It’s safe to say the Pickleball phenomenon is only continuing to capture the hearts of Americans old and young to the point of skewing the average player age by almost three years (from 41 to 38) in just one year’s time. Colleges and even high schools are now sporting pickleball clubs and tournaments on a local and national scale as the fastest growing demographic (24 and under) has increased by over 20% since 2021. A game once considered a staple of a retirement village is now the hottest ticket in town.
This reality hit me square in the paddle when my wife and I competed recently at the Texas Open pickleball tournament in Rockwall, TX. Not only was the number of competitors an all-time high (over 1,500), the attendance record was also set over the four-day event.
And while it’s clear the number of players and fans is growing, you couldn’t help but notice the personality of the sport getting over-hyped to the point of diminishing returns. Let me paint a picture for you. Shirtless mimbos attempting to play the role of hype-men combined with a ridiculous soundtrack played at 150 decibels, all with an emcee straight from the school of Monster Truck announcing surrounding the center “featured” court. Over-served fans were being encouraged to get loud, nevermind the fact that it makes the match almost unwatchable for a TV viewer (really, it’s bad.) If the producers of the event thought it was a good idea to chat up a charter bus of frat boys as a highlight, you’re going to get a lot of the same in future tournaments.
Careful What You Wish For
I get it – the sport is emerging from “niche” status to full-blown mainstream entertainment. A mad cash infusion from billionaires, celebrities and sponsors is making the sport a viable profession for more and more of the players. Major networks are now televising marquee match-ups, John McEnroe and Andre Agassi are playing exhibition matches – it’s exciting! But what I saw at the Texas Open was a scene right out of Happy Gilmore. If that’s the goal, well done.
What do you want to be?
Don’t get me wrong, I love the more casual and friendly atmosphere surrounding pickleball. It’s a social sport and certainly has a lot of opportunity to be fun and professional. There are some moments on the pickleball court that are unlike any other sport where players and fans alike can celebrate. I just don’t want the sport to become a caricature. Do we want a future Olympic sport or do we want American Gladiator? Pickleball is a sport that can succeed without being amped up artificially. What do you think? Am I over-thinking this or do you see some of the same things looming on the periphery?
