Pickleball and padel, two fast-growing sports, are gaining traction worldwide. With millions of players joining, these tennis-adjacent games offer a mix of competition and inclusivity, drawing attention from sports enthusiasts, celebrities, and investors.
Both sports provide accessible entry points for players of all ages and skill levels. Pickleball, with its small courts and easy-to-handle paddles, is booming in the US and Australia. Padel played in a squash-like glass enclosure, has become a sensation in Europe and Latin America, attracting over 30 million global players.
A Rising Wave of Participation
Pickleball’s growth in Australia is evident, with 92,000 active players reported last year. Brendan Lee, executive officer of Pickleball Australia, explains its appeal:
“The sport is easy to learn but tough to master. You can show up and immediately see progression, and that success breeds enjoyment.”(Brendan Lee)
Celebrities like LeBron James and Tom Brady have also invested in pickleball, increasing its visibility.
Padel, meanwhile, has captured the imagination of F1 drivers, footballers, and former tennis pros. Its fast-paced, rebounding gameplay offers players a creative edge.
“It’s competitive, but it’s meditative,” (Matt Barrelle),
inaugural president of Padel Australia.
Accessible Professional Pathways
Both sports offer lower barriers for aspiring professionals. Entry fees for pickleball events can be as low as $100, allowing anyone to compete for rankings and prize money. Tom Evans, Australia’s top-ranked pickleball player, says,
“You see people from all backgrounds. There are 50- and 60-year-olds who are still very competitive.”(Brendan Lee)
Padel is also growing in Australia, with 52 courts already established, and plans to double that number. Barrelle recalls the early days:
“We set up one of the first clubs in the south of France. Now there are over 800.””(Brendan Lee)
Impact on Traditional Tennis
The rapid rise of these sports has prompted tennis organizations to adapt. Tennis Australia now governs Padel through a subsidiary and is expanding into pickleball. The upcoming Australian Open will host tournaments for both sports, highlighting their growing significance.
A New Era of Racquet Sports
The popularity of pickleball and padel demonstrates a shift in player preferences. These sports combine fun, fitness, and inclusivity, attracting diverse demographics. Melbourne comedian Ash Williams, a former tennis player, hopes to turn pro in pickleball at 42.
“It doesn’t matter your age or where you come from,”. “You can still play and compete with the best of them.”(Ash Williams)
As both sports continue to grow, they offer opportunities for players to stay active, enjoy friendly competition, and even chase professional dreams. With their unique appeal, pickleball and padel are reshaping the racquet sports landscape.
News in Brief: Pickleball and Padel
Pickleball and Padel are rapidly gaining global popularity, attracting millions of players and significant investments. With accessible entry points for all ages, pickleball is thriving in the US and Australia, while padel is becoming a sensation in Europe and Latin America, boasting over 30 million players. As both sports grow, they are reshaping the racquet sports landscape, prompting tennis organizations to adapt and expanding opportunities for aspiring professionals.
ALSO READ: Balancing Noise and Growth: Washington State’s Pickleball Expansion
