As we turn the page to a new year, it is worth pausing to reflect on just how extraordinary 2025 was for USPSA. By nearly every measure—membership, participation, financial stability and program development—this past year was truly record setting. More importantly, it was a year that strengthened our foundation and positioned us well for the future.
What made 2025 special was not growth for growth’s sake. It was intentional progress. Together, we focused on improving the member experience, supporting clubs, modernizing systems and investing in the people and programs that make practical shooting thrive. Because of that work, we enter 2026 with momentum, clarity and excitement.
UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION
In late December 2025, USPSA surpassed 43,000 members for the first time in the organization’s history. This is a milestone that reflects the strength and momentum of our community. More than 11,000 new members joined USPSA during the year, and nearly 60% of our membership remained active within the last 12 months, underscoring the high level of engagement across the sport.
Participation followed suit. Across USPSA and Steel Challenge, members uploaded more than 350,000 match activities in 2025. Every Area experienced year-over-year growth, demonstrating that practical shooting continues to resonate nationwide—from long-established clubs to new communities discovering the sport for the first time.
This level of participation is a direct reflection of strong local clubs, dedicated volunteers and a welcoming culture that encourages shooters of all experience levels to get involved.
A RECORD-SETTING NATIONALS SEASON
The 2025 USPSA Nationals season was one for the history books. Demand reached unprecedented levels, with several events selling out quickly and generating deep waitlists.
A highlight of the season came in October at the 2025 USPSA Race Gun Nationals held at Southern Utah Practical Shooting Range in Hurricane, Utah. With more than 615 competitors, it became the largest individual Nationals event in USPSA history. From stage design and range operations to competitor experience and awards, the event showcased the best of our sport.
Behind every successful USPSA Nationals event is an extraordinary team effort. Range Masters, CROs, volunteers, staff, sponsors and host ranges all contributed countless hours to deliver safe, competitive and memorable matches. Their commitment is what transforms Nationals from competitions into celebrations of our community.
STRENGTHENING THE USPSA MEMBER EXPERIENCE
Throughout 2025, USPSA made significant investments to improve how members engage with the organization, with a particular focus on removing barriers for new shooters while adding value for longtime members.
USPSA launched a completely redesigned New Member Experience that strips away unnecessary jargon and provides clear, accessible guidance for those just getting started in practical shooting. At the same time, the membership application itself was overhauled and simplified into a streamlined three-step process that can be completed in minutes, making it easier than ever to join USPSA.
USPSA also took steps to make membership more affordable and accessible. In 2025, we reduced the cost of three-year and five-year memberships, also introduceing a complimentary annual membership for members aged 80 and older—recognizing and honoring those who have spent decades supporting the sport.
Looking ahead to 2026, USPSA is expanding access even further with the introduction of a new Junior Membership level. This new tier includes a robust parental consent workflow to ensure safety and compliance while making it easier for the next generation to enter the sport and become part of the USPSA community.
SUPPORTING CLUBS AND LOCAL GROWTH
In 2025, work began on what is now known as USPSA Club Resources, a comprehensive online hub designed to support and empower USPSA clubs across the country. Whether a club is well established or just getting started, Club Resources is intended to provide practical tools, insights and guidance to help club leaders succeed and grow. Built as a living resource, it will continue to evolve as best practices are shared and new needs emerge.
USPSA also laid the groundwork for the Club Recruitment Rewards Program, a forward-looking initiative scheduled to launch in early 2026. This program is designed to actively reward clubs for growing the sport by allowing them to earn points for new member recruitment and reinvest those points into infrastructure, technology, staffing support and other resources that strengthen local match operations.
FINANCIAL STRENGTH AND RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP
USPSA ended 2025 in a strong financial position. Revenue exceeded expectations, driven by increased membership, higher activity levels and solid performance across key programs. As USPSA invested strategically throughout the organization, the organization was equally focused on expense control and financial accountability. That discipline allowed USPSA to close both 2024 and 2025 with positive net income, confirming that the budgeting process and financial safeguards are doing exactly what they were designed to do.
Transparency remained a priority throughout the year. USPSA continued sharing quarterly financial updates with membership, along with the 2024 Fiscal Review and IRS Form 990. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to openness, trust and responsible stewardship.
PROTECTING THE ORGANIZATION AND PLANNING AHEAD
In 2025, we continued to protect and defend the USPSA and Steel Challenge names and logos, ensuring that both organizations and their marks remain properly trademarked and safeguarded as the sport continues to grow.
At the same time, planning for 2026 moved into full swing. Senior staff developed a thoughtful, forward-looking 2026 budget that balances conservative revenue projections with targeted investments in member programs, enhanced Nationals experiences and operational support. The budget was approved by the USPSA Board at the December 2025 meeting.
Planning for the 2026 Nationals season is already underway, incorporating competitor, staff and vendor feedback from 2025 to continue raising the bar.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026
As we begin 2026, USPSA is well positioned for continued success. We are building on record participation, strengthening support for clubs, modernizing systems and creating clearer pathways for new shooters to join the sport. There is much work ahead—and just as much opportunity.
WITH GRATITUDE
None of this progress happens without people. To the volunteers who tape targets, run timers and mentor new shooters; to our match staff, Range Officers, instructors and club leaders; to our Area Directors, Board members and national staff; and to every member who shows up and supports this community—thank you.
I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together in 2025, and even more excited about what lies ahead for USPSA and Steel Challenge. It is an honor to serve this organization and this community, and I look forward to continuing the journey with all of you in 2026.
2026 USPSA ELECTIONS ANNOUNCEMENT
USPSA is excited to announce the 2026 election for the offices of Area 4 and Area 7 Directors.
Voting Period
From June 15, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time to July 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Detailed information about candidates, encompassing biographies, Q&A documents and other pertinent resources, can be accessed on our election webpage.
To familiarize yourself with USPSA Election Policies, please visit uspsa.org.
Voter Eligibility Criteria: USPSA Bylaw 6.3
Eligible voters should be current USPSA members from the respective areas, with a membership that began before May 1, 2025, and with no interruption longer than 60 days.
The election service provider will dispatch voting credentials to all eligible USPSA members via email.
Voting Procedure
Eligible USPSA members will receive an email featuring unique voting credentials at around 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on June 15, 2026. Members can cast their votes using the unique ID and PIN provided in the email at the indicated website.
Alternatively, members can log in to the USPSA website and visit the voting page. This page will direct members to a secure voting portal run by the election provider, where the members’ eligibility will be verified before they can cast their votes. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
Article from the January/February 2026 issue of USPSA’s magazine.
