In a major move to standardize competitive play, DUPR has officially named the JOOLA HC-40 as its exclusive ball for all sanctioned events starting September 1, 2026. This partnership aims to eliminate equipment variability, ensuring that player ratings are calculated based on consistent flight, bounce, and durability metrics across all levels of competition.
Where the JOOLA HC-40 Will Be Used
By mandating a single ball, DUPR intends to remove the inconsistencies caused by varying ball performance across different regions and brackets. The JOOLA HC-40 will be the required equipment for the following DUPR-sanctioned and operated competitions:
- The Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) local events: All local-level MiLP matches held within the United States will utilize this ball.
- The Dink Minor League Pickleball International and National Regional events: The mandate extends to these higher-level MiLP tournaments.
- The Dink MiLP’s The Championships: The official ball will be used for the league's culminating championship event.
- DUPR-operated collegiate Regionals: All regional tournaments managed by DUPR for college players are included.
- High school pickleball programs: The requirement covers sanctioned high school competition play.
- The College Pickleball Tour’s The Nationals: The official ball will be used for the national tournament of the College Pickleball Tour.
According to DUPR CEO Tito Machado, the decision is rooted in the necessity of reliable equipment to maintain the integrity of their rating system. Because different balls can significantly alter the feel, flight path, and bounce off a paddle, using a single, precision-engineered ball ensures that ratings more accurately reflect a player's actual performance. This announcement follows another significant update from the organization: the completion of the DUPR Reset, which processed over 400,000 match results and is now available for players to view within the DUPR app.
