Knowledge Base

5 Steps to Launch Your Own Pickleball Business with Confidence

Pickleball’s explosive growth to 36 million players in 2025 has created a thriving business landscape, with the global market projected to reach $7.9 billion by 2033. Entrepreneurs are seizing this opportunity, building facilities, selling gear, and hosting events to meet surging demand. Whether you’re a senior seeking a community-focused venture or a young innovator, launching a pickleball business can be a rewarding path. Success requires careful planning, from understanding your market to setting up a facility that welcomes all. This Pikipedia guide outlines five steps to launch your pickleball business with confidence, helping you turn your passion into a legacy that inspires players across generations.

Key Milestones

1. 1972: Pickle-Ball Inc. founded, the first pickleball equipment business, sparking industry growth.

2. 2023: Major League Pickleball (MLP) and PPA Tour merge, backed by a $50M investment.

3. 2024: 188 tournaments hosted by PPA, MLP, and APP, a 300% increase from prior years.

4. 2025: MLP rebrands as MLP by DoorDash, securing a seven-figure sponsorship.

Step 1: Research the Market – Know Your Opportunity

Before launching your pickleball business, understanding your market is crucial. With 36 million players in 2025, demand is high, but local dynamics vary. Assess the need for courts—25,000 new ones are needed in the U.S., requiring $900 million in investment. Analyze your area’s demographics, competition, and player preferences to identify gaps. Are seniors looking for social play, or do younger players want competitive leagues? Use this data to tailor your business model, ensuring it meets local needs while aligning with pickleball’s inclusive spirit.

Step 2: Craft a Business Plan – Set Your Vision

A solid business plan is your roadmap to success, outlining your vision, target market, and financial projections. Define your goals—whether it’s a community hub for seniors or a competitive training center—and identify revenue streams like memberships or lessons. Include costs, such as court construction ($28,000-$37,500 per outdoor court), and project profits, noting small facilities can achieve 20%-35% margins. A well-crafted plan also helps secure funding, convincing investors of your potential in a market growing at a 15.3% CAGR.

“The 3.5 player is your highest returning value customer—they spend the most and build community,” says West Shaw, COO at Johns Design & Consulting.

This insight underscores the importance of targeting intermediate players to drive revenue and engagement.

Step 3: Set Up Your Facility – Build the Stage

Your facility is the heart of your business, so choose a location with high foot traffic and accessibility, like near parks or community centers. A standard pickleball court is 20×44 feet, requiring a 30×60-foot total space, with polyurethane surfaces offering the best grip and bounce. Consider indoor options for year-round play, especially for seniors, and budget for amenities like seating or a pro shop to enhance the experience.

• Facility Tips:

  • Space: Plan for multiple courts, plus check-in and locker areas.

  • Surface: Use polyurethane for durability and play quality.

  • Amenities: Add water stations, lighting for night play, and rest areas.

  • Accessibility: Ensure easy access for all ages, with ample parking.

These elements create an inviting space where players can thrive, fostering a sense of community.

Step 4: Diversify Revenue – Grow Sustainably

To ensure sustainability, diversify your revenue streams beyond court rentals. Memberships offer steady income, while lessons and events attract varied players. Selling branded merchandise, like paddles or apparel, taps into pickleball’s growing market, projected to hit $7.9 billion by 2033. Hosting tournaments can draw crowds, boosting visibility and profits, especially in a sport where 80% of games are doubles, encouraging group play.

Diversifying ensures financial stability, letting your business grow while serving all players.

Step 5: Market Your Business – Attract Players

Marketing brings your business to life, drawing players to your courts. Leverage social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share updates and highlight features, such as your facility’s inclusive vibe for seniors. Host free clinics or open houses to engage the community, and organize tournaments to create buzz—188 tournaments were held by major leagues in 2024, showing their appeal. These strategies build a vibrant player base, ensuring your business thrives.

• Marketing Strategies:

  • Social Media: Post consistently, showcasing events and player stories.

  • Community Events: Host clinics, round-robins, or holiday parties.

  • Local Partnerships: Collaborate with schools or parks for visibility.

  • Promotions: Offer introductory discounts to attract new players.

Effective marketing turns your facility into a community hub, fostering connections through pickleball.

Conclusion

Launching a pickleball business in 2025 taps into a $7.9 billion industry, connecting you with 36 million players eager for courts and community. By researching your market, crafting a solid plan, setting up a welcoming facility, diversifying revenue, and marketing effectively, you can build a legacy that resonates. Start your journey, share your vision with others, and watch your business grow into a beloved space where players of all ages create legendary memories on the court!