In 2025, there is one sport that keeps appearing in conversations, social media feeds, and even corporate wellness programs — pickleball. Once a niche pastime invented on a summer afternoon in the 1960s, it has transformed into a global movement that’s reshaping how we play, connect, and stay healthy.
From retirees in Florida to teenagers in Berlin, from rooftop courts in Tokyo to beach tournaments in Lisbon, pickleball is everywhere. It’s not just about hitting a perforated plastic ball across a net — it’s about a new kind of lifestyle: social, inclusive, and irresistibly fun.
As Forbes recently put it, “Pickleball isn’t a sport — it’s a community revolution.”
But how did this humble hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong become one of the fastest-growing sports on Earth? Let’s dive into the story.
