Pickleball Fun Facts | Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports

Origin Story:
Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The name “pickleball” is said to have been inspired by Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who would chase after the ball.

Origin Story: Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The name “pickleball” is said to have been inspired by Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who would chase after the ball

Fastest-Growing Sport:
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the US. As of early 2024, there were over 13.6 million players in the U.S. alone.

Fastest-Growing Sport: Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the US. As of early 2024, there were over 13.6 million players in the U.S. alone

Unique Court Features:
The pickleball court is one-third the size of a tennis court and includes a special area called “the kitchen” or non-volley zone, where players are not allowed to hit the ball in the air.

Unique Court Features: The pickleball court is one-third the size of a tennis court and includes a special area called “the kitchen” or non-volley zone, where players are not allowed to hit the ball in the air

Professional Pickleball Association Tour (PPA Tour):
The PPA Tour is the premier professional pickleball circuit, featuring top players from around the world competing in various tournaments throughout the year. It has significantly raised the sport’s profile and popularity.

Professional Pickleball Association Tour (PPA Tour): The PPA Tour is the premier professional pickleball circuit, featuring top players from around the world competing in various tournaments throughout the year. It has significantly raised the sport’s profile and popularity

The most prestigious tournament:
The US Open Pickleball Championships, held annually in Naples, Florida, is the largest pickleball tournaments in the world for the record prize purse of $150,000. It attracts thousands of players and spectators, showcasing top talent and fostering a vibrant community spirit.

Famous investors in pickleball:
There are increasing high-profile athletes & celebrities supporting the growth of pickleball, e.g. LeBron James and Kevin Durant, also the owner of Dallas Mavericks Mark Cuban from NBA, Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes from NFL, Famous tennis players Naomi Osaka and James Blake, Popular rapper Drake and artist Michael B. Jordan