Now Reading: Junior PPA Tour players must switch to approved paddles from August 30
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Junior PPA Tour players must switch to approved paddles from August 30
From August 30, 2026, every player on the Junior PPA Tour must use a paddle from the UPA-A Approved Paddle list, matching the rule already in place for the Senior Pro divisions.…
The Story in Brief
From August 30, 2026, every player on the Junior PPA Tour must use a paddle from the UPA-A Approved Paddle list, matching the rule already in place for the Senior Pro divisions. The UPA-A’s paddle certification tests power, spin, and the effects of accelerated wear, with manufacturers paying a $3,000 testing fee (valid for 24 months) and a $10,000 annual fee to stay eligible for professional events. For brand visibility at PPA and MLP events, a $50,000 annual Marketing and Broadcast License is required, though waived for brands already sponsoring PPA or MLP with at least $100,000.
Players whose paddles are not on the approved list must switch to a certified model before the deadline, as certification can only be arranged by manufacturers, not individuals. The UPA-A list, searchable by brand, model, and thickness, is available on the official website.
The Indian Opinion
The standard lament about money deciding who wins is tempting, but the UPA-A's fee structure actually targets manufacturers, not players. A Rs 2.5 lakh testing fee and Rs 8.3 lakh annual brand fee are steep hurdles, yet the $50,000 broadcast license is waived for sponsors spending over $100,000. That means well-funded brands get a double advantage: approved paddles and TV visibility. Watch whether the rule shrinks the number of brands in junior tournaments, or if smaller makers find ways to certify models without paying the broadcast fee.
Source: timesnownews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
