Through a new partnership with Badges and Medals, USA Pickleball has introduced custom, one-of-a-kind medals across its Golden Ticket tournaments, giving athletes a meaningful, tangible way to celebrate their performance and remember their journey on the Path to Nationals.
“We’re so excited to be partnering with Badges and Medals, our exclusive medals partner here at USA Pickleball for all of our Golden Tickets coming up,” said Christian Portaro, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships at USA Pickleball. “It’s a great way for the players to take home medals after their matches. We worked with our events team, our competition team, and our design team to make sure that we get a one-of-one personal medal for our players.”
These aren’t just medals; they’re designed to be a capstone moment for athletes. Every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to reflect the significance of competing in a Golden Ticket event, from custom ribbons that highlight each host city to unique design elements like a spinning pickleball centerpiece. The result is a medal that feels as elevated as the competition itself.
“USA Pickleball is stepping up its game and investing in the full athlete experience,” said Jake McLachlan, CMO of Badges and Medals. “Golden Ticket medals were designed to be earned and kept, not filed away. We’re honored to be part of the journey and we’re already looking ahead to what we’ll unveil at the 2026 National Championships.”
This initiative is part of a broader effort by USA Pickleball to deliver excellence across the full athlete journey, from registration and arrival to competition and celebration.
Players are already taking notice.
“It felt special. It’s definitely solid. It’s different than something we’ve ever had before. And we’ll wear it proudly.”
That reaction is exactly the goal: to create a medal that athletes don’t just receive—but truly value.
Looking Ahead to Nationals
The new Golden Ticket medals are just the beginning.
USA Pickleball is using this partnership as a steppingstone toward the 2026 USA Pickleball National Championships, where an all-new custom medal will debut. A dedicated reveal is planned in the coming months, building anticipation for the sport’s biggest stage.
As the National Governing Body continues to evolve the competitive experience, moments like these on and off the court are helping define what it means to compete at the highest level in pickleball.
Because every match matters. And every achievement deserves to be remembered.
