A Yard Game to a Global Craze, 60 Years of Pickleball

“The strength of the game is in the passion of its players.” – Unknown

Pickleball has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1965. What started as a casual backyard game has grown into one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. Now, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of pickleball in 2025, it's the perfect time to reflect on the sport’s journey, its rapid rise in popularity, and what the future holds.

The Birth of Pickleball (1965)

The story of pickleball began in Bainbridge Island, Washington, when three friends—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—decided to create a new game to entertain their families. Using a badminton court, a perforated plastic ball, and homemade wooden paddles, they developed a set of rules that blended elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.

The name “pickleball” has two debated origins. According to Joan Pritchard, the name came from the term “pickle boat,” referring to a boat crew made up of leftover rowers—just as pickleball was created from a mix of sports. Others claim it was named after the Pritchard family dog, “Pickles,” who loved chasing the ball. Either way, the name stuck, and the game quickly spread beyond Bainbridge Island.

The Growth of Pickleball (1970s-1990s)

In the 1970s, the first known pickleball tournament was held in Tukwila, Washington. By this time, the sport had started to gain traction, particularly among retirement communities looking for a low impact yet engaging activity.

By the 1980s and 1990s, pickleball courts were being built across the United States, and the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was established in 1984 to standardize the rules and promote the sport nationwide.

The Pickleball Boom (2000s-2020s)

While pickleball had been steadily growing for decades, the real boom began in the 2000s and exploded in the 2010s and 2020s. Key factors in the sport's popularity include:

• Media Coverage and Celebrity Endorsements
  Pickleball has been embraced by athletes, celebrities, and even major league teams.
• Increased Court Availability
  More parks, recreation centers, and private clubs have added pickleball courts.
• Professional Leagues and Tournaments
  The launch of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) elevated the sport to a professional level.
• Accessible for All Ages
  The sport’s easy-to-learn nature makes it appealing for both young and senior players.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pickleball participation surged, as players sought a socially distanced, outdoor-friendly activity. By 2023, there were over 36.5 million pickleball players in the U.S. alone.

Pickleball in 2025: The 60-Year Milestone

In its 60th year, pickleball is bigger than ever, with:

• Professional events on ESPN and major networks
• International Growth in Europe, Asia, and South America
• More investment from major brands and sponsors
• Increased push for Olympic inclusion

With this rapid expansion, many believe pickleball could become an Olympic sport within the next decade.

The Future of Pickleball

As pickleball enters its next chapter, what can we expect?

• More Dedicated Facilities
  Cities and communities are building pickleball-specific venues to accommodate demand.
• Advanced Paddle Technology
  Equipment innovations will continue to improve performance.
• Expanded Professional Circuits
  The PPA and MLP are growing, attracting more sponsors and bigger prize pools.
• More Youth Involvement
  With schools and colleges introducing pickleball programs, younger generations are embracing the sport.

One thing is certain—pickleball’s next 60 years are shaping up to be even more exciting than its first!

Game Point

Pickleball has evolved from a backyard pastime to a global sport with a passionate community of players. As we celebrate 60 years of pickleball, we honor the pioneers who created it, the enthusiasts who helped it grow, and the millions who now play it every day.

The future of pickleball is bright, and the journey is just getting started. Here’s to the next 60 years of dinks, volleys, and thrilling rallies!

See you on the courts!

Photo: Shutterstock