The Joe Pomp Show Pickleball’s Billion-Dollar Potential: Inside The Investors, Leagues, And Media Deals Powering Its Growth
Nov 5, 2025
Pickleball is surging in popularity, now the fastest-growing sport in America and transitioning into a major league presence. The United Pickleball Association is projected to generate $60 million in revenue by 2025 with celebrity investors jumping into the mix. The merger of competing leagues aims to stabilize growth amid a boom in sponsorships and ticket sales. With expanded TV coverage and amateur tournaments driving fan engagement, pickleball's future looks promising, yet challenges in media rights still loom.
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Rapid Nationwide Participant Growth
- Pickleball grew to 19.8 million U.S. participants and is the fastest-growing sport for the fourth year in 2025.
- The sport's expansion persists despite local disputes and noise complaints that haven't slowed participation.
From 'Tor Wars' To A Unified Association
- In 2023 MLP and PPA engaged in 'Tor Wars' bidding wars that paid out unsustainable player contracts.
- They merged in 2024, raised $75 million, and created the United Pickleball Association to unify operations.
Fast-Rising League Financials
- The UPA generated $46.6M in 2024 and $60M this year, targeting about $74M next year with 30% YoY growth.
- Sponsorships account for roughly half of revenue, showing strong commercial interest from brands.