DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), which is pickleball’s most accurate international rating system, has announced a new board, ownership, and investors, and an influx of $8 million in funding to further advance its mission to unify the fast-growing sport with innovative technology and a dynamic global rating.
David Kass, real estate developer, and Major League Pickleball team owner, will operate as the new owner and chairman along with new board members and investors, including legendary tennis star Andre Agassi; Raine Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Raine Group; Jay Farner, CEO of Ronin Capital Partners and former CEO of Rocket Companies; Brian Yeager, Chairman & CEO, The Champions Companies; and R. Blane Walter, founder of InChord Communications. Tito Machado will continue to lead the organization as its CEO.
With over half a million users and a 20% month-over-month growth rate since being founded in 2021, and a presence in over 140 countries, including China, Germany, and the UK, DUPR has established itself as the global standard in pickleball ratings. And DUPR provides players across all levels with an ageless, genderless rating based on their match results to equip the emerging sport with a simple language and standard to gauge player ability.
DUPR’s organized competition models provide endless opportunities to participate in pickleball. Ranging from juniors (focused on shaping young talent that will define the future of the sport), to collegiate (DUPR is the home of collegiate pickleball), all the way to Major League Pickleball — DUPR connects the entire pickleball pathway, offering something for everyone. The company’s partners and supporters include LifeTime Pickleball, The Picklr, Ace and OOFOS.
DUPR utilizes a modified Elo algorithm that rates players, regardless of their age, gender, location, or skill, across the same 2.0 to 8.0 scale to evaluate their ability. And the algorithm considers three factors: wins or losses, type of match (recreational vs tournament) and the rating spread between players.
DUPR is free and one match is all it takes to have a rating and as players play more, their rating becomes even more accurate. Players who use DUPR play more often and love the ability to know their level and find more opportunities to play. The tournament directors and event organizers report that when their players have a DUPR they see more activity at their club and increased growth for their bottom line.
KEY QUOTES:
“I believe in DUPR’s vision to benefit pickleball and players of every level.”
– Andre Agassi
“Pickleball is still in its infancy and the sport is only going to continue to gain traction in the US and worldwide. We are making a major financial investment in DUPR to grow the platform, its technology and the game for the long term. In just a few years, DUPR has experienced incredible adoption, with over 35 API partners and half a million users, enabling players to know their level, connect with friends and players, join clubs, and unlock advanced analytics, training tools and opportunities for upskilling. Now operating as its own entity, DUPR can focus on cementing its position as the connective tissue of the entire pickleball ecosystem. I am excited to work with this talented team to take DUPR into its next chapter.”
– David Kass, DUPR Chairman of the Board
“As an active, passionate pickleball player I know how important it is to play against players at your level for the ultimate enjoyment of the sport. DUPR is the most accurate system out there that gives all players a simple and easy way to know their skill level. With DUPR, you can also track progress, connect with others and maximize more opportunities to hit the courts. I believe in DUPR’s vision to benefit pickleball and players of every level. I am excited and proud to be a part of this team.”
– Andre Agassi, former world #1 tennis player, eight-time Grand Slam champion and Olympic gold medalist
“Our team has been working tirelessly for the last few years to build the best-in-class rating system and technology platform to unify pickleball. Now, with the support and guidance of David Kass, Andre Agassi, The Raine Group and our other incredible investors and board members, we’re well-positioned to accelerate our growth and adoption worldwide, while also releasing new features to the platform to enhance the experience for players and organizers.”
– Tito Machado, DUPR CEO
