenssportsnow.com.