Pickleball Becomes a Global Sensation: Pickleball, a once niche pastime, has become one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. From its humble beginnings in 1965 to rapid growth between 2020 and 2025, pickleball has seen a surge in amateur and professional participation. The sport has been fueled by celebrity investments, increased media attention, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Humble Origins of Pickleball
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three friends looking for a new family-friendly game.
Little did they know, their simple creation would grow into one of America’s most popular recreational activities. It remained a small, niche game for decades, but its rise to mainstream popularity began in the 2020s.
A Pandemic Boost
During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people searched for socially distant outdoor activities, and pickleball emerged as an ideal solution. The sport requires minimal equipment and is easy to learn, making it accessible for players of all ages and skill levels.
Between 2020 and 2023, pickleball’s participation surged by over 223%, with more than 13.6 million people playing the game, possibly even more.
The pandemic also saw a shift in the demographics of players, with former tennis pros and athletes from other sports joining the game. Celebrities like LeBron James, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Patrick Mahomes invested in the sport, helping turn pickleball into a serious business venture.
The Fight for Professional Dominance
With the surge in popularity, two major pickleball organizations, Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, began competing for dominance in the professional realm.
Steve Kuhn, a hedge-fund manager, launched MLP with the goal of creating a team-based league, while Tom Dundon, a billionaire, backed the PPA Tour, focusing on singles and doubles tournaments.
By 2023, both leagues were in a bidding war for top players. As a result, the professional landscape saw massive contracts being offered to stars like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. This intense rivalry culminated in a merger of MLP and the PPA Tour in 2023, with a $75 million investment to back the new, unified league.
The Rise of Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters
Ben Johns, a former college tennis player, quickly became one of the most successful professional pickleball players of his generation. By 2020, Johns had become the top male player in the sport.
Anna Leigh Waters, a teenage prodigy, also rose to stardom, becoming the youngest-ever professional player at just 12 years old. By 14, she was already the No. 1 ranked player in every division and won numerous titles on the PPA Tour.
Together, Johns and Waters formed one of the most successful mixed doubles teams, holding an impressive 232-7 record and 46 gold medals by 2024. Their dominance has helped elevate the sport’s profile, inspiring younger players to join the pickleball movement.
Expanding the Game at the Amateur Level
As the professional scene grew, so did pickleball’s presence at the amateur level. People from all walks of life, including older generations and younger enthusiasts, turned to the sport for fun, fitness, and socialization. Local communities across the country responded by building new courts, and private investment spurred the sport’s growth.
The sport’s inclusive nature has led to programs designed for underserved communities, as well as adaptive pickleball for individuals with disabilities.
Organizations like the Diversity and Inclusion in Pickleball Council have also worked to make the sport more accessible. Online communities, such as The Kitchen’s Facebook group, have further promoted relationships among players and fans, fueling pickleball’s growth.
What’s Next for Pickleball?
Looking ahead, the future of pickleball looks bright. The sport has now gone global, with international tournaments and the 2024 Pickleball World Cup drawing players from 32 countries.
Talks of pickleball becoming an Olympic sport and the rise of collegiate pickleball are adding to the excitement. As professional leagues consolidate and new stars emerge, pickleball continues to grow as a pastime and a professional career.
Pickleball’s rise is a reflection of its community-driven nature, its ability to adapt, and its universal appeal. It has moved from a backyard game to a global phenomenon, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
News in Brief: Pickleball Becomes a Global Sensation
Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, with over 13.6 million players in the U.S. alone. Celebrities like LeBron James and Tom Brady have invested in the sport, helping it transition into a major business. Professional leagues Major League Pickleball and the PPA Tour merged in 2023 to shape the sport’s future.
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