USA Pickleball Countersues JOOLA, Accuses Brand Of “Bait-and-Switch” With Gen 3 Paddles
Source: The Dink Pickleball
The legal drama between USA Pickleball (USAP) and JOOLA has reached a new peak.
On April 18, USAP filed a formal countersuit against Sport Squad, Inc.—the parent company of JOOLA—alleging serious misconduct surrounding the release of JOOLA’s Gen 3 paddle line. The lawsuit claims that JOOLA submitted one version of the Gen 3 paddles for official certification and then released a different, unapproved version to the public.
This countersuit is the latest development in an increasingly bitter back-and-forth between two major forces in the pickleball world, one that could have lasting implications for paddle regulation and equipment standards in the sport.
The Heart Of The Allegation: A Classic “Bait-and-Switch”
According to the 23-page countersuit, JOOLA gained USAP certification in 2023 by submitting a version of its Gen 3 paddles that contained significantly less foam and produced less power. Once approved, the brand allegedly altered the paddles—packing in more foam to increase power—and released this more potent version for public sale under the same Gen 3 label.
USAP described the situation in its legal filing as “a classic bait-and-switch.” The organization maintains that the paddles purchased by consumers in 2024 bore the same certification label but were not the same products tested and approved by the sport’s governing body.
USAP claims that the enhanced foam levels in the retail version of the paddles created a trampoline effect when striking the ball, giving players an unfair advantage and violating equipment compliance standards.
A Quick Timeline Of The Controversy
Mid-2023: JOOLA submits Gen 3 paddles for certification. These paddles pass USAP testing.
April 2024: JOOLA launches the Gen 3 line to major fanfare, marketing its power and unique “catapult effect.”
May 2024: Concerns begin to surface about the legality of the paddles. Notably, pro player Zane Navratil publicly criticized their impact on gameplay.
Mid-2024: USAP removes the Gen 3 paddles from its approved equipment list after determining that the retail models differ from those initially certified.
June 2024: JOOLA files a $200 million lawsuit against USAP, alleging unfair treatment and inconsistent testing protocols.
April 2025: USAP responds with a countersuit, calling out JOOLA for deceptive conduct and seeking significant damages.
The Evidence At The Center
As part of the countersuit, USAP submitted photographic comparisons showing two Gen 3 paddles side by side. One was the original submitted version; the other was a retail model. According to the court documents, structural differences between the paddles were clear—especially in the amount and placement of foam inside the frames.
USAP argues that these differences materially alter the paddle’s performance and that JOOLA misled the public by continuing to advertise these paddles as certified.
“The paddles were also lower quality based on the irregular, expanding foam around the rim,” USAP stated in the lawsuit. “JOOLA had never disclosed this to USAP yet continued to represent to the public that the paddles were ‘approved.’”
What USAP Wants From The Lawsuit
In the countersuit, USAP has requested the following:
Compensatory and treble damages: Financial compensation multiplied by three, should the court find in USAP’s favor.
Disgorgement of JOOLA’s profits: Including triple damages tied to revenue from the Gen 3 paddles.
Punitive damages: To penalize what USAP alleges was deceptive conduct.
A formal court declaration: That JOOLA misrepresented uncertified padd
This legal battle has stretched across ten months so far, and signs suggest the real fight may still be ahead.
