Just a few decades ago, pickleball was a niche pastime played mainly in backyards and retirement communities in the United States. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with millions of players across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
So how did pickleball go from a quiet backyard game to a global sports movement?
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- The history of pickleball and how it started
- How the sport spread across the U.S. and internationally
- The role of pro leagues, celebrities, and social media
- Why people around the world are falling in love with pickleball
- How you can be part of the pickleball movement
If you’re a fan of the fastest-growing sport on the planet, let’s dive into its amazing rise to worldwide popularity!
1. The Humble Beginnings of Pickleball
a. How It All Started
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three friends—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. They wanted to create a fun, easy-to-learn game for their families, so they:
- Used a badminton court for playing space
- Grabbed ping-pong paddles as makeshift rackets
- Used a plastic Wiffle ball for slower, controlled play
What started as a simple backyard game quickly became a local favorite, and soon more and more people were playing.
b. Pickleball Gains Traction in the U.S.
By the 1970s, pickleball was:
- Being taught in schools as part of P.E. programs
- Becoming popular in community centers and YMCA locations
- Seeing the formation of pickleball clubs across different states
By the 1980s and 1990s, the sport had established itself as a legitimate competitive game, with official rules, dedicated courts, and national tournaments.
But pickleball was still mostly an American pastime—until the 2000s, when things started to change dramatically.
2. Pickleball's Expansion: From the U.S. to the World
Pickleball boomed in the U.S., and its expansion beyond North America was inevitable. Let’s look at how the sport went global.
a. The Explosion of Pickleball in North America
- By 2010, pickleball had over 100,000 players in the U.S.
- The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) saw rapid membership growth.
- Pickleball courts were being built everywhere, from parks to private clubs.
By 2023, over 36.5 million Americans were playing pickleball—a 158% increase in just three years!
b. Pickleball’s Growth in Canada & Mexico
- Canada was one of the first countries outside the U.S. to embrace pickleball.
- In Mexico, resorts and vacation spots began adding pickleball courts to attract U.S. visitors.
c. Pickleball Reaches Europe
Pickleball’s first European explosion happened in the UK, Spain, and France:
- British players loved that pickleball was easier on the body than tennis.
- Spain, a stronghold for paddle sports like padel, saw huge crossover interest in pickleball.
- By 2022, over 40 European countries had official pickleball organizations!
d. Pickleball in Asia, Australia, & Beyond
- In India and China, pickleball has gained traction in urban areas, with new leagues emerging.
- Australia has seen a rapid increase in pickleball clubs, especially among tennis players looking for a more social, accessible alternative.
3. The Role of Pro Leagues, Celebrities, & Social Media
a. The Rise of Professional Pickleball Leagues
Before 2020, pickleball was mostly an amateur sport. But the introduction of professional leagues changed everything.
The biggest leagues today include:
- The PPA Tour (Professional Pickleball Association Tour) – Featuring the best players in the world competing in major events.
- Major League Pickleball (MLP) – Bringing a team-based format and attracting major investors.
- The APP Tour (Association of Pickleball Professionals) – A more inclusive tour for both pros and amateur players.
These leagues offer six-figure prize money and have global broadcasts, making pickleball a true professional sport.
b. Celebrity Investors & Influencers
Pickleball’s profile skyrocketed when high-profile athletes and celebrities started investing in the sport:
- LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Kevin Durant all invested in professional pickleball teams.
- Celebrities like Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, and the Kardashians regularly play pickleball.
- Bill Gates, one of pickleball’s earliest supporters, even made a video promoting the game.
c. Social Media’s Role in Pickleball’s Growth
- TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have made pickleball more visible than ever.
- Viral videos of pickleball highlights and funny moments have reached millions.
- Influencers and fitness bloggers have introduced the game to new audiences.
Social media has helped break stereotypes—pickleball is no longer just for seniors. It’s now a sport for all ages.
4. Why Pickleball Is So Popular Worldwide
a. It’s Easy to Learn, Hard to Master
Pickleball is beginner-friendly, yet has enough depth for competitive players.
b. It’s Social & Community-Oriented
Unlike many individual sports, pickleball has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
c. It’s Low-Impact & Accessible
Pickleball is easier on the knees and joints compared to tennis, making it ideal for all ages.
d. It’s an Affordable Sport
- Paddles and balls are inexpensive compared to golf or tennis.
- Many cities are building free pickleball courts in public parks.
5. How You Can Be Part of the Pickleball Movement
Want to join the pickleball revolution? Here’s how:
✅ Find a local court. Apps like PicklePlay and USAPA’s court finder can help.
✅ Get the right gear. A moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirt from Big Green Pickle will keep you cool while you play.
✅ Stay hydrated. A pickleball tumbler is a must-have for long matches.
✅ Join a league or club. Whether you play for fun or want to compete, pickleball is best enjoyed with others.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball’s rise from a backyard game to a global sport is one of the most exciting stories in modern sports. With millions of players, pro leagues, and international expansion, the future of pickleball looks brighter than ever.
And if you want to play comfortably, don’t forget to check out BigGreenPickle.com for:
- Moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirts
- Pickleball tumblers to keep you hydrated
The pickleball revolution is here—are you ready to be part of it?
