From Dinks to Dollars: Economic and Social Forces Driving Pickleball’s Rise

Abstract

Pickleball has become one of the most rapidly expanding sports in the U.S., impacting more than just individuals who have developed a liking to the game. In this paper, the increase in players is examined to reveal how it alters such aspects as local communities, amount spent, and speed with courts and equipment being constructed. It deconstructs how the sport is inexpensive and adaptable, making it easy to jump into for children and adults, and then how that leads to the desires of cities to increase the number of courts, classes, and other businesses. The study also discusses how selling equipment, hosting tournaments, sponsorships, and special facilities are bringing in new money and provoking fights about who can play, space, and neighborhoods. The paper connects what players can do to the market response, demonstrates why pickleball is so huge to those interested in the business, why it interests city leaders, and what could slow down growth, accelerate it, or push its boundaries.

Read full paper on Zenodo →