Today, Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR), known for its precise international pickleball rating system, unveiled its new leadership team and investors. This announcement coincides with a significant $8 million investment to enhance its role in uniting the rapidly growing sport through state-of-the-art technology and a comprehensive global rating system.
Leading the charge as the new owner and chairman is David Kass, a real estate developer and Major League Pickleball team proprietor. Joining him on the board are notable figures including tennis legend Andre Agassi, Raine Ventures (a subsidiary of The Raine Group), Ronin Capital Partners CEO Jay Farner, Brian Yeager (Chairman & CEO of The Champions Companies), and InChord Communications founder R. Blane Walter. Tito Machado remains as the CEO of DUPR.
“Pickleball is at a pivotal growth stage, both in the US and globally. Our hefty financial backing for DUPR is aimed at enhancing its platform, technological capabilities, and the sport overall for the future,” stated David Kass, DUPR’s Chairman. “DUPR has quickly gained momentum, amassing over half a million users and 35 API partners, facilitating player connections, club memberships, and access to advanced analytics and training tools. As an independent entity, DUPR is well-positioned to become the linchpin of the entire pickleball community. I’m eager to lead DUPR into this new phase with our skilled team.”
With a user base exceeding 500,000, a monthly growth rate of 20% since its inception in 2021, and a presence in over 140 countries, DUPR is recognized as the authoritative standard in pickleball ratings globally. The system provides an unbiased, gender-neutral rating based on match outcomes, offering a universal metric for player skill in this burgeoning sport.
“As an enthusiastic pickleball player, I understand the joy of playing with peers of similar skill levels,” shared Andre Agassi, former world number one tennis player and Olympic gold medalist. “DUPR stands out as the most precise system for players to gauge their skills, track progress, and connect with others. I fully support DUPR’s mission to enhance pickleball for players at all levels and am thrilled to be part of this venture.”
DUPR organizes various competition models, catering to everyone from juniors to collegiate players, and even Major League Pickleball, thereby connecting the entire spectrum of the sport. Its partners include LifeTime Pickleball, The Picklr, Ace, and OOFOS.
“DUPR, for the past few years, has been dedicated to creating the premier rating system and technological platform for pickleball. With the backing of David Kass, Andre Agassi, The Raine Group, and other esteemed board members and investors, we’re now primed to boost our global reach and introduce new platform features to enrich the experience for both players and organizers,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR.
DUPR employs a modified Elo algorithm for a fair assessment of players, regardless of age, gender, or skill level, on a 2.0 to 8.0 scale. The algorithm accounts for match outcomes, type of play, and the rating difference between participants. Accessible for free, DUPR requires just one match for a rating, which becomes more precise with additional play. Players using DUPR tend to engage more in the sport, enjoying the clarity of their skill level and finding more playing opportunities. Tournament directors and event organizers also report increased club activity and business growth when players have a DUPR rating.
