Pickleball is taking the world by storm, becoming one of the fastest-growing participatory sports enjoyed by people of all ages. In an exciting development for the sport, Delaware Life Insurance Company (“Delaware Life”) and DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) have joined forces in a long-term partnership to drive growth and innovation in pickleball. With Delaware Life as the exclusive presenting sponsor of DUPR, this collaboration aims to increase play opportunities and engage more players at the grassroots level. Let’s explore how this partnership will unfold and what it means for the pickleball community.

Unleashing the Power of Data and Technology:
DUPR, the leading data and technology platform in pickleball, boasts a proprietary global rating system. This system assesses player performance based on match results, providing a real-time, reliable, and accurate assessment of skill levels. By partnering with DUPR, Delaware Life is leveraging the power of data and technology to enhance the pickleball experience for players across the board. From amateurs to professionals, DUPR’s global rating system offers a unifying language that transcends age, gender, and location.

A Shared Mission for Growth and Empowerment:
Delaware Life’s President and CEO, Colin Lake, highlights the strong alignment between the brand and pickleball. The sport’s increasing popularity among diverse age groups resonates well with Delaware Life’s client base. The partnership with DUPR not only supports the growth of the game but also presents new opportunities to engage clients and business partners. Both Delaware Life and DUPR share a passion for delivering outstanding tools and services that empower their respective communities with information, insights, and opportunities for growth.

Collaborative Engagement for Pickleball Enthusiasts:
Besides being the presenting sponsor of DUPR, Delaware Life and DUPR will collaborate on level-based pickleball events and opportunities. Utilizing DUPR’s extensive network of clubs and organizations, such as Life Time, Ace Pickleball Clubs, and Dill Dinkers, the partnership aims to enhance customer, employee, and partner engagement experiences. These collaborations will provide new avenues for enthusiasts to engage with the sport, further contributing to the growth of pickleball.

DUPR’s Rapid Rise and Global Presence:
Since its founding as the analytics arm of Major League Pickleball in 2021, DUPR has emerged as the best-in-class global pickleball rating system. It is now independently operating and widely used by amateurs, collegiate, and professional players for accurate skill level assessments. DUPR’s user base has grown exponentially, with a presence in over 140 countries, including China, India, Germany, and the UK. This remarkable growth showcases the global appeal of pickleball and the demand for a reliable rating system that unifies the pickleball community.

Supporting the Mission with Partners and Supporters:
To further bolster its mission and strengthen its presence, DUPR has welcomed influential board members and investors such as David Kass and tennis legend Andre Agassi. In addition, DUPR has formed partnerships with companies like The Picklr, JOOLA, Rally Republic, and many others. These collaborations highlight the collective commitment to elevating the sport and promoting its growth on a global scale.

The partnership between Delaware Life and DUPR represents an exciting development for the pickleball community. By combining resources, data, and expertise, they are fueling the growth of pickleball and introducing new opportunities for grassroots engagement. As pickleball continues to captivate players worldwide, this collaboration sets the stage for even greater innovation, inclusivity, and accessibility within the sport. With Delaware Life’s support as the presenting sponsor of DUPR, we can anticipate a bright future for pickleball enthusiasts everywhere.

To learn more about the partnership between Delaware Life and DUPR, please visit https://dupr.delawarelife.com.

About DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life, is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world’s leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and players. DUPR’s dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to accurately evaluate all players across a 2.000 – 8.000 scale. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more.

About Delaware Life Insurance Company

Delaware Life is an insurance and annuity company that empowers financial professionals with a wide array of customizable solutions. A subsidiary of Group 1001, we were born out of the advisor industry, and we understand how important it is to find the right fit for every client, every situation, and every individual need. We’re passionate about equipping you with annuities that give your customers peace of mind and a successful future—allowing them to plan with confidence for whatever’s next.

About Group 1001

Group 1001 is a collective that empowers companies to create positive growth. Our insurance and annuities are easy to understand and accessible to all. Our online investing platform gives individuals control over their savings. Our technology and innovation help companies succeed. And our strategic partnerships bring people together through education and sports.

As of December 31, 2023, Group 1001 had more than 1,200 employees and combined assets under management of $62.6 billion, serving more than 950,000 customers. It comprises the following brands: Delaware Life, Gainbridge®, Clear Spring Health, Clear Spring Property and Casualty Group, Clear Spring Life and Annuity Company, and RVI Group, among others.

ATLANTA /PRNewswire/ — Pickleball Kingdom, the premier brand in indoor pickleball, is thrilled to announce its expansion into Atlanta, Georgia. Led by passionate sports enthusiasts Nithi and Usha Anand, this move aims to bring the joy of pickleball to the vibrant community of Atlanta, catering to individuals of all ages and skill levels.

“We’re thrilled to bring Pickleball Kingdom to Atlanta with our indoor franchise locations,” stated Ace Rodrigues, Founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom. “Atlanta has a vibrant community, and we know the Anand family are the perfect ambassador for the sport.”

