JOOLA Gen 3 Pickleball Paddle Settlement Resolves Class Action Claims

About the JOOLA Pickleball Paddle Settlement

Sport Squad Inc., doing business as JOOLA, has agreed to a settlement, claiming that the company falsely advertised its Gen3 pickleball paddles as USA Pickleball Association-approved.

The settlement affects over 17,000 paddle owners across the United States and represents a significant development for the pickleball community, where equipment approval status directly impacts tournament participation and competitive play.

Why Pickleball Players Sued JOOLA

The class action lawsuit alleges JOOLA misled consumers between November 2023 and May 2024 by advertising and selling Gen3 paddles with the USA Pickleball-approved logo when the paddles in fact lacked proper sponsor certification.

Admin error revokes sponsorship 

Initially, JOOLA received USA Pickleball approval for the Gen3 line in November 2023. However, six months later, the company admitted to an "administrative error" where it had submitted the wrong paddles for certification testing. 

When USA Pickleball discovered this discrepancy, they immediately revoked approval status on May 16, 2024.

Continued sales

Despite losing certification, the lawsuit claims that JOOLA continued to sell these paddles with approved logos and marketing materials. 

For pickleball players, especially those competing in sanctioned tournaments, this alleged misrepresentation had serious consequences. 

Error affects pro players 

Tournament rules require USA Pickleball-approved equipment, meaning players discovered their expensive paddles were suddenly ineligible for competitive play.

When lead plaintiffs Greg Matus and John Michael Tomberlin discovered the error, they filed a lawsuit against Sport Squad Inc. on behalf of all Gen3 pickleball paddle consumers.

While JOOLA denies any wrongdoing, the company agreed to the settlement to avoid continued litigation expenses and uncertainty. The agreement provides potential and substantial compensation to affected consumers while allowing JOOLA to move forward without admitting liability.

Who Can File a Claim

Sports players may possibly qualify for this pickleball paddle settlement if they are U.S. residents and currently own and possess a JOOLA Gen3 paddle. 

Physical possession remains a requirement. Individuals cannot file a claim if they no longer have the paddle.

This settlement excludes several groups from the member class:

• Consumers who previously accepted JOOLA's voluntary return program.
• Sport Squad Inc. employees, officers, and directors.
• JOOLA's authorized retailers and distributors.
• Legal representatives and affiliates of the company.

Potential Gen3 paddle claimants will need to submit separate claim forms for each product purchased. The settlement administrator requires individual documentation for disputed paddles to ensure accurate distribution of the settlement fund.

• Important note: Paddle condition generally doesn't matter. Whether the Gen3 paddle shows heavy use, damage, or remains pristine, pickleball consumers can still possibly submit a claim. 

The settlement agreement specifically states that returned paddles may be "used or broken" as long as they're substantially complete.

Covered JOOLA Gen3 Paddle Models

This settlement covers nine specific Gen3 paddle models that were subject to alleged false advertising claims. 

Each model bears the name of a professional pickleball player and comes in various thickness options:

• Tyson McGuffin Magnus 3 – Available in 14mm and 16mm versions.
• Collin Johns Scorpeus 3 – 16mm thickness only.
• Anna Bright Scorpeus 3 – 14mm thickness only.
• Simone Jardim Hyperion 3 – 16mm thickness only.
• Ben Johns Hyperion 3 – Offered in both 14mm and 16mm.
• Ben Johns Perseus 3 – Available in 14mm and 16mm options.

These professional-grade paddles originally retailed between $235 and $279.95.

The settlement covers all Gen3 paddles purchased during the class period when USA Pickleball approval claims appeared in marketing materials, regardless of where the consumer bought them.

Proposed Settlement Compensation Agreement 

Category 1 - $300 Cash Refund

Eligible class members who provide proof of purchase from authorized retailers may possibly receive a maximum compensation of $300 per paddle. This cash refund represents full reimbursement for most Gen3 paddle purchases.

Acceptable proof of purchase includes:

• Original receipts from authorized JOOLA retailers.
• Email or online order confirmations.
• Credit card statements showing qualifying transactions.
• Electronic payment records (Venmo, Zelle, PayPal) for authorized retailer purchases.

All submitted proof of purchase must show:

• Purchase date between April 16, 2024, and December 31, 2024.
• Transaction amount exceeding $235.
• Purchase from an authorized retailer (the settlement administrator offers a list).

Category 2 - $150 JOOLA Gift Code

Class members without proof of purchase may still possibly be eligible to receive substantial compensation through a $150 gift code for online purchases at Joola.com, which will remain valid until at least December 31, 2026.

Paddle return requirement

This sports equipment settlement is unique because all claimants must return their Gen3 paddles to receive compensation. JOOLA will provide prepaid FedEx shipping labels, eliminating any cost burden for class members. 

The return process begins after claim approval when class members receive a shipping label with instructions on how to return their paddle within 30 days.