Pickleball Enthusiasm - The Most Amazing Phenomenon in Racquet Sports Today

Looking back at the last 10 years

Since 2015, I have been covering the rise of pickleball, at a time when many readers of my former newsletter, TENNIS CLUB BUSINESS, still viewed it as a passing trend. The growth pattern observed in Southern California seemed to mirror the national trajectory. A comprehensive pickleball expansion strategy involved numerous Ambassadors educating local communities on how to repurpose public tennis courts. This approach was implemented with the understanding that traditional tennis enthusiasts, accustomed to a more exclusive club environment, would likely voice complaints but not actively resist the change.

In public hearings before Parks and Recreation committees, pickleball ambassadors demonstrated remarkable community engagement by mobilizing hundreds of supporters from surrounding areas. This grassroots effort contrasted sharply with the perceived exclusivity of traditional tennis players, who often prioritized league matches over these public forums. As a result, pickleball experienced rapid growth without the immediate need for dedicated court construction.

This strategic approach allowed pickleball ambassadors to focus their efforts on teaching the game and recruiting coaches. The sport's appeal became evident as it fulfilled a long-standing desire in the racquet sports community: an accessible game that was easy to learn and fostered a welcoming, enjoyable atmosphere. Pickleball's inclusive nature and quick learning curve attracted a diverse range of enthusiasts, creating a vibrant community of players united by their passion for the sport.

USTA executives could have learned a valuable lesson: in racquet sports where enjoyment and social interaction are paramount, competition and skill improvement are not always the primary motivators. In comparison, tournaments attracted thousands of pickleball players competing for medals and trophies, while millions of others prioritized the social aspects of the game, content to spend hours playing daily with friends, both old and new.

The USTA's focus on integrating beginners into the adult league system and the NTRP rating structure inadvertently created barriers to entry. This approach overlooked valuable lessons from more inclusive sports models. Consequently, millions of potential tennis players, previously deterred by the high financial and skill barriers, found a more welcoming alternative in pickleball. This emerging sport offered a shallower learning curve and lower entry costs, providing a stark contrast to tennis' traditionally exclusive environment.

The explosive growth of pickleball unmasks a critical market opportunity within the tennis industry. This surge in popularity highlights an unmet demand for accessible racquet sports that prioritize community engagement and skill development over traditional, rigid rating systems. This seismic shift in consumer preferences doesn't just suggest a need for change - it demands a complete reimagining of how the tennis industry approaches beginner engagement and participation models.

The New Normal

In recent years, I observed a notable shift within the pickleball community. The once-prevalent welcoming atmosphere towards newcomers, largely fostered by PB Ambassadors, has diminished. This change has given rise to behaviors more commonly associated with tennis culture. Established players have become increasingly selective, preferring to engage with peers of similar skill levels.

This evolution represents a departure from the inclusive spirit that characterized earlier pickleball encounters. For instance, during my initial experience at a public park in Southern California's Palm Desert area, I was greeted with enthusiasm. A female player, upon noticing my approach, called out invitingly, "Come on in, we have a paddle for you!" Such spontaneous displays of inclusivity appear to have become less frequent in the current pickleball landscape.

The observed shift in player behavior aligns with the proliferation of leagues, a phenomenon I've previously analyzed and termed "USTA Adult League - the catalyst for declining tennis growth in league-saturated areas." It is my professional assessment that USTA Leagues have played a significant role in the decade-old industry trend highlighted by former USTA CEO Lew Sherr in 2024, who stated that "98% of the 4 million players tennis had gained during COVID have already departed from the sport."

This data point underscores the critical need for a comprehensive evaluation of current league structures and their impact on long-term player retention.

Pickleball Events: Another Growing Phenomenon

The pickleball industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with events ranging from intimate local gatherings to large-scale tournaments attracting thousands of players. The Minto US Open Pickleball Championship, for instance, exemplifies the sport's burgeoning popularity and widespread media coverage. This surge in pickleball events is capitalizing on significant momentum and consistent public relations efforts across various media platforms.

A recent event, Pickleball Fest 2025 in Delray Beach, Florida, demonstrated the growing enthusiasm for pickleball. This relatively small gathering, held on a Saturday morning, attracted significant attendance and excitement among participants. Our friend and guest author, Javier Palenque, captured the energy of the event in a brief video, which provides valuable insight into the potential market interest for our platform.

To view the 2-minute video documentation of the event, please refer to the image link below.

Conclusion

The current state of pickleball's popularity in the United States, juxtaposed with tennis's apparent lack of response, is concerning for the tennis industry. Pickleball's enthusiasm has surpassed even tennis's peak popularity during the 1980s. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) National bears some responsibility for failing to emphasize the enjoyable aspects of tennis and promote it as an accessible sport where beginners can engage in rallies within minutes, as demonstrated by techniques like those of Oscar Wegner.

Furthermore, USTA sections' heavy reliance on Adult League revenue may be impeding tennis growth in their operational areas. The claim of increasing league participation appears to be misleading, as observations suggest a trend of fewer unique players participating across a larger number of teams, rather than genuine growth in the player base.

To address these challenges, the tennis industry should consider:

• Developing marketing strategies that highlight the fun and accessible nature of tennis

• Implementing beginner-friendly programs that demonstrate quick progress

• Diversifying revenue streams beyond Adult League participation

• Accurately measuring and reporting player engagement to guide strategic decisions

By taking these steps, the tennis industry can work towards revitalizing interest and participation in the sport, potentially recapturing some of the enthusiasm currently enjoyed by pickleball.

For me, the rapid growth and success of pickleball as a relatively new sport is a highly positive development for the racquet sports industry. This trend has led to millions of new and existing players becoming more active and engaged as core racquet sports enthusiasts.