The Pickleball Economy: From Social Revolution to Sustainable Growth

By Amarjeet Singh @ AJ Amarjeet_singh@gmx.com

From a humble beginning in Miri to the prestigious Royal Sungai Ujong Club in Negeri Sembilan, pickleball has evolved into a nationwide phenomenon, symbolizing not just the rise of a sport—but the birth of a new social and economic movement. Today, pickleball courts dot the Malaysian landscape, driving a shift beyond traditional sports into a dynamic lifestyle centered around connection, community, and opportunity. Pickleball isn’t just a game—it’s a community, a social connector, and a fun way to meet people. It strengthens friendships, creates bonding moments, and serves as an ideal platform for corporate team-building. It is a lifestyle that transcends competition and transforms everyday interactions into lasting relationships.

The Global Rise of Pickleball: A Phenomenon Beyond Borders Globally, pickleball is exploding. In the United States alone, there were over 4.8 million players in 2021, with an 11.5% average annual growth rate over the past five years. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated its adoption, growing participation by over 21% between 2019 and 2020. Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Melinda Gates, and investors like Gary Vaynerchuk, have embraced the sport. Malaysia now stands at a pivotal point to ride this global wave and establish itself as Southeast Asia's pickleball hub.

Pickleball as a Lifestyle and Social Catalyst • Social Hubs: Courts are becoming vibrant venues where fun, fitness, networking, and friendships converge. • Inclusive Community: Pickleball welcomes everyone—youths, working professionals, retirees, and international travelers. • Corporate Culture Transformation: Pickleball is becoming the new preferred activity for corporate team-building and wellness programs. • Multigenerational Engagement: Families bond across generations, from kids to grandparents. Today’s Malaysia sees pickleball as a lifestyle platform that binds communities tighter and promotes a healthier, more engaged society.

Growing the Player Base and Awareness • Grassroots Development: School partnerships, youth academies, and beginner clinics. • Celebrity Tournaments and Ambassadors: Raise profile and inspire new audiences. • Inclusion for All: Modified games and courts for seniors and young children. • National Campaigns: Media partnerships to showcase pickleball's social, physical, and mental health benefits.

Courts Expansion: Growth or Cannibalization? With new facilities mushrooming, we must ask: • Are we sustainably growing new players or merely fighting over existing ones? • How do we ensure balanced growth between urban and rural areas? Smart growth focuses on expanding awareness and player development, not just building courts.

Building a Dynamic Business Ecosystem • Diverse Offerings: Court rentals, dynamic coaching, international tournaments, and corporate wellness programs. • Strategic Collaborations: Partnerships with F&B, fitness brands, travel agencies, and tourism boards. • Technology Integration: Smart booking systems, DUPR-based matchmaking, AI performance analytics. • Merchandising Opportunities: Local brands can fill the gap for paddles, shoes, and apparel. Pickleball is evolving into a cornerstone of lifestyle-driven entrepreneurship.

Urban Renewal and Economic Revitalization • Space Rejuvenation: Transforming abandoned malls and warehouses into bustling pickleball hubs. • Boosting Local Economies: Increased hotel stays, dining, and retail activity around tournaments. • Tourism Growth: Hosting international events can position Malaysia as a pickleball tourism destination.

Elevating Coaching Standards and Player Development • Professional Certification: Structured national coaching pathways. • Continuous Development: Skills upgrades, mentorship programs, and performance tracking. • Technology and Big Data: Incorporating analytics into coaching to drive elite player development. Quality coaching underpins player retention, competitive success, and the sport’s credibility.

Sustainability and Long-Term Vision • Eco-Friendly Facilities: Solar lighting, recycled materials, and green certifications. • Social Inclusion Programs: Extending reach to all socio-economic groups. • Adaptive Innovation: Regularly refreshing experiences to keep players engaged. Malaysia must focus not just on economic gains, but on creating a legacy of wellness, connection, and community building.

The Future Economics of Pickleball: A New Frontier • Tennis participation has plateaued globally, but pickleball’s trajectory is just beginning. • Prize money in pickleball is growing at a faster rate (19% CAGR) compared to tennis (11%). • Malaysia can spearhead Southeast Asia’s pickleball surge, offering opportunities in event management, equipment manufacturing, coaching exports, and tourism.

Conclusion: Pickleball—Malaysia’s New Social Economy From humble backyard games to an international movement, pickleball is reshaping Malaysia’s sporting, social, and economic landscape. Courts are multiplying. Communities are thriving. Deals are being made. Lives are being enriched. Pickleball is not just a game. It is a catalyst for economic revitalization, community unity, and lifestyle transformation. The courts are calling—and the future is wide open. How will you answer?

Planning for New Pickleball Courts: Blueprint for Sustainable Success As the pickleball revolution gathers momentum, new court developers must go beyond just laying down concrete and painting lines. A successful pickleball venue must be a thoughtfully planned destination—balancing sports, community engagement, commercial viability, and long-term sustainability.

