Brazil Breaks Ground: Liga Supremo Pioneers VAR in Non-US Pickleball League
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Liga Supremo, a prominent pickleball league in Brazil, has become the first league outside the United States to implement the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in its matches. The system was tested during the second stage of the season in Governador Valadares (MG) and was well-received by organizers, athletes, and referees.
Hit it deeper!
Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport in the United States with celebrity investors like LeBron James, has recently gained significant traction in Brazil. Liga Supremo, a leading national league in Brazil, has now made international headlines by becoming the first pickleball league outside of the United States to adopt the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system for its matches. This innovative move was introduced during the second stage of the Chilli Beans season, held from March 21 to 23 in Governador Valadares (MG) at the Valadares Pickleball Clube.
The event in Governador Valadares brought together approximately 300 athletes from Brazil and Latin America, competing in mixed, doubles, and singles categories across various skill levels. Pickleball, known for its simple rules, lightweight paddles, and smaller courts, offers dynamic and low-impact matches suitable for all ages.
During the Governador Valadares stage, the VAR system was used on a trial basis, with each competitor allowed one challenge per game. The experience was widely considered a success by the league's organization, as well as the participating athletes and referees.
Paulo Cantoli, CEO of Liga Supremo, stated that the feedback was unanimous: VAR is a positive addition. He noted that it proved decisive in some of the event's most important matches and that athletes used the system respectfully and judiciously. Cantoli also highlighted the smooth operation of the VAR system and the positive environment it created for officiating analysis.
The introduction of VAR is part of Liga Supremo's strategy to build a professional and sustainable ecosystem for pickleball in Brazil. Inspired by major leagues in the United States, Liga Supremo was established in 2024 with a focus on high-level infrastructure and athlete support. For the 2025 season, the league has allocated over R$ 2 million in prize money.
Liga Supremo believes that pickleball can replicate its success in Brazil, where it is the fastest-growing sport, having increased by over 300% in the last four years and boasting nearly 20 million participants, including prominent figures like LeBron James.
The high level of investment by Liga Supremo was evident on the courts in Governador Valadares, which featured top players from across Latin America, providing a high-caliber event for the enthusiastic fans in attendance. Cantoli emphasized the exceptional technical level of the event, affirming Liga Supremo's commitment to being the home of the best players, referees, and fans in Latin American pickleball.
The Open Singles category winners were Kym Sze (men's) and Marcela Donatoni (women's). They also won the mixed doubles title together. Donatoni also claimed the women's doubles title with Patty Boson, while Caio Silva and Hugo Dojas won the men's doubles. The next stage of Liga Supremo will take place in Santos (SP) from May 1 to 4.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Liga Supremo's pioneering adoption of the VAR system outside the United States marks a significant step in the professionalization of pickleball globally. This initiative reflects the league's commitment to ensuring fair play and enhancing the integrity of competitions as the sport grows in Brazil and Latin America. The positive feedback from players and officials during the trial phase indicates the potential for VAR to become a valuable tool in high-level pickleball matches. By investing in infrastructure and adopting technologies used in more established sports, Liga Supremo is setting a precedent for other international pickleball organizations and demonstrating its ambition to elevate the sport's profile. This move could lead to increased credibility and attract more participants and fans to professional pickleball in Brazil.