Pickleball Ready for Global Stardom: Pickleball is expected to see even more growth in 2025, with significant developments on the horizon. The sport, which gained immense popularity in 2024, is set to expand its reach through new facilities, international tours, and a greater focus on professional players. These changes will shape the future of pickleball as it continues to rise in prominence.
Expansion of Pickleball Facilities
New dedicated pickleball facilities will continue to be built across the United States in 2025. This growth is driven by the rising demand for courts as the sport becomes more popular.
Additionally, new pickleball franchises are expected to emerge and some will expand into international markets. These new venues and franchises will help further the sport’s widespread appeal.
Major League Pickleball’s Future
2025 will be a crucial year for Major League Pickleball (MLP). The league underwent changes in 2024 and will continue refining its structure to attract more cities and local support.
By getting cities involved in supporting their local teams, MLP hopes to increase fan engagement and solidify its position as a key player in pickleball.
Focus on Professional Players
Pickleball will make a concerted effort in 2025 to elevate its professional players to star status. Following in the footsteps of tennis stars like Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff, pickleball pros will be featured more prominently in the media.
New shows and coverage will help fans get to know the athletes behind the sport. This increased focus will help raise the profile of top players and attract more fans to the game.
Changing of the Guard in Professional Pickleball
Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters have dominated the sport’s top spots for years. However, 2025 may see a shift in this dominance.
With more tennis players transitioning to pickleball and younger players emerging, their reigns could be challenged. Player partnerships are also likely to change, adding even more unpredictability to the competition.
International Expansion
The international presence of pickleball is set to grow in 2025. The APP, PPA, and MLP will all hold tournaments overseas, helping to introduce the sport to new global markets.
This international expansion could boost pickleball’s popularity, with new fans and players joining the community worldwide.
College and Amateur Leagues
More colleges and universities are adding pickleball courts to their campuses, making the sport more accessible to students. In addition to recreational leagues, formal collegiate leagues are expected to take off.
Tournaments like those held at The Pickle Lodge, where students from across the country competed, will become more common, encouraging college students to get involved in the sport.
Paddle Safety and Innovation
The pickleball industry is also addressing concerns about paddle technology. In 2025, there will be more regulation to ensure that paddles are safe for players. As the sport continues to innovate, ensuring safety will remain a priority, especially as paddles continue to evolve.
New Techniques and Shots
As professional players spend more time perfecting their skills, new shots and techniques are expected to emerge. With larger contracts allowing players to focus more on training, the level of play will continue to improve. This development will likely lead to more exciting and creative shots being added to the game.
Future of the Dink Shot
A significant shift could happen in 2025 regarding the dink shot. As new, more powerful paddles emerge, the game might become faster and more aggressive.
Some wonder whether the dink shot will still hold as much value, or if pickleball will become more about power and speed, leaving the dink shot behind.
News in Brief: Pickleball Ready for Global Stardom
Pickleball will continue to grow in 2025 with more facilities, international tournaments, and a focus on professional players.
Changes in Major League Pickleball and new techniques in the sport are expected, along with the rise of new stars challenging top players Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters.
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