2024: A Year of Transformation for the Pickleball Industry
The year 2024 marked a period of significant growth and evolution for the pickleball industry, witnessing substantial developments across various sectors, from paddle manufacturing to professional tours. The burgeoning popularity of the sport fueled an unprecedented expansion of indoor pickleball facilities, with major franchisors like The Picklr, Dill Dinkers, Pickleball Kingdom, and Ace Pickleball Club spearheading the construction of numerous venues nationwide. Established eatertainment chains like Chicken & Pickle and Crush Yard also capitalized on the pickleball craze, further expanding their market presence and integrating the sport into their entertainment offerings. This surge in facility development underscores pickleball’s transition from a niche activity to a mainstream sport, accessible to a wider audience.
Mergers and acquisitions played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of the paddle manufacturing sector. 35 Capital, co-owner of the Chicago Slice, orchestrated a significant consolidation by acquiring both ProXR and Paddletek, subsequently merging them under the newly formed brand, United Pickleball Properties (UPP). This strategic move brought together two prominent paddle manufacturers, along with Boundless Pickleball, known for its NCAA-licensed products. The acquisition effectively consolidated a significant portion of the market share, potentially influencing future paddle technology and player endorsements. ProXR boasts prominent content creator Zane Navratil among its sponsored athletes, while Paddletek features the world’s number one women’s player, Anna Leigh Waters, further highlighting the strategic value of these acquisitions.
The increasing involvement of high-profile figures also contributed to the sport’s growing recognition. Former NFL star Drew Brees joined The Picklr as a national brand ambassador, investor, and franchise owner, adding another prominent name to the growing list of celebrity endorsements. Brees, already a part-owner of the LA Mad Drops, further solidified his commitment to the sport by investing in Picklr franchises in the Midwest. This strategic partnership leveraged Brees’ considerable influence and national recognition, further bolstering The Picklr’s brand image and market reach.
The standardization of player ratings also saw a significant development with DUPR becoming the official rating system for all Pickleball.com properties. This decision by the UPA encompassed major professional tours like MLP and PPA, as well as prominent online platforms like Pickleball.com, Pickleball Tournaments, and Pickleball Brackets. This move not only enhanced the credibility and reliability of DUPR but also provided a much-needed solution to the data discrepancies that had plagued the system in previous years. This adoption of DUPR as the universal rating system cemented its position as the leading authority in pickleball player assessment.
Infrastructure development also took center stage in 2024. The APP broke ground on "The Fort," its new headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This facility, envisioned as the first Pickleball Academy in the sport’s history, is poised to become a central hub for training and development, further professionalizing the sport and nurturing the next generation of pickleball athletes. Similarly, Connor Pardoe, owner of MLP’s Utah Black Diamonds, announced the construction of the Utah Black Diamonds Pickleball Center, a $25 million state-of-the-art facility designed to host major tournaments and cater to the growing demand for dedicated pickleball venues. This investment reflects the growing recognition of pickleball as a major sport and the increasing demand for world-class facilities.
Strategic partnerships and program expansions further fueled the growth of the sport. MLP and DUPR collaborated to launch Minor League Pickleball, providing amateur players with a pathway to professional competition. This initiative aimed to broaden participation and create a more robust ecosystem for pickleball, linking amateur events directly to the professional circuit. The development of the first official Pro Pickleball video game, released by the PPA, marked another milestone in the sport’s evolution, albeit with mixed reviews regarding its graphics and gameplay. Despite its initial shortcomings, the game offered a new avenue for fans to engage with the sport and potentially attract a younger generation of players.
Industry-focused initiatives also gained momentum in 2024. David Johnson, former owner and CEO of Pickleball Central, launched the International Association of Pickleball Facilities (IAPF), aiming to provide organizational support and resources to the rapidly expanding network of pickleball facility owners. This initiative addressed the need for standardization and best practices within the industry, facilitating collaboration and resource sharing among facility operators. The APP also launched the APP Academy and APP Touring Pro program, further cementing its commitment to player development and professionalizing the sport, providing structured training and competitive opportunities for aspiring athletes.
Despite the overall progress, 2024 also saw the closure of Dreamland, a significant venue in Austin, Texas, which played a pivotal role in the early stages of professional pickleball. While the closure marked the end of an era, it also underscored the dynamic nature of the industry and the ongoing evolution of the sport’s landscape. The shift towards subscription-based content for Pickleball TV, though met with some resistance, reflected the increasing need for sustainable revenue models to support the growth of professional tours and the production of high-quality broadcasts.
In conclusion, 2024 was a transformative year for the pickleball industry, characterized by significant growth, consolidation, and innovation. The expanding network of facilities, coupled with strategic partnerships, technological advancements, and the increasing involvement of high-profile individuals, solidified pickleball’s position as a major sport with immense potential. While challenges remain in areas such as content accessibility and the financial sustainability of professional tours, the overall trajectory of the sport remains positive, pointing towards continued growth and evolution in the years to come.
