While the skyrocketing growth of Pickleball is hard to quantify today, players from all walks of life and at every age are now playing the game, and many of the world’s most popular athletes and celebrities, such as Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes and Drew Brees, play the game and have assumed ownership stakes in professional teams that compete in Major League Pickleball.
Pickleball is an exciting sport that combines elements of Tennis, Badminton, and Ping Pong, and the recent growth numbers are staggering. Participation is not only surging, but the business side of pickleball is exploding, with TV rights deals, player salaries, endorsements, equipment innovation, and facility development, among other sectors.
Moreover, the intersection of golf and pickleball is real, and as the popularity of the sport continues to rise, country clubs and golf resorts, as well as local municipalities across the country are building new courts and retrofitting tennis courts in record numbers. Additionally, based on consumer demand, pickleball programming for all ages and levels is being integrated into the line-up of racquet sports activities to complement golf programs.
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The 71st PGA Show, which took place at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL (Jan 24-26) brought together 30,000 golf industry professionals from 84 countries and all 50 U.S. states, including more than 7,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals. This year, Pickleball enjoyed an expanded presence at the Show, highlighted by two full-size courts on the exhibit hall floor. Sketchers and Selkirk Sport, both leading brands at the forefront of Pickleball’s growth, hosted a series of exhibition matches and clinics with professional Pickleball players and brand ambassadors.
Skechers (www.skechers.com) jumped into the pickle ball arena supplying footwear, apparel and equipment. Skechers is the #1 Shoe brand in pickle ball. Their flagship product is the Viper Court Pro, designed specifically for the pickle ball athlete and features a synthetic and mesh upper with a removable Skechers Arch Fit® insole, lightweight ULTRA FLIGHT® cushioning and a Goodyear® Performance Outsole.
Selkirk Sport (www.selkirk.com), a family-owned business based in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is at the forefront of Pickleball’s surge in popularity, all while driving growth through product innovation, market leadership, philanthropic initiatives, Selkirk TV, Professional Tour sponsorship, and the Company’s elite line-up of brand ambassadors.
For information on the sport or to find a place to play near you, visit www.playpickleball.com.
