Origin and Growth

Introduced in the United States in the 1960s, pickleball has gained rapid global traction, with over 48.3 million participants in the U.S. alone as of 2023.

“This three-in-one sport, easy to play and low-cost, has gone viral,” said Wu Bingcong, a sports journalist at Interface News.

China’s Pickleball Craze

In China, pickleball is picking up steam, with over 200,000 players in Guangdong Province and 130 courts in Shanghai, predicted to reach 300 by year-end.

“It’s like the Frisbee fever from a few years ago,” Wu commented. Celebrities like gymnast Li Xiaopeng and actor Zheng Kai have hopped on the trend, further fueling its popularity.

Accessible and Affordable

• Low-cost equipment: $100-$1,000 for rackets, practice rackets under $200
• Durable balls: Hard plastic, thin-shell hollow, long-lasting
• Affordable playtime: 29-49 yuan ($4.45-$7.50) per 2-hour session for up to 6 people

Business Opportunities

Pickleball’s boom presents market opportunities, with sports brands like Adidas, Li Ning, and Selkirk launching pickleball-specific products and services.

China, the main producer of pickleball equipment, houses about 300 domestic companies, catering to both local demand and international markets.

The global pickleball equipment market sales reached $204 million in 2023 and is projected to reach $360 million in 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.6%.