VAIR Named Official Rating System of the NCPA

VAIR has been named the official rating system of the National Collegiate Pickleball Association. NCPA players will receive VAIR+ access, integrated performance statistics, improvement insights, and a pathway to becoming VAIRified. The partnership combines AI, match data, and certified human evaluation to give collegiate players a more accurate view of their on-court ability and long-term development.

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VAIR Named Official Rating System of the NCPA

Strategic partnership will provide NCPA players with VAIR+, integrated performance statistics and a pathway to becoming VAIRified

Naples, FL, September 4, 2026. VAIR, the global AI-powered pickleball rating and performance ecosystem, and the National Collegiate Pickleball Association (NCPA), the governing body for collegiate club pickleball, today announced a strategic partnership naming VAIR the official rating system of the NCPA.

Through the partnership, players who join the NCPA will receive access to VAIR+, giving them an expanded set of tools and benefits designed to help them better understand, track and improve their game. Players will have access to integrated performance statistics, deeper insights into their play and a rating system built to provide a more complete and accurate representation of player ability.

The partnership will also establish a pathway for NCPA players to become VAIRified. Unlike rating systems that rely solely on match results, VAIR combines advanced technology, performance data, certified human evaluation, and AI analysis to assess how a player actually performs on the court. This provides players with a trusted rating that reflects the quality of their play, not simply wins and losses.

“This partnership represents exactly what VAIR was built to do,” said Mike Barker, CEO of VAIR. “The NCPA is creating meaningful opportunities for players to compete, develop and connect through pickleball. By making VAIR its official rating system, the NCPA is giving its players access to integrated statistics, performance insights and a clear pathway to becoming VAIRified. Together, we are creating a more accurate, transparent and valuable player experience.”

As players participate in NCPA events and programs, VAIR’s integrated platform will allow them to build a more complete performance profile, follow their development and gain greater insight into the areas of their game that can help them improve.

“Partnering with VAIR gives the NCPA a rating and performance platform that supports where we are headed as an organization,” said Noah Suemnick, CEO of the NCPA. “Our players will receive more than a number. They will have access to meaningful statistics, improvement tools and a trusted process for becoming VAIRified. This partnership will strengthen the competitive experience across the NCPA and provide greater value to every player who joins.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing pickleball through stronger competitive standards, better player data and technology that supports long-term development. Additional information about NCPA membership, VAIR+ access and the VAIRification process will be announced as the partnership is implemented.

About VAIR

VAIR is a global AI-powered pickleball rating and performance ecosystem built to provide a more complete picture of player ability. By combining advanced technology, integrated performance data and certified human evaluation, VAIR measures how players perform, not simply whether they win or lose. Through VAIR ratings, VAIR+, VAIRified assessments and its expanding network of clubs, coaches, events and partners, VAIR helps players understand their game, track their progress and improve with confidence.

About the NCPA

The NCPA is dedicated to growing collegiate and junior pickleball. Founded in 2023, the NCPA operates a 14-event national collegiate tour broadcast on YouTube @ncpapickleball, along with junior camps and club programs that give young athletes a structured path into the sport. From the start of a players journey to national competition, the NCPA is building the pipeline that supports the next generation of pickleball athletes.