Can Pickleball Become the Next Big Spectator Sport: This week, an article by Mike Golub in Sports Business Journal posed a question that has been circulating among sports enthusiasts: “Can pickleball make it as a mainstay spectator sport?” Golub, a two-time MLS Executive of the Year, drew comparisons between pickleball’s growth and the trajectories of the UFC and Major League Soccer, arguing that the sport has the potential to reach new heights if it embraces certain key strategies.
Here’s a breakdown of Golub’s five recommendations for turning pickleball into a successful spectator sport, along with our analysis:
Double Down on Broadcast Production
Golub emphasizes the need for more advanced broadcast technology—like spider cams, in-match audio, and real-time statistical overlays—to fully capture pickleball’s fast-paced action.
Integrate Statistics
Golub suggests that real-time statistics could enhance viewer engagement, making broadcasts more informative and dynamic.
Introduce Sports Betting
Golub points to sports betting as a potential driver for economic growth and fan engagement.
Enhance Major League Pickleball’s Local Connections
To build a loyal fan base, Golub recommends that MLP teams foster stronger ties with their cities through local events and community engagement.
Achieve Unity Among Governing Bodies
Golub’s final point calls for harmony among governing bodies like UPA, MLP, and USA Pickleball, to prevent conflicts that could stifle growth.
Pickleball is at a crucial juncture. Embracing these strategies could cement its status on the global sports stage, but how well it manages these challenges will determine its future.
News in Brief: Can Pickleball Become the Next Big Spectator Sport
Mike Golub, in Sports Business Journal, explores whether pickleball can become a mainstay spectator sport, comparing its growth to the UFC and MLS. He suggests five key strategies: enhancing broadcast production with advanced technology, integrating real-time statistics to boost viewer engagement, cautiously introducing sports betting, strengthening Major League Pickleball’s local ties, and achieving unity among governing bodies like UPA, MLP, and USA Pickleball.
Golub argues that these steps could propel pickleball to new heights, while the article stresses that how the sport navigates these challenges will determine its future success.
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