Pickleball Travel Opportunities: Pickleball is growing fast across the United States, with the United Pickleball Association (UPA) and the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) leading the sport’s rise. Both groups focus on professional events and elite players, but they are missing out on a major opportunity—recreational pickleball travel.
Pro Tours Get the Spotlight
The UPA, which includes the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP), runs a top-level pro circuit with contracted athletes and private equity funding. The APP Tour, backed by USA Pickleball, gives amateurs a path to pro-level play.
While the UPA highlights star power and the APP focuses on building careers, both mainly promote pro events. That leaves out the huge number of recreational players.
Most Players Are Not Going Pro
Many pickleball players start with casual games in their neighborhood or local park. They enjoy the game for fun, fitness, and friendship. Only a small number dream of turning pro.
This is like other sports, such as golf and tennis, where most people play just for fun. If the main focus is only on pro players, these everyday fans may feel left out.
A pro-centric model risks misinterpreting these motivations. When the focus is intensely on professionals and ROI, the vast amateur base can be inadvertently neglected or viewed mainly as a source of revenue through tournament fees or to bolster pro event attendance.
Why Travel Can Help Everyone
Pickleball travel—like vacations, clinics, and retreats—can help players of all levels enjoy the sport more. People are more open to trying new things on vacation, so fun, welcoming pickleball experiences at resorts or retreats could help grow the sport.
Travel works for many types of players:
New players can learn in a relaxed setting.
Recreational players can combine travel and practice.
Competitive players can attend training camps or faraway events.
Missed Chance for UPA and APP
Right now, neither the UPA nor the APP has made travel a big part of their strategy. That means they are missing out on chances to:
Reach more players beyond pro events.
Build stronger loyalty from early experiences.
Connect with fans all year, not just at tournaments.
Gain new income and useful player data.
This represents a missed opportunity to: Align with broader player desires beyond elite competition. Build deep, early brand loyalty by engaging players from their first positive experience. Create year-round connection outside the tournament calendar. Unlock new revenue streams and gather valuable player data.
The Way Forward
If the UPA and APP want to grow the sport even more, they need to support the full player journey—from first game to loyal fan. Creating travel programs could help bring in new fans and keep current ones engaged.
This isn’t just about new revenue; it’s about fostering lifelong engagement and building a truly inclusive brand. The organization that embraces this holistic vision will not only cater to the many, not just the few, but will also solidify its leadership in pickleball’s exciting future.
News in Brief: Pickleball Travel Opportunities
The UPA and APP focus mainly on pro pickleball, but they’re overlooking a big chance: travel. Pickleball vacations, clinics, and retreats can engage more casual players. Adding travel to their plans could grow loyalty, increase revenue, and make the sport more inclusive for fans at every level.
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