Pickleball Picks Up Pace: India’s New Sporting Business Frontier

In the evolving world of sports and recreation, no sport has grown as swiftly and as unexpectedly as pickleball. What began as a backyard family pastime in the United States has now turned into a favourite pastime for young and old alike.

From crowded urban metros to ambitious small towns, pickleball has not only made a quiet entry, but it is also commanding attention, investment, and participation. As per Sports Central the sport had ~30,000 amateur players and 8,000 registered players across 18 states in 2024. Pickleball is no longer a niche; it is an emerging sporting and business opportunity.

What is pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and is played on a badminton sized court with a low net. Players use solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball. A game can be played by duos as well as singles. The sport is known for its easy learning curve, making it appealing to younger as well as older players.

Its appeal lies in its accessibility. Pickleball requires less space and equipment, and due to comparatively less ball speed, it leads to less physical strain. Whether it is an office employee looking for ways to reduce stress, a teenager seeking a new competitive outlet or a retiree wanting to stay active, pickleball offers something for everyone.

The Indian pickleball surge and why now?

Five years ago, the word “Pickleball” would’ve drawn blank stares, but today it is spoken of in the same breath as cricket or badminton in social circles. Backed by encouraging and positive views by Indian entrepreneurs and celebrities, pickleball has fast tracked its awareness.

The COVID-19 pandemic also served as a catalyst for growth as people were looking for an engaging and low risk physical activity to stay active and fit. Pickleball with its minimal contact gameplay and open-air courts, emerged as a perfect solution for the masses. Unlike tennis or badminton, pickleball is simple to pick up and learn. Its inclusive nature and low barrier to entry aligned with the need to stay active and social connection during lockdowns.

The unique appeal of pickleball

An ability to strike a balance between casual play and competitive spirit is what make pickleball so attractive. The rules are easy, yet the rallies are intense. The game does not need players to be super fit but does need a solid game plan, quick reflexes, and great hand eye coordination. The fast-paced nature of the game gives players a thrilling experience that’s equal part exercise and social interaction.

The game’s smaller space requirements reduce physical strain and make it an ideal fit for urban cities where free space is a luxury. Games are typically played in doubles, encouraging social interaction and team play making it the perfect fit for residential societies and corporate settings.

Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai as many others have emerged as pickleball hotspots. Builders and developers are starting to construct pickleball courts in housing projects as they have realised instead of building one tennis court, one could fit four pickleball courts in the same place. Even malls, small housing societies, big corporates are joining in on the trend.

Economic overview and growth potential

Pickleball’s simplicity offers tremendous business potential. The low investment required to set up a court makes it an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs. As per research studies, while a typical badminton court might cost up to Rs. 15,00,000 (US$ 17,400), a pickleball court can be set up in just an investment of Rs. 3,00,000 (US$ 3,500) to 5,00,000 (US$ 5,800). In Mumbai and Bengaluru, where demand is booming, break-even can be achieved in as little as three months.

According to CapTable, India had ~200 operational pickleball courts in early 2024. That number has grown to a staggering 1,200 courts by the first half of 2025, with three to four courts added every few weeks in major urban metros. By 2028, the number of active players is projected to hit one million from 60,000 players in 2024, a 1500% increase, which would increase demand to over 2,500 courts.

Even the startup ecosystem has taken notice. GoRally, a Bengaluru based pickleball startup recently raised Rs. 6.46 crore (US$ 750,000) from major investors in India. While Goodland Pickleball, a company based in United States, secured Rs. 80,00,000 (US$ 92,800) on Shark Tank India, with a valuation of Rs. 13 crore (US$ 1.5 million).

As per a report by Market.us the global pickleball market is poised to grow from Rs. 16,388 crore (US$ 1.9 billion) in 2023 to Rs. 68,138 crore (US$ 7.9 billion) by 2033 at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3%. With pickleball themed cafes, booking apps, and social leagues, the potential for growth is immense.

Key drivers behind India’s pickleball boom

• Accessibility: Simple rules, minimal equipment, and low costs make it easy for anyone to start playing.
• Inclusive: The game is enjoyed by people of all ages and is a favourite among beginners and experienced athletes alike.
• Wellbeing: The sport provides a full body workout, enhancing fitness and mental wellbeing.
• Lower upfront cost: A unique and one of the biggest advantages of pickleball is that it requires less amount of space. A pickleball court requires just one fourth of the area of a traditional tennis court. This puts it at an advantage in metro cities where space comes at a premium.

Serving up the future: Why Pickleball is here to stay

Pickleball is no longer just a backyard curiosity, but a national movement powered by simplicity, passion, and possibility. From small town communities to big city techies, the game is bringing people together while building a robust ecosystem.

FAQs

What is pickleball and how is it played?

Pickleball is a paddle sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Played on a small court with a plastic ball, it’s fast-paced and ideal for all age groups.

How much does it cost to set up a pickleball court in India?

A pickleball court can be set up with just Rs. 3,00,000–5,00,000 (US$ 3,500–5,800), much cheaper than other sports courts, making it attractive for entrepreneurs.

What equipment is needed for pickleball?

Pickleball equipment in India includes a paddle, a perforated plastic ball, and a net. It’s lightweight and affordable, making it ideal for beginners and casual players.

Is pickleball coaching available in India?

Yes, pickleball coaching in India is developing rapidly. The All India Pickleball Association is launching certified training centres and structured development programmes.

How many pickleball courts are currently in India?

India has grown from just 200 to over 1,200 pickleball courts by mid-2024, with multiple new ones added every few weeks across metros.