Proton Paddles Have Been Banned from Pro Play, PPA Memo Confirms

"Proton has failed to resolve its outstanding debts and is now in bad standing with the United Pickleball Association (UPA)," PPA Tour Founder and CEO Connor Pardoe wrote in a league memo.

In an email communication with professional players Friday, PPA Tour Founder and CEO Connor Pardoe conveyed the news that Proton paddles are no longer permitted in professional play.

"Despite repeated communications, clear contractual obligations, and ample time to cure," he wrote.

"Proton has failed to resolve its outstanding debts and is now in bad standing with the United Pickleball Association (UPA), the PPA Tour, Major League Pickleball (MLP), and Pickleball Inc."

The ban takes effect at the conclusion of the ongoing Greater Zion Cup on March 30, 2026, at which point no Proton paddles will be permitted in any sanctioned professional-level play.

Policies for amateur play, Pardoe said, are also under review, "with further communication to follow."

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What the Email Said

A copy of the email – titled "Important Notice: Proton Paddles Banned from Professional Play" – was shared with The Dink. We've also confirmed its receipt with several active pros.

Proton has been a major paddle brand on the pro tour for years. And a title sponsor of the PPA Tour in recent seasons.

Andrei Daescu was a top sponsored pro until he recently signed with CRBN. Jade and Jackie Kawamoto re-signed with the brand as of a couple months ago. Other Proton-affiliated pros include Meghan Dizon, Augie Ge, Jalina Ingram, and Travis Rettenmaier.

"It is our understanding that multiple Proton-sponsored athletes may also be owed significant sums by Proton," the email read. "We encourage you to proceed however you see fit to pursue and collect any debts owed to you directly from Proton."

Reached for comment, a member of the Proton team said this:

"We value our relationship with the PPA and plan to resolve this matter promptly."

What Happens to Proton Players?

Any current pro who is sponsored by or using Proton paddles is now required to make different arrangements.

"If you are currently using Proton paddles, we strongly recommend contacting them immediately to resolve your situation and to secure equipment alternatives ahead of upcoming events," Pardoe's email continued.

Players relying on Proton equipment must make arrangements to ensure they are fully prepared for future competitions.

The ball now appears to be in Protons court.

If they "rectify their debts," the email said, "they will be considered back in good standing and their equipment will be eligible for play."

The next U.S.-based PPA Tour event is the Sacramento Open, April 13-19, 2026. The PPA Asia Hanoi Cup takes place April 1-5 in Vietnam.

Impact on the MLP's Phoenix Flames

Proton is part of the ownership group of Major League Pickleball's Phoenix Flames franchise.

It's unclear how this news impacts that relationship at the moment, but the team posted the following to their Instagram channel, saying, in part,

"Proton is not associated with the Phoenix Flames as of earlier this year."

President of PPA Pro Player Committee Reacts

Zane Navratil, President of the PPA Pro Player Committee, posted a reaction video on Friday night reacting to the news.