By Duncan Cheng ‘25, Sports Editor

US Open Pickleball Tournament (Courtesy of the US Open Pickleball Championship)

The dominance of tennis as the most popular racket sport is now facing a new challenge from an emerging sport: pickleball, a fast-paced hybrid of tennis. Pickleball is gaining popularity due to its accessibility and sociability. The racket sports industry, which includes pickleball, padel, squash, badminton, table tennis, and more, is currently valued at over $9 billion and is projected to grow to $80 billion by the 2030s. But how did pickleball and racket sports reach such heights?

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. With many team sports off-limits during the pandemic, people turned to pickleball for social interaction while being socially distant. Racket sports became a popular choice that provided exercise and social connection. According to Forbes, tennis participation within the US population increased from 5.8% to 7.7% between 2019 and 2023. Although the pandemic played a role in boosting the demand for outdoor activities and racket sports, the rise of pickleball, specifically, can also be attributed to its easy-to-learn nature and low cost of entry. Unlike tennis or badminton where players are often required to take lessons and practice to master technique, pickleball is beginner-friendly, catching the eye of a broader audience. The sport attracts many older people due to its low-impact nature, making it easier on the joints compared to high-impact activities and a safer option for seniors as it reduces the risk of injury

Pickleball has exploded in popularity, now boasting over 48 million players, or nearly 1 in 7 Americans. What started as a homemade sport in 1996 in Washington State has now become a sensation. This rapid rise has attracted athletes, sponsors, and media, turning pickleball into a lucrative investment opportunity for entrepreneurs worldwide. Athletes such as Lebron James and Tom Brady are buying teams, with some teams fetching prices upwards of $10 million. Sponsors like Skechers and Carvana have also signed pickleball deals. Equipment manufacturers are benefiting as well. Selkirk Sport, the leading paddle manufacturer in the sport, has gone from a small family-owned business with only ten employees into a major corporation, supplying retailers such as Dick’s, Costco, and Walmart. Additionally, the real estate market is responding to this trend, with many pickleball courts replacing traditional tennis courts. In Florida, real estate developers have invested nearly $180 million into a new pickleball club. The pickleball restaurant-entertainment model is also rapidly increasing. Entrepreneurs are hoping to capitalize on the recent popularity by adopting a business model similar to Top Golf’s.

As the sport continues to grow, the formation of professional leagues seems inevitable. There are many professional leagues but currently, the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) are the two leading professional tours, paving the way for the sport’s future. Terri Graham, the co-founder of the US Open Pickleball Championships, the largest professional pickleball event, sees an all-time high level of enthusiasm. Graham says that player applications are up 30% in 2023 and the event has seen a 25% increase in sponsorships. There have also been a record number of spectators at these tournaments as well with more than 35,000 spectators in attendance. The demand for tickets is high; most tickets sell out within 48 hours. 

While the racket sports industry rapidly grows, it is important to remember that the sport’s original appeal lies in its sociability and accessibility. Pickleball exemplifies this idea, offering something for all ages. Its blend of competition and sociability fosters connections among players and also creates a sense of community. As more people discover this sport, its popularity is bound to soar.