For Immediate Release
Hongkong, China | January 8, 2026
Pickleball Champions League today announced a strategic partnership with RPM Pickleball, naming RPM as an Official Paddle Partner of PCL Rising Stars (U19), the league’s flagship youth development pathway for elite under-19 players across Asia.
The partnership brings together PCL’s commitment to structured youth competition and RPM Pickleball’s focus on performance-driven equipment and grassroots growth. Under the agreement, RPM will supply standardized competition paddles for Rising Stars athletes, ensuring consistency across events and allowing performance, preparation, and skill to determine outcomes.
“Rising Stars represents the future of pickleball in Asia,” said James Ignatowich, founder of RPM Pickleball. “We believe the sport grows strongest when young players are given the right tools, the right platform, and a clear pathway forward. Partnering with PCL allows us to support that vision in a meaningful and lasting way.”
In addition, James Ignatowich and members of the RPM Pickleball team will be in attendance at the PCL Rising Stars (U19) Finals, to be held at the Asia Elite Pickleball Academy (AEPA) in Hainan, China.
Ignatowich and other top professional players will work directly with the teams competing in the Finals, providing on-court coaching, mentorship, and competitive insights. This hands-on engagement gives Rising Stars athletes the opportunity to learn from some of the very best in the sport—accelerating development while reinforcing PCL’s commitment to world-class standards at the youth level.
Rising Stars (U19) features mixed-gender teams competing through national, regional, and provincial qualifiers, culminating in a Finals event hosted at the upcoming Asia Elite Pickleball Academy (AEPA). By standardizing paddles across the program, PCL and RPM aim to remove equipment disparity while reinforcing fairness and professionalism at the youth level.
“This partnership with RPM is not about logos alone,” said Steve Kuhn, Chairman of PCL. “It’s about aligning with partners who understand that investing in youth is how the sport builds credibility, longevity, and global relevance.”
RPM Pickleball will receive integrated brand visibility across Rising Stars events, digital content, and athlete storytelling initiatives. The partnership is structured as a long-term collaboration, supporting the continued expansion of youth pickleball pathways across Asia.
About Pickleball Champions League Asia
Pickleball Champions League Asia is a leading organizer of elite pickleball competitions and development programs across the region, focused on long-term ecosystem growth, athlete development, and professional standards of play.
About RPM Pickleball
RPM Pickleball is a performance-focused pickleball brand dedicated to designing high-quality paddles and equipment for competitive players, with a growing presence across international markets.
Media Contact:
Mhica Gan
VP, Marketing & Events
mhica@pclasia.org
