What’s Next for Pickleball? Trends, Tech & The Global Expansion of a Modern Game

The “Rise of Pickleball” has been nothing short of remarkable. With a sport once considered a casual backyard activity now attracting serious competition, global infrastructure and new players of all ages, we are witnessing a transformation. As the game evolves, it’s worth exploring what’s next—both in terms of trends, technology and global expansion.

Trend 1: From Casual Play to Competitive Platform

What started as a friendly recreational pastime is increasingly moving into structured competition. The body of research shows that as participation grows, so do the demands for standardisation and formal competition. For example, a review article in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons highlights that injuries and participation have surged in parallel as the sport matures.

As noted by Steve Kuhn, founder of Major League Pickleball: “We are in the very early innings of the professionalization of this sport. This shift means that tournaments, leagues and global events are becoming important pillars for growth.

Trend 2: Technology and Equipment Innovation

Technology is influencing how the game is played, experienced and monetised. Advances in paddle design, court surfaces and even analytics are in motion. Researchers at Simon Fraser University examined the “flight dynamics” of the pickleball ball, showing how strategic play could be refined through better understanding of trajectory and velocity.

On the equipment side, growing demand for specialised gear is evident – paddles with new materials, courts designed for multi-use, and tracking of play data are all part of the picture. As one marketing leader put it: “Our job is to fill the building — not just the courts.

The combination of accessibility and innovation ensures that the sport remains attractive to new players and investors alike.

Trend 3: Inclusive Growth and Demographic Shift

The “Rise of Pickleball” isn’t just about younger players; it’s also about intergenerational appeal. A qualitative study of older adult players highlighted themes of community, active lifestyle, and identity through play.

This inclusive growth means the sport appeals to a wide age range, making it ideal for family, friends and mixed-skill gatherings. Such inclusivity supports growth of local clubs, school programmes and public courts.

Trend 4: Global Expansion and Infrastructure Build-out

Beyond the US market, the sport is going global. According to Jorge Barragan, co-founder and CEO of the international club franchise The Picklr: “We’re seeing the same story overseas… Pickleball is exploding.

Expansion into Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America is under way. Facilities, tournaments and equipment supply chains are scaling internationally. The research also indicates significant growth in participation globally. As courts, clubs and events proliferate, global brand partnerships and media coverage are likely to follow.

Trend 5: Health, Participation and Risk Management

With rapid growth comes the need for risk management and health awareness. A recent qualitative and quantitative review shows that musculoskeletal injuries in pickleball have become an increasing concern.

As the sport matures, best practices around warm-ups, conditioning, equipment standards and court design will become more important. This not only preserves player wellbeing but legitimises the sport in more formal settings.

Expert Voices

“Pickleball has that rare blend of accessibility and depth — anyone can pick it up, but it takes strategy and skill to master,” says Jorge Barragan, CEO of The Picklr.

“Movement is medicine, and pickleball gives us movement beneficial to health,” says Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., emeritus specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic.

What Lies Ahead

Looking ahead, the “Rise of Pickleball” suggests a few key things: more professional events, more venues globally, smarter gear and courts, broadening demographics and increased health-and-safety sophistication. For players, clubs and entrepreneurs, the coming years offer opportunity—but also the need for strategic growth rather than hype. The sport’s next chapter may well be defined by its ability to balance fun and competition, technology and tradition, local play and global reach.