DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is a privately held technology company that operates a global pickleball player rating system and mobile application. Originally founded in 2021 as "Dreamland Universal Pickleball Rating" by Steve Kuhn, the company provides real-time player ratings ranging from 2.000 to 8.000, with separate ratings for singles and doubles play. DUPR has become the official rating system for major pickleball organizations including the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour) and Major League Pickleball.

DUPR

Company type	Private
Industry	Sports technology Pickleball rating system
Founded	2021; 4 years ago (2021) in Dripping Springs, Texas, United States
Founder	Steve Kuhn
Headquarters	Delray Beach, Florida , United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Steve Kuhn (Founder) Jill Braverman (CEO) Ben Van Hout (Head of Partnerships)
Products	DUPR mobile application Pickleball rating system Tournament management software
Services	Player rating services Tournament organization Collegiate pickleball programs
Website	dupr.com

History

Founding and Early Development

DUPR was founded in 2021 by Steve Kuhn, who also founded Major League Pickleball and operates the Dreamland family entertainment center in Dripping Springs, Texas. The rating system was initially developed as "Dreamland Universal Pickleball Rating" to address the need for a standardized, universal rating system in the rapidly growing sport of pickleball.^[1]

Kuhn's vision was to create an entertainment destination that celebrated pickleball while also developing a rating system that would be "easy and simple" for players of all levels. The system was designed to work universally across all ages, genders, and locations, providing a common language for skill assessment in pickleball.^[2]

Corporate Restructuring

In January 2024, controlling interest in DUPR was acquired by a consortium of investors led by David Kass, with other investors including Andre Agassi, Raine Ventures (a subsidiary of The Raine Group), and Jay Farner. The acquisition involved an $8 million investment and marked a significant expansion of the company's capabilities and reach.^[3]

Following the acquisition, the company's headquarters moved to Delray Beach, Florida, and Jill Braverman, former Head of Commercial at Universal Tennis, was appointed as CEO.^[4]

Official Partnerships and Status

DUPR serves as the official rating system for the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour), providing standardized ratings for professional players and tournament seeding.^[5] The system is also used by Major League Pickleball, which was founded by DUPR's creator Steve Kuhn, for player evaluation and team formation.^[6]

DUPR operates a comprehensive collegiate pickleball program that has grown from its first event in 2022 to over 250 collegiate clubs and 1,300 student athletes by 2024. The program includes regional competitions and a national championship, with the 2025 season featuring a partnership with the United Pickleball Association to create the Collegiate Pickleball Tour (CPT).^[7]

DUPR has expanded internationally, with notable partnerships including the PWR DUPR India League, which was announced in January 2025 and featured exhibition matches between tennis stars Rohan Bopanna and Andre Agassi.^[8]

Business Development

DUPR operates on a freemium model, offering basic rating services through its free mobile application while providing premium features through paid memberships. The company generates revenue through strategic partnerships with health and wellness providers, tournament organizers, and equipment manufacturers.^[9]

In June 2025, DUPR announced a partnership with Vita Bella as the official health and wellness partner of competitive pickleball, expanding the company's services beyond rating systems to include athlete wellness and performance optimization programs.^[10]

Rating System

Algorithm and Methodology

DUPR uses a modified Elo rating system algorithm that provides real-time updates to player ratings after each recorded match. The system generates separate ratings for singles and doubles play, with ratings ranging from 2.000 (beginner level) to 8.000 (professional level) in 0.001 increments.^[11]

The algorithm considers four key factors when adjusting ratings:

• Performance vs. Expectation: The system predicts expected outcomes based on current player ratings, with better-than-expected performance increasing ratings
• Match Type: Official tournaments and club play have greater influence than self-reported casual games
• Match Recency: More recent matches have greater impact on rating adjustments
• Match Volume: Increased match history leads to more stable and accurate ratings^[12]

Reliability Score

In April 2024, DUPR introduced a "Reliability Score" feature that indicates how dependable a player's rating is, ranging from 1% to 100%. A reliability score above 60% is considered reliable, with higher scores indicating more consistent match reporting and more accurate ratings.^[13]

Point Differential and Match Factors

Unlike simple win/loss systems, DUPR considers the closeness of matches in its calculations. A tight 11-9 loss may improve a player's rating more than a blowout win, reflecting the competitive nature of the match. The system also accounts for the skill level of opponents, with matches against higher-rated players having greater potential impact on ratings.^[14]

Technology and Platform

Mobile Application

DUPR operates primarily through a free mobile application available on iOS and Android platforms. The app allows users to:

• Create accounts and establish initial ratings
• Record match results through self-reporting
• Search for players of similar skill levels
• Connect with other players and clubs
• Track personal progress and statistics^[15]

Integration with Tournament Software

DUPR has integrated with most major pickleball tournament management platforms, including Pickleball.com, Pickleball Brackets, Pickleball Tournaments, Swish, and CourtReserve. This integration allows tournament results to automatically update player ratings, providing more accurate and comprehensive rating data.^[16]

Verified Events Program

In 2024, DUPR launched a "Verified Events" program that provides enhanced rating accuracy for sanctioned tournaments and leagues. This program offers tournament organizers tools to manage events while ensuring all results are properly integrated into the DUPR rating system.^[17]

Data Security and Privacy

DUPR has implemented industry-standard data protection measures to ensure user privacy and security. The company does not sell user data to third parties and employs encrypted data storage with salted and hashed password protection. The platform complies with data privacy regulations and maintains user trust through transparent data handling practices.^[18]

Impact and Adoption

User Base

As of 2024, DUPR is used by nearly 5,000 pickleball clubs worldwide and has integrated with over 70 partner platforms. The system has become the most widely adopted pickleball rating system globally, providing a standardized method for skill assessment across recreational and competitive play.^[19]

Community Building

DUPR functions not only as a rating system but also as a social platform, allowing players to connect with others of similar skill levels, join clubs, and organize games. This community aspect has contributed to the platform's growth and user engagement.^[20]