Pickleball Kingdom, known for its commitment to providing top-notch indoor facilities for pickleball players, is excited to introduce its renowned brand to Atlanta. With a focus on holistic health and the belief that movement is medicine, Nithi and Usha Anand are dedicated to creating a pickleball community where leading a healthy lifestyle is not only encouraged but also enjoyable for everyone.

“We are delighted to bring Pickleball Kingdom to Atlanta and contribute to the development of a thriving pickleball community in this area,” said Nithi and Usha Anand, franchise leaders of Pickleball Kingdom in Atlanta. “Our vision is to provide a welcoming space where individuals can engage in this exciting sport, improve their fitness, and connect with others who share a passion for pickleball.”

Pickleball, a paddle sport blending elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. Recognizing the growing demand for accessible indoor facilities, Pickleball Kingdom is committed to offering state-of-the-art courts equipped with technology to enhance the playing experience for enthusiasts in Atlanta.

Calling Franchisees

The expansion into Atlanta will offer individuals the opportunity to experience the excitement of pickleball in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Pickleball Kingdom invites aspiring entrepreneurs who share their passion for promoting active lifestyles to join them in this exciting venture as franchise partners.

“Similar to the rest of the country, the high demand for indoor pickleball in Atlanta metro is evident,” emphasized Rob Streett, COO of Pickleball Kingdom. “We are on the lookout for more ambitious partners who recognize the vast opportunities in the indoor pickleball industry. If you’re interested in seizing this opportunity, let’s connect.”

www.pickleballkingdom.com/franchise 

About Pickleball Kingdom:

Pickleball Kingdom is the largest indoor pickleball entity in the world. They are dedicated to providing exceptional facilities and fostering vibrant pickleball communities across the country. With a focus on promoting active lifestyles and building strong connections within communities, Pickleball Kingdom is committed to making pickleball accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.

SOURCE Pickleball Kingdom Franchising

LEESBURG, Va. /PRNewswire/ — The USTA Mid-Atlantic Tennis Campus – a planned best-in-class hub for health, wellness and community-building through sport – is now a critical step closer with the decision by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to approve the zoning application for the Village at Clear Springs. A key amenity within the Village at Clear Springs, the USTA Mid-Atlantic Tennis Campus will offer a transformative upgrade of indoor and outdoor courts and resources that will make it a year-round regional hub for economic growth and engaging environments that positively enhance lives.

In addition to the approval, the USTA has pledged $2.5 million in grant funding to the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation to invest in this critical, community-based infrastructure and support the mission to grow tennis.

“USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation celebrates the approval of the zoning application for the Village at Clear Springs,” said Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, Chief Executive Officer, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation. “This important decision along with an unprecedented funding commitment are crucial steps forward that allow us to succeed in our ambitious vision to increase access to tennis for all people providing physical, social and emotional health benefits for today’s youth and adults of all ages.”

The USTA Mid-Atlantic Tennis Campus is planned to be open to the public and will feature 21 outdoor tennis courts, including a stadium center court, 10 indoor tennis courts, 8 outdoor pickleball courts and 12 indoor pickleball courts which will also be used for youth tennis, cardio tennis and beginner tennis instruction for adults. The tennis campus will feature space for fitness, wellness programs, community gatherings and large-scale competitions and events. It will serve as an accessible hub for health, education and fun, while being an important economic engine estimated to generate $8.5 million annually in economic impact. 

“One of the most important aspects of the tennis campus is the ability to extend into the community and activate the higher benefits of sport among those who may be under-resourced,” said Beth Twomey, Chief Operating Officer, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation. “Especially fundamental to the vision for the campus are community outreach and education programs that will help under-resourced youth and support schools through tennis, education and physical activity. We have built strong relationships in the county and are already taking action, now we can build on this momentum to create long-term and sustainable approaches through tennis and sport that create community, character, and well-being for all.”

The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation has invested $10 million in the project and is actively seeking lead corporate sponsors and donors to help achieve the vision and be an instrumental part of the tennis campus. The tennis campus project is anticipated to cost $42 million and the groundbreaking is planned for 2025.

For more information about the tennis campus, including ways to get involved visit https://ustamidatlantictenniscampus.com/.

View the tennis campus renderings here.

About USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation:
USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Our mission is to promote and develop the growth of tennis. Our vision is tennis in EVERY community. For 100 years USTA Mid-Atlantic has been the leader for tennis in the region. We operate leagues, tournaments, and other outreach programs and events throughout the region for more than 30,000 adult and youth members in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and eastern and southern West Virginia. We support the community providers, facilities, and coaches that directly deliver the sport.

Follow us on social media at:
https://www.facebook.com/ustamidatlantic/
https://www.instagram.com/ustamidatlantic/

SOURCE USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation