Future of Pickleball is in Asia: Asia is rapidly becoming a dominant force in the global expansion of pickleball, with the sport gaining popularity in countries such as India, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Fueled by the region’s deep-rooted connection to racket sports and pickleball’s accessible nature, the game is attracting both amateurs and professionals alike.
Pickleball’s Rapid Rise Across Asia
Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the United States for four consecutive years, and Asia is following suit. Enthusiasts across the continent are embracing the sport for its social appeal, ease of play, and fitness benefits.
Countries like Indonesia have already integrated pickleball into schools, recreational centers, and community programs, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Meanwhile, corporations and fitness clubs across Southeast Asia are increasingly incorporating pickleball into their wellness programs.
On the professional level, Asia’s pickleball scene has gained momentum, especially after the 2024 merger of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) under the umbrella of the United Pickleball Association (UPA). The organization has identified Asia as a key market in its global expansion plans.
Joola Legends Asia Tour Highlights Pickleball’s Growing Popularity
A significant milestone for pickleball in Asia was the Joola Legends Asia Tour, recently held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The event featured top pickleball advocates, including eight-time Grand Slam tennis champion Andre Agassi, bringing mainstream attention to the sport in the region.
Kimberly Koh, Asia Managing Director of UPA, has confirmed the organization’s long-term ambitions for expanding pickleball in the Asia-Pacific market. Research from Bonafide Research predicts that pickleball in Asia will grow at an annual rate of 24.5% between 2024 and 2029, indicating a strong upward trajectory.
UPA Launches Asia Trailblazers Program to Develop Talent
To cultivate a pipeline of top-tier players, the UPA has introduced the Asia Trailblazers Programme, a three-month initiative launching in 2025. Selected players from across Asia will receive world-class training and mentorship from top professionals in the U.S..
The program’s goal is to help Asian players compete regularly on the PPA Tour, which is set to expand into the region later this year. Discussions are underway to finalize host locations, with Singapore, China, Vietnam, and Malaysia among the top contenders.
Plans for an MLP-Style Pickleball League in Asia
With the franchise-based Major League Pickleball (MLP) already revolutionizing the sport in the U.S., the UPA is planning to introduce a similar league in Asia. Backed by high-profile investors like LeBron James and Tom Brady, the league will provide Asian players with more opportunities to compete at a professional level and generate income.
Kimberly Koh emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating:
“After the players have trained, they need a platform to shine. That is when the PPA Tour in Asia comes into play—to provide as much opportunity as possible for people to have access to seeing and playing at the best events in the world.”
“Once we build that base on what the pro level looks like and provide the opportunity for amateurs to play, that’s where we want to take it to the next level again, which comes (via) Major League Pickleball.”
Asian Players Embrace the Sport’s Growing Influence
Among the rising stars of Asian pickleball is 22-year-old Zoey Wang from Chinese Taipei, who competes on the PPA Tour. She expressed enthusiasm about how quickly the sport is evolving across the continent:
“Everyone is switching from tennis or badminton or ping pong, everyone’s trying to help it get better and better. Asia, like other countries, especially Vietnam and India, is creating more pickleball courts, and that is very beneficial.”
Despite its success, pickleball still faces challenges in Asia, particularly due to a fragmented competitive landscape. While the PPA and MLP operate under the UPA, the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) Tour functions separately, leading to a lack of a unified ranking system and disputes over governance.
News in Brief: Future of Pickleball is in Asia
Pickleball is rapidly expanding across Asia, with the UPA identifying the region as a key growth market. The Joola Legends Asia Tour, featuring Andre Agassi, highlighted the sport’s rise, while the launch of the Asia Trailblazers Programme aims to develop local talent. The UPA is also planning an MLP-style professional league in Asia, despite challenges in unifying the competitive landscape.
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