Asia Overtakes Expectations as Pickleball’s New Powerhouse, and North America Isn’t on Top
Pickleball’s center of gravity is shifting east, and North America’s dominance is officially on shaky ground. Asia’s explosive growth includes China’s audacious plan for 10,000 new courts and Vietnam’s emergence as a facility powerhouse. With participation skyrocketing 159% in India and a projected market value of $3.52 billion by 2032, Asia isn’t just playing catch-up – it’s rewriting the rulebook. The continent’s transformation from newcomer to powerhouse is just getting started.
While pickleball may have started as America’s quirky backyard pastime, Asia is now stepping up to dominate the sport in spectacular fashion. The numbers don’t lie – and they’re staggering. China alone expects to build over 10,000 courts and attract 100 million players in the next five years. That’s not just growth; that’s a pickleball tsunami.
India’s not messing around either, with a mind-blowing 159% growth in participation between 2019 and 2022. And Vietnam? They’re showing off with the most dedicated pickleball centers in Asia. The ERNE pickleball machine is becoming increasingly popular in these centers. Local players are actively contributing to the expansion of the sport’s presence. Who would’ve thought that a sport invented by bored dads on a rainy afternoon would become Asia’s next big thing?
From backyard hobby to Asian sensation, pickleball’s explosive growth is rewriting the rules of recreational sports evolution.
The economic impact is jaw-dropping. The global pickleball market is set to explode from $1.61 billion in 2024 to $3.52 billion by 2032. Asia’s contributing to this growth at a whopping 24.5% annual rate. That’s not just eating America’s lunch – it’s preparing a whole feast. The low entry cost makes it particularly attractive for diverse economic backgrounds across the region.
The professional scene is getting interesting too. The PPA Tour Asia launches in 2025, and Vietnamese players are already turning heads with their skills that often surpass their official ratings. It’s like they’ve been playing this game their whole lives, even though it just showed up on their doorstep.
From Thailand to Singapore, Japan to South Korea, the sport is spreading like wildfire. These countries aren’t just adopting pickleball; they’re revolutionizing it. Indonesia’s putting it in schools and community centers, while Malaysia and the Philippines are jumping on the bandwagon for its social benefits and accessibility.
The sport is now played in 84 countries, but Asia’s rapid acceptance is something else entirely. With the merger of the PPA and MLP under the United Pickleball Association focusing heavily on Asian markets, one thing’s becoming crystal clear: the future of pickleball isn’t in American backyards anymore. It’s in the bustling courts of Bangkok, the community centers of Jakarta, and the sports complexes of Shanghai.
