PCL and RPM Pickleball Join Forces to Elevate Youth Talent Across Asia

Photo Credits to: PCL Asia (https://www.pclasia.org/blog/pcl-and-rpm-pickleball-partner-to-support-rising-stars-u19-youth-development-program)

Pickleball Champions League Asia (PCL Asia) has announced a new partnership with RPM Pickleball, naming the performance equipment brand as the Official Paddle Partner for the league’s flagship youth development program, PCL Rising Stars (https://pickle.asia/blogs/pcl-asia-launches-pcl-rising-stars) (U19).

The collaboration brings PCL Asia’s structured competitive platform for elite under‑19 players together with RPM’s focus on performance‑driven paddle design and grassroots growth. As part of the agreement, RPM will supply standardized competition paddles for all Rising Stars athletes - ensuring fairness and consistency across events “so performance, preparation, and skill determine outcomes.”

Ignatowich and the RPM team will attend the PCL Rising Stars (U19) Finals at the Asia Elite Pickleball Academy (AEPA) in Hainan, China - offering on‑court coaching, mentorship, and competitive insight for youth participants.

Hands‑On Support at the Finals

The Finals mark the culmination of a season of national, regional, and provincial qualifiers that form Rising Stars’ competitive structure. Alongside RPM leadership, top professional players will engage directly with finalists to enhance athlete development and reinforce PCL’s commitment to world‑class youth standards.

Rising Stars (U19) features mixed‑gender teams - typically two male and two female players - competing through structured play designed to identify and elevate Asia’s emerging talent.

Investing in the Future of Pickleball

Steve Kuhn, Chairman of PCL Asia, highlighted the broader impact of the partnership:

RPM will also gain integrated brand visibility across Rising Stars events, digital content, and athlete storytelling initiatives. The agreement is structured as a long‑term collaboration, aimed at expanding youth pathways and professional standards across the region.

With programs like PCL Rising Stars