In a significant move for professional pickleball, Zane Navratil has been elected President of the newly formed UPA Pro Player Committee. This role, established under the United Pickleball Association (UPA), the joint governing entity of the PPA Tour (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP), marks the most substantial effort to date toward unified player representation in the sport.

“While I didn’t actively seek this position, I take this responsibility seriously and am committed to serving the player community with integrity and balance,” Navratil wrote in a LinkedIn post.

The UPA Pro Player Committee is intended to provide a direct, organized player voice within the fast-growing structure of pro pickleball.

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A History of Fragmented Player Representation

Pickleball’s explosive growth has outpaced its organizational infrastructure. While individual pro tours like the PPA and MLP have offered player councils or advisory groups in the past, a cohesive, player-first body with teeth has been elusive. There have been murmurs of player unions before, but no group has successfully gained traction across both tours.

As The Dink reported earlier this year in “Pickleball Pros Organize New Players Association,” the need for unified representation has become increasingly urgent as questions of scheduling, travel demands, and business interests of tours increasingly impact athletes’ careers and well-being. The creation of the UPA itself was a step toward streamlining pro pickleball; this committee represents a parallel step for the players.

Why Zane?

That Zane Navratil was the choice to lead the committee is telling. A decorated pro with titles across both MLP and PPA, Zane has become one of the sport’s most respected voices, not just among fans, but among his peers.

“Despite a full plate, I believe strongly in the value of unified representation. Unlike other major sports, professional pickleball has yet to benefit from a true players’ association. It’s time for a collaborative, solutions-oriented voice at the table—one that works with the UPA rather than against it."

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It’s not hard to see why players rallied behind him. In addition to being a top competitor and team captain for the MLP’s New Jersey 5s, Zane wears multiple hats: he’s a partner at Paddletek and ProXR Pickleball, co-creator of an international clinic platform, and a leading content creator. But it’s his role as co-host of PicklePod, The Dink’s flagship podcast, that’s helped shape his reputation as a thoughtful, informed leader.

Through PicklePod, Navratil has gone beyond on-court excellence, regularly offering insight on the business, strategy, and politics of pickleball. He’s not afraid to tackle controversial topics or push for greater transparency. Whether he’s breaking down paddle tech standards, dissecting the economics of pro tours, or just riffing on the chaos of a tournament weekend, Zane brings authority and humor to the mic. It’s earned him trust, and a dedicated following.

In 2023, he was awarded The Dink’s “Most Influential Voice in Pickleball,” and he remains a recurring nominee across multiple categories each year.

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A Constructive Agenda

Unlike traditional player unions in sports like the NBA or MLB, the UPA Pro Player Committee is not built to be adversarial—at least not initially.

“It’s time for a collaborative, solutions-oriented voice at the table—one that works with the UPA rather than against it,” Navratil wrote. “My goal is to advocate for smart, actionable improvements that elevate the player experience without disrupting operational sustainability. This role isn’t about conflict—it’s about constructive progress.”

Navratil’s professional background in accounting may also lend credibility as he engages with league executives and sponsors. He appears eager to balance pragmatism with advocacy.

The Road Ahead

With 167 UPA players reportedly participating in the vote, the election alone shows a growing appetite for formal representation. Still, the Committee’s power will be defined less by its structure and more by the credibility and consistency of its leadership.

Zane, with his rare blend of on-court success, business acumen, and media fluency, may be uniquely positioned to give pro pickleball players something they’ve never truly had: a unified, respected voice at the table.

"To the 167 UPA players who entrusted me with this role: thank you. I won’t take it lightly," wrote Navratil.

As he put it: “Let’s get to work.”