Pickleball’s Media Moment: How the Sport Captured Global Attention

Lights, Camera, Pickleball!

Pickleball’s rise from a 1965 backyard pastime to a global media sensation has been a captivating journey, and by mid-2025, its spotlight shines brighter than ever. With 36 million players worldwide, the sport has become a staple on major networks, streaming platforms, and social media, fueled by platforms like Pickleball TV (PBTV). From the 2025 Minto U.S. Open’s record-breaking coverage to Andre Agassi’s pro debut alongside Anna Leigh Waters, pickleball is drawing crowds and cameras alike. Celebrity endorsements, expanded broadcasts, and a new PBTV series have deepened its cultural impact, engaging players of all ages—from seniors finding community to youth inspired by pros. This Pikipedia entry explores pickleball’s media milestones, its mainstream surge, and the future of its global reach.

Media Milestones

  1. 2014: Pickleball Channel launches, becoming the first to professionally shoot a pickleball match.

  2. 2021: ESPN airs the USA Pickleball Tournament of Champions, marking the sport’s first live TV broadcast.

  3. 2025: Minto U.S. Open in Naples draws global attention, with Andre Agassi’s pro debut aired on PBTV.

  4. 2025: YouTube TV adds PBTV, expanding access to live and on-demand pickleball coverage.

Early Exposure – Pickleball Hits the Airwaves

Pickleball’s media journey began quietly, with community courts buzzing but little spotlight. That changed in 2014 when Pickleball Channel launched, becoming the first to professionally shoot a tournament match, introducing innovative angles like the kitchen view. By 2016, the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida, drew 10,000 spectators and earned local TV coverage, showcasing players of all ages and sparking curiosity among new audiences. The real turning point came in 2021, when ESPN aired the USA Pickleball Tournament of Champions, marking the sport’s first live TV broadcast on a major network. This exposure introduced pickleball’s unique blend of accessibility and competition to a national audience, paving the way for broader coverage. In 2023, Tennis Channel and the United Pickleball Association launched Pickleball TV (PBTV), a 24/7 network that revolutionized access, streaming over one billion minutes of content by 2024. These early steps set the stage for pickleball’s global media rise, uniting players through shared screens.

“Pickleball is ready for its close-up,” said a commentator in 2016, noting the sport’s growing appeal as a broadcast event that welcomed all ages.

Mainstream Breakthrough – A Global Spotlight

Pickleball’s mainstream media breakthrough has been electric in 2025, with PBTV leading the charge. The Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, held April 26-May 3 in Naples, Florida, drew players from all 50 U.S. states and several countries, its pro-level events streamed live on PBTV. Andre Agassi’s pro debut on April 30, partnering with Anna Leigh Waters in mixed doubles, became a viral moment, with Agassi sharing his love for the sport’s ability to break generational barriers. The Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships (May 12-18) continued the momentum, streaming all six courts on PBTV, engaging fans worldwide. Celebrities like LeBron James and Tom Brady, who’ve invested in MLP teams, kept the sport in headlines, while social media platforms like TikTok saw players sharing highlights, inspiring over 1 million kids to join in 2023 alone. This media frenzy has turned pickleball into a global spectacle, uniting players through every broadcasted rally.

“It’s surreal to see our sport on TV,” reflects Anna Leigh Waters, whose 2025 U.S. Open performance with Agassi captivated millions.

The Future of Media – What’s Next for Pickleball

Pickleball’s media future is dynamic, with PBTV at the forefront in 2025. The app expanded to YouTube TV in May, alongside platforms like Fubo and Roku, offering live and on-demand matches from the PPA Tour and MLP, with over 30 events scheduled this year. A new PBTV series launched in 2025, charming fans with its behind-the-scenes look at players, gaining buzz on social media. Streaming platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix are eyeing pickleball documentaries, while the Olympic push for 2032 promises greater visibility. Some X posts express concern over over-commercialization, but the WPF balances this with community focus. Media will continue to drive pickleball’s global legacy, connecting players through shared stories.

  • Streaming Expansion:

    • Documentaries: Netflix plans a pickleball series for 2026.

    • Live events: Amazon Prime explores MLP tournaments.

  • Social Media:

    • TikTok: Over 500,000 pickleball videos posted in 2024.

    • Community events: Instagram campaigns gain traction.

  • Olympic Push:

    • 2032 goal: WPF targets Brisbane Games inclusion.

“The future of pickleball is digital,” predicts a media analyst, envisioning a world where streaming makes the sport a daily spectacle.

Conclusion

Pickleball’s media moment has turned a backyard game into a global spectacle, captivating 36 million players by 2025. From early broadcasts to Agassi’s 2025 debut and PBTV’s expansive coverage, media has united generations through every rally. As its digital presence grows, so does its legacy of connection. Watch a match on PBTV, share a highlight, and spread the excitement with your community. Your engagement helps pickleball’s story soar, inspiring players everywhere to create legendary moments on the court!