In a move poised to redefine the standards of fairness, data, and innovation in pickleball, Pickleball Inc. has partnered with PlayReplay, a cutting-edge sports technology company specializing in AI-powered line calling and performance analytics. Under this agreement, Pickleball Inc. will serve as the exclusive worldwide distributor of PlayReplay’s technology for the sport of pickleball.

The deal marks a major milestone in the sport’s evolution, as Pickleball Inc. works to integrate high-level technology across every level of play—from pro tournaments on the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP) to recreational clubs and public facilities across the U.S.

“We’re thrilled to work with the PPA—not only because they’re the most prominent league in the world, but also because they’re an incredible group of people to collaborate with,” said Hans Lundstam, CEO and Co-founder of PlayReplay. “This will be a fantastic partnership that will help propel the sport of pickleball to even greater heights.”

Coming in 2026: Line Call Automation for PPA and MLP

While the implementation won’t be immediate, the rollout is strategically timed to align with the United Pickleball Association’s (UPA) shift to a prize money model beginning in 2026 across both the PPA Tour and MLP. As performance-based payouts increase and the stakes grow higher for professional athletes, the potential for line call disputes—and even deliberate cheating—has become a growing concern. Pickleball Inc. is helping professional organizations get ahead of the problem by having AI handle everything with precision and neutrality.

“Our goal is to reduce tension and human error in officiating,” said Lundstam. “In tennis, our AI-driven systems have transformed line calling—and we’re excited to bring the same clarity and fairness to pickleball.”

The system uses a compact setup of four cameras mounted on the net posts—designed to be non-intrusive and practically invisible to players and spectators alike. These cameras work in real time to detect events like line calls, foot faults, and kitchen violations with stunning accuracy. Loudspeakers can even announce calls live on the court, replicating the “out” and “fault” calls fans are used to hearing in pro tennis matches.

“We offer two main modes: a Review mode where players can challenge calls and see animated replays, and a Live mode where the system makes real-time announcements,” explained Lundstam. “You can even customize the voice—or make it fun with something like a lion’s roar.”

The tech, already proven and certified for tennis, will be adapted specifically for pickleball. PlayReplay is the only company to earn ITF Silver Classification for indoor and outdoor accuracy, making it the most reliable officiating tech of its kind.

Built on a Foundation of AI and Data

PlayReplay's system isn’t just about line calls—it’s also a full-fledged performance tracking platform. The cameras and edge units capture everything from shot type recognition (forehands, backhands, volleys) to ball speed, spin rate, and shot placement.

“We’re digesting the most essential information from every frame and using AI to interpret what’s happening,” said Lundstam. “Over time, the system gets smarter as we feed it more data—creating deeper insights for players at all levels.”

To date, PlayReplay has logged over 100 million line calls across 250,000+ matches, making its dataset one of the largest in racquet sports and a powerful asset for refining AI performance.

Long-Term Vision: From Pro Tour to Public Parks

While the initial use case will come on the PPA Tour and MLP, Pickleball Inc. plans to bring the technology to players nationwide. The ultimate vision is a fully connected ecosystem where rec players, clubs, and facilities can use the same tools the pros have—whether for automated officiating, training, or competitive insights.

“This isn’t just about pro events,” said Lundstam. “We believe in democratizing access to performance data. Our partnership with Pickleball Inc. will help bring that vision to life—giving amateur players access to elite-level insights and fair play.”

Recreational players will eventually be able to review their own match data and track progress over time. Clubs and facilities will also be able to adopt PlayReplay’s lightweight, scalable camera system without disrupting play or requiring a complicated setup.

For a preview of what PlayReplay technology looks like in action, visit www.playreplay.io.

Key Highlights:

• Pickleball Inc. becomes the official worldwide distributor of PlayReplay tech for the sport of pickleball.

• Automated line calls will debut at PPA and MLP events starting in 2026, coinciding with the advent of a prize money model for pros.

• Cameras will detect in/out calls, service faults, lets, kitchen violations, and more with high-speed AI processing.

• PlayReplay tech also provides advanced performance analytics, including ball speed, spin, and shot type detection.

• Long-term plans include expanding to clubs, rec facilities, and amateur players across the U.S.

• The partnership aims to eliminate line-call controversies, improve player development, and modernize the sport’s infrastructure.