Pickleball’s Global Expansion: Pickleball has undeniably captured the hearts of athletes, enthusiasts, and fans worldwide, and its rapid expansion has become one of the most exciting sports stories of the last decade. With its unique combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong elements, the sport has drawn in players of all ages and skill levels. The 2024 Pickleball World Cup, held in Lima, Peru, served as a pivotal moment for the sport, showcasing its international appeal and gathering global leaders to discuss its future.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The sport’s leading stakeholders—the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR), and the Cabieses Foundation—are teaming up to guide pickleball toward new heights. By 2036, they aim to see pickleball on the Olympic stage, and their collective efforts are already paying off with impressive strides toward global recognition.
A Landmark Event in Lima: The 2024 Pickleball World Cup
The 2024 Pickleball World Cup was not just another tournament—it was a landmark event for the sport. Hosted at the Villa Deportiva Nacional (VIDENA) in Lima, Peru, the World Cup attracted 32 delegations and over 500 athletes. With more than 2,000 spectators and live coverage by Movistar Deportes, the event showcased the international growth and appeal of pickleball. Puerto Rico emerged as the champion, with Peru in second place and Chinese Taipei taking third, marking the event as a thrilling chapter in the sport’s journey.
However, the tournament was more than just about the competition—it also served as a platform for discussions on the future of pickleball. Representatives from around the world participated in the Pickleball Promoters World Forum, a meeting that focused on advancing global strategies to ensure the sport’s continued growth. Topics ranged from global governance to creating a roadmap for Olympic inclusion, making the World Cup a crucial moment for the sport’s future.
Building a Sustainable Future for Pickleball: The Role of Key Stakeholders
As pickleball continues to gain popularity, its future lies in the hands of dedicated organizations working to guide its growth. The collaboration between PWR, DUPR, and the Cabieses Foundation marks the beginning of an ambitious effort to shape pickleball’s future. Hercilio Cabieses, Director of the Pickleball World Cup and Co-Founder of the Cabieses Foundation, emphasized the significance of this partnership in harnessing the collective power of the pickleball community.
The next major milestone for pickleball is the addition of the sport to the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima. This marks a critical step toward the long-term goal of achieving Olympic status. Leaders like Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR, have highlighted the sport’s universal appeal and inclusivity, making a compelling case for why pickleball belongs on the Olympic stage. The collaboration is not stopping here; additional stakeholders are being sought to join the effort, ensuring that the growth of pickleball continues on a global scale.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Global Expansion
Three key organizations—Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR), and the Cabieses Foundation—have joined forces to accelerate the growth of pickleball globally. Their collaboration aims to boost the sport’s visibility, culminating in efforts to secure Olympic inclusion by 2036. The alliance was solidified during the 2024 Pickleball World Cup in Lima, Peru, and will continue to shape the sport’s global expansion with key milestones like the 2027 Pan American Games.
ALSO READ: Thieves Capitalize on Pickleball Boom: What Retailers Need to Know!!