Pickleball Boom in North Texas: Pickleball is surging in North Texas, drawing large crowds, big sponsors, and national attention. With 19.8 million players across the U.S., the sport is quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. Local tournaments are filling arenas, sparking debate over whether the craze is temporary or here to stay.
A Growing Movement
Major League Pickleball Commissioner Samin Odhwani called the excitement “pickle fever” during the league’s mid-summer tour stop in Carrollton.
“It’s called pickle fever, if you’re looking for a word,” Odhwani said. “We’ve coined it. It’s 100% a thing.”
Major League Pickleball is one of two pro leagues in the U.S., with more than 100 players across 22 teams. Texas is home to two of those teams — the Dallas Flash and the Texas Ranchers, based in Austin.
Local Impact
Thousands of fans attended the Carrollton stop in July at Pickler Universe. In 2023, The Pickleball World Championships in Farmers Branch drew more than 57,000 attendees and generated $15.7 million for the local economy, according to a city study. The event will return this November.
“When was the last time you saw a sport emerge on the landscape or the zeitgeist of culture like pickleball has?” Odhwani asked.
Star Players
For top players, pickleball is no fad. World No. 1 Ben Johns, who plays for the Los Angeles Mad Drops, said the sport’s appeal is its ability to connect people.
“It’s so enjoyable of a sport and brings too many different kinds of people together,” Johns said.
At 26 years old, Johns is already one of pickleball’s first millionaires. He hopes to see it expand globally.
“My hope is that it grows internationally,” Johns said. “The U.S. is doing phenomenal in terms of growth, and I think more countries internationally are enjoying it. And if we can do that, there is no reason why the whole world can’t be playing.”
Challenges Ahead
Experts say growth is real but wonder if it can be sustained. Dr. David Rylander, Chair of the Department of Management & Marketing at Texas Woman’s University, said the sport needs a stronger business model.
“They have to figure out how can we get some big contracts with networks,” Rylander said. “Then get more people beyond players who play pickleball to have an interest in watching pickleball. That will be a big key in terms of scaling the sport.”
Signs of Momentum
CBS has already begun airing tournaments, and league officials report sponsor deals have doubled since last year. Ticket sales are up by 50%, showing a fast rise in popularity.
“It’s been growing so quickly,” said Dallas Flash player Tyra Black, a former tennis professional. “Even the last year, it’s gone so crazy.”
Fans’ Perspective
For fans, the excitement is contagious. Matthew Kramm, who traveled from San Antonio to Carrollton, said trying the sport changes everything.
“Give it a day,” Kramm said. “Just one day, and you’ll change your mind.”
Looking Ahead
Pickleball’s rise has sparked both admiration and skepticism. Supporters see it as a sport that unites generations, while experts stress the need for solid business strategies. With major tournaments, strong fan support, and growing international interest, the game’s future looks promising.
News in Brief: Pickleball Boom in North Texas
Pickleball is booming in North Texas, with major tournaments drawing thousands and boosting the local economy. Leaders like Ben Johns and Samin Odhwani call it more than a fad, while experts note challenges in building its business model. Sponsorships, TV coverage, and fan enthusiasm suggest long-term growth.
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