If you need help, plan and also design and have a business plan call me AJ +6019 999 2996

Here’s a practical blueprint for what every new pickleball court development should plan for:

1. Infrastructure and Facilities • Flexible Court Design: Plan for both casual play and tournament standards (allowing for both singles and doubles setups). • Smart Technology: Integrate online booking systems, lighting automation, smart access control, and player tracking solutions. • Comfort Amenities: Provide shaded rest areas, quality changing rooms, shower facilities, and F&B tie-ins. o Multi-Use Spaces: Design areas for events, coaching clinics, corporate team-building, and community activities.

2. Marketing and Brand Development • Community Storytelling: Promote the court not just as a place to play, but as a lifestyle and social hub. • Launch Campaigns: Leverage social media, influencer tie-ups, and partnerships with schools and corporates to raise visibility. • Membership Models: Offer flexible options — monthly passes, family packages, corporate memberships. • Events Strategy: Host soft openings, open days, trial sessions, and celebrity exhibitions to build buzz.

3. Events and Tournaments • Local League Establishment: Build regular leagues to keep players engaged across all skill levels. • Themed Social Events: Family days, youth tournaments, seniors’ challenges, and corporate nights. • Annual Flagship Tournament: Create a signature event that positions the facility on the regional pickleball map. • International Event Readiness: Ensure facilities are capable of hosting visiting players and larger events.

4. Player and Coach Development • Certified Coaching Programs: Partner with recognized bodies to train and certify coaches. • Beginner to Elite Pathways: Structured coaching for beginners, intermediate players, and aspiring pros. • Youth and Grassroots Investment: Create feeder systems through schools, colleges, and youth clubs. • Wellness and Fitness Add-ons: Offer clinics for injury prevention, strength training, and mental conditioning. 5. Sustainable Growth Strategy • Eco-Friendly Operations: Solar lighting, rainwater harvesting, recycling programs, and green building materials. • Social Inclusion Initiatives: Free or subsidized programs for lower-income communities. • Partnership Development: Strategic tie-ups with brands, healthcare providers, travel agencies, and government agencies. • Data-Driven Management: Use analytics to track usage patterns, customer feedback, and financial sustainability metrics.

Final Word Building new courts isn’t just about meeting existing demand—it’s about creating vibrant communities, nurturing new players, enriching local economies, and ensuring pickleball’s momentum grows into a lasting legacy. The next generation of pickleball venues in Malaysia must be more than courts. They must become destinations of joy, wellness, connection, and opportunity.

IF WE ARE SERIOUS IN PROTECTING VALUE: Sustaining Pricing, Development, and Quality in a Volatile Market In the face of global uncertainty and market volatility, the temptation to slash prices is high. But for pickleball entrepreneurs, this short-term tactic could have long-term consequences.

The reality is clear: • Overheads are fixed—or increasing: Facility maintenance, staff wages, insurance, utilities, marketing, and coaching development don’t get cheaper. • Market volatility is real: Cost of goods, inflation, and consumer sentiment fluctuate unpredictably. • Discounting erodes the ecosystem: Undercutting fees may temporarily boost volume but permanently damages brand equity, staff morale, and long-term viability.

Instead of joining a race to the bottom, we must lead a movement of value protection and sustainable growth.

Key Points to Consider: 1. Decreasing Prices ≠ Increasing Participation Constant discounts do not build loyalty or trust. They attract deal-seekers, not community builders.

2. Fixed Overheads Demand Predictable Revenue If income drops and expenses remain, the equation becomes unsustainable for any operator.

3. The Cost of Development Investing in coaches, grassroots programs, and facilities cannot be done if revenue is squeezed.

4. Devaluing the Sport Hurts Everyone When players perceive the sport as “cheap,” it loses professional appeal, potential investors retreat, and the quality of play suffers.

5. Sustainable Pricing = Shared Growth By maintaining fair, strategic pricing, we ensure: o Quality coaching and facilities o Event and tournament credibility o Long-term industry health

6. A United Stand Across Operators If venues and academies align, we can foster: o A consistent national pricing standard o Shared values around development and delivery o Collective investment in the sport’s future

7. Educate the Market, Don’t Just Sell Let your customers understand the value: "You’re not just paying for a court. You’re investing in a movement, a lifestyle, and a growing community." Final Message: From Price Wars to Purpose-Driven Business We must ask ourselves: • Are we discounting to survive—or pricing to build? • Are we undercutting to compete—or standing firm to elevate? Let’s not chase unsustainable volume. Let’s build viable businesses. Let’s not just fill courts today. Let’s shape the future of Malaysian pickleball. When we stand united on value, we rise together on purpose. The no of courts and growing in Malaysia and growing:- X PARK MALAYSIA

Hold the line. Protect the price. Grow the game. AJ Amarjeet_singh@gmx.com +6019 999 2996 X PARK MALAYSIA