Proton Regains 'Good Standing,' Paddles No Longer Banned in Pro Play

"Since the day we founded Proton we’ve been a dedicated and proud partner of the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. We are excited to continue to be a partner of theirs for many years."

Less than a month ago, news broke that Proton paddles would be banned from professional play.

The brand had "failed to resolve its outstanding debts" with the league, PPA Tour Founder and CEO Connor Pardoe wrote in a memo sent to all players.

Their "bad standing" meant pros were no longer permitted to play in any UPA events with their paddles until all debts were rectified.

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.

The Dink PickleballAlex E. Weaver

A member of Proton's executive team told me at the time that the ban wouldn't last long: "We value our relationship with the PPA and plan to resolve this matter promptly."

And it looks like they were right.

Pardoe today confirmed that Proton is back in good standing with the UPA and the ban on the use of their paddles in professional play is lifted effective immediately.

I spoke with Proton Founder and President Charles Darling, who had this to add:

"Since the day we founded Proton we’ve been a dedicated and proud partner of the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. We are excited to continue to be a partner of theirs for many years."

He went on:

"I apologize for any confusion this may have caused in regards to the legality of our paddles. We remain committed to the growth and fun of pickleball across the globe."

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