Taking The World By Storm
Who's ready to rally and serve? because Pickleball is taking the world by storm! This new sport is a fun, fast-paced and inclusive activity that's quickly gaining popularity, and for good reason! Not to mention, some of the biggest names in entertainment agree...
In fact, the Major League Pickleball organization has received a huge boost from investors such as LeBron James, Draymond Green and Kevin Love, who are all aiming to bring the sport to new heights. In this blog, Hollywood Branded takes a closer look at Pickleball's meteoric rise, its appeal to athletes and fashion brands, and what the future holds for this exciting sport.
What Brands Need To Know
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is rapidly gaining popularity with over 36.5 million players in 2022. The sport is fun, fast-paced, and inclusive, appealing to people of all ages and skill levels. The Major League Pickleball organization has received significant investments from notable athletes like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady, and is set to expand to 16 teams with an increase in prize money. The sport's popularity has also led to the growth of Pickleball-related businesses, including fashion brands like Fila, Nike, and K-Swiss. Pickleball's limitless potential makes it an exciting market to watch.
PC: Barstool Sports
Pickle What?
If you're new to Pickleball don't worry; here's everything you need to know! It's not a new sport per say, as it was started in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, a former Congressman from Washington State, and his friends, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, and their families. They created the sport on Bainbridge Island to keep their families entertained during the summer months. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and it's played on a court that's smaller than a tennis court, and with a lower net. The players use a perforated plastic ball and paddles smaller than tennis racquets. Usually, a Pickleball match ends at 11 points as long as the winning team wins by more than 2.
PC: JOOLA
Up Up Up
The rise of Pickleball in America is nothing short of amazing, with more than 36.5 million players in 2022, surpassing tennis by a staggering 12.9 million players. In 2020, during the pandemic, it was reported that 4 million people in the US played Pickleball, showing that it has grown by over 800% in just 2 years! This is a significant increase and shows the tremendous growth of Pickleball. The fact that it has passed tennis in terms of participation is a testament to its popularity and appeal. The ease of learning the game, its inclusive nature, and it's fun and fast-paced gameplay make it an attractive option for people of all ages and skill levels. The continued growth of Pickleball highlights its potential as a major player in the world of sports and recreation, and it will be interesting to see how it will continue to evolve and grow in the coming years.
PC: Yalonda M. James | The Chronicle
The Future Of Pickleball
LeBron is ready for the ultimate showdown, as his SpringHill company invested seven figures into the MLP to own a team and join the battle. With his help, this year, the league is set to level up with an expansion to 16 teams, host twice as many events, and there will be a massive increase in prize money from $1 million to a staggering $2 million. As if LeBrons' stamp of approval isn't enough, James is also joined by fellow athletes and now team owners, Kevin Durant, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady. Buckle up and get ready, as the MLP is set to reach new heights and leave fans on the edge of their seats.
PC: Alex Brooks | Front Office Sports
Pickleball In Fashion
There's a brand new level of excitement as athletes and brands alike see endless potential in the growing sport of Pickleball. While the athletes bring their A-game to the court, brands are jumping to get in on the action and make their mark on this fast-growing market. With a unique paddle design that allows for maximum creativity and showmanship, the market is booming with endless options of colors and patterns! And let's not forget about fashion designer Norma Kamali, who's adding a touch of style to the game with her new Pickleball dress as part of her Spring 2023 collection. Fila, Nike, and K-Swiss also lead the charge by bringing their iconic styles to the court in the form of clothes and accessories specifically designed for the sport. But that's not all, new and upcoming brands like PLAcollective, Recess, Luxe, Tangerine, and Joola are making their mark on the game, as their entire businesses is built around Pickleball. It's a whole new ballgame (literally) with limitless potential, and you won't want to miss a single moment!
PC:PLAcollective
How Brands Can Get Involved in Pickleball
Brands can get involved in Pickleball as a sponsor by partnering with the Major League Pickleball organization or local Pickleball clubs. Sponsorship opportunities can include branding on equipment, apparel, and signage at events, as well as naming rights for leagues and tournaments. Brands can also sponsor individual players or teams, providing them with equipment and apparel in exchange for brand exposure. Another way to get involved is through experiential marketing activations at events, where brands can engage with fans and offer interactive experiences. It's important for brands to understand the values and culture of the Pickleball community and align their messaging accordingly. With the sport's growing popularity and inclusive nature, Pickleball presents a unique opportunity for brands to reach a diverse and engaged audience.
Eager To Learn More?
Want to learn more about sports and pop culture? Check out these five blogs below, written by your very own HB team!
- Celebrities Who Own Sports Teams
- The Top 10 Highest Endorsed Athletes And Their Brands
- How To Find The Right Influencer For Your Brand
- 10 Celebrities And Their Beauty Brands
- What's Happening At Sundance Film Festival 2023
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