DALLAS, TX - DUPR is leveling up. The company responsible for the widely used pickleball rating system announced Wednesday a new board, ownership, and investors, as well as an influx of $8 million in funding that will go towards the development of further technologies.

Real estate developer and Columbus Sliders owner David Kass will operate as the company’s new owner and chairman of the board.

Kass sees big things ahead for the company as the sport continues to grow.

“Now operating as its own entity, DUPR can focus on cementing its position as the connective tissue of the entire pickleball ecosystem,” he said. “I am excited to work with this talented team to take DUPR into its next chapter.”

That ‘team’ Kass refers to also includes other new board members and investors who funded the $8 million: former tennis legend Andrei Agassi, who previously entered the pickleball business world by joining the ownership group of Komodo Pickleball in November; Raine Ventures; Jay Farner, CEO of Ronin Capital Partners and former CEO of Rocket Companies; Brian Yeager, CEO and Chairman of The Champion Companies; and R. Blane Walter, founder of InChord Communications.

“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,” Agassi shared. “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.”

Over half a million players worldwide use DUPR’s rating system, and CEO Tito Machado says that developing enhancements to user experience and new technologies are the next steps for the company.

“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,” he said.

The evolution of DUPR’s role in the picklesphere will be worth watching as the ink dries on these changes and agreements.