BPBI – The Federal Association of the Paintball Industry

At the end of 2024, a new association of brand representatives, manufacturers, dealers, shop and field operators, as well as league and event organizers, formed under the label BPBI (Federal Association of the Paintball Industry). The goal was to jointly establish an association for the future-oriented development of the sport. After six months of work behind more or less closed doors, the association is now presenting itself to the general public.

The sport of paintball has suffered repeated setbacks in recent years and decades. Just think back to the paintball ban that was being considered in 2009, or the coronavirus crisis, during which all shops and playing fields were closed. Each time, it was up to individuals within the industry to take the reins and, with great effort, steer things back on track. Thus, in 2009, a small but powerful group of sales representatives formed, with legal advice and at considerable expense, to commission counter-expert opinions, conduct lobbying, and ultimately save paintball in Germany from the ban. From 2020 to 2022, during the coronavirus pandemic, thanks to sophisticated concepts from some market players, paintball fields were among the first recreational activities to be allowed to reopen across Germany. This once again saved numerous providers in the sport from ruin.

Even today, the sport continues to face numerous problems. Social change has also significantly impacted paintball, its practice, and the recruitment of young players. Tournament sport in Germany, which once grew into the largest tournament scene in the world with the German Paintball League (DPL) around ten years ago, is now virtually nonexistent. Numerous playing fields and shops have gradually disappeared over the past ten years. Those who are still active in the sport today, whether players, field operators, or seasoned players, can certainly still remember the "golden days" of yesteryear. But how can individuals counteract current developments? What can be done to bring paintball back into the public eye?

This is precisely the question a handful of industry representatives asked themselves last year. They then decided to put aside old differences and look forward together, for the good of the sport. Other like-minded individuals were quickly brought to the table, and thus the newly founded Federal Association of the Paintball Industry was born. A DA-CH association with a focus beyond Germany's borders, covering the entire paintball sport in German-speaking countries, namely Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Together, the association has made it its mission to jointly advance and develop the sport of paintball in all its facets. Paintball as a sport should finally grow again. This applies to youth development, small and large events, tournament sports, and of course to all other areas of the sport such as MagFed, or even the average hobbyist. For many of us, paintball is still the coolest hobby in the world, because it is the only extreme team sport in the world. That is precisely what makes it so unique and why we all love this sport. Anyone who is active in the paintball market commercially now has the opportunity to become a member of the Federal Association of the Paintball Industry and not only benefit from the many advantages of the association and the collaborative work, but also actively shape the future of the market and the industry. Whether as a dealer, field operator, event organizer, or in another role, everyone is welcome to join the association for the good of the sport.

The association would like to take this opportunity to inform all active players that we have big plans for the future and are actively committed to ensuring that the sport of paintball continues to grow and offers even more options and diversity. Current information about the Paintball Industry Association (BPBI) can be found on the association's official website at www.Paintball-Bundesverband.de