Dressed in a sleek athletic kit, with her hair tied back in a neat ponytail and a composed expression that rarely gives away emotion, Shefali Arora looks every bit the focused athlete she is. But what truly stands out isn’t just her appearance—it’s her unwavering gaze. Even while speaking to WION exclusively, her eyes kept darting toward the court where a match was underway. It wasn’t her turn to play, but her mind was clearly still in the game.&nbsp;Currently ranked No. 6 in India in singles as per the DUPR rankings, Shefali is part of the wave of young athletes propelling pickleball into mainstream sporting consciousness in the country. Her journey, however, didn’t begin on a pickleball court—it began with a tennis racquet, long hours of training under her father’s guidance, and over a decade of competitive play.&nbsp;Shefali was participating in fourth leg of the ongoing Picklebay India Tour in Delhi after it witnessed action-packed editions in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Shefali won the final in women’s singles open category along with cash prize of Rs 10000.&nbsp;“I’ve been playing tennis for more than ten years,” she recalls. “My dad has been my coach throughout. &nbsp;Born and brought up in Delhi, Shefali's affair with pickleball started in October 2024, when a fellow tennis player suggested she try her hand at a major tournament being held in the capital. Despite her limited exposure to the sport at the time, she entered the pro category. “It was a big tournament, and I’d barely played the sport before,” she said. “But it was fun. The vibe was different—community-driven and energetic. That experience made me realise this wasn’t just a hobby sport—it had serious potential.”<h2>From curiosity to commitment</h2>Initially, Shefali balanced both tennis and pickleball. But as she played more leagues and interacted with the pickleball community, the shift began to happen naturally. The sport's unique blend of tennis, table tennis, and badminton intrigued her—and her tennis foundation gave her a distinct edge.&nbsp;“The strokes felt familiar, but the pace and space were different. Pickleball is played on a smaller court, so you have to recalibrate power, control, and consistency.” That recalibration didn’t take long. With her background in competitive tennis—including international tournaments—Shefali adapted quickly, rising through India’s pickleball ranks in under a year.&nbsp;With a tennis racquet in hand for most of her formative years, Shefali believes that tennis players do enjoy a natural advantage when transitioning to pickleball. “We’re used to driving from the back of the court with more power. Our muscle memory helps, especially with volleys and positioning.”&nbsp;Still, the transition isn’t seamless. She points out that tennis players often need to unlearn overhitting and learn how to play with “touch” rather than just force—something that can only come with time on court. “The first few weeks are hard. You end up hitting out a lot. But with time, you gain better control over your shots.”<h2>Leaving tennis behind?</h2>When asked whether tennis is still a part of her competitive calendar, Shefali answers with quiet honesty. “I’ve been playing more pickleball recently. Unless there’s a major tennis tournament that I can’t miss, I’m focused on this now.” She knows her tennis rankings will drop as a result, but she’s clear-eyed about her current goals. “If a big tournament comes up and I can enter, I’ll play. But pickleball is where I’m growing right now.”<h2>The future of pickleball in India</h2>Once seen as a casual, post-work hobby, pickleball is now evolving into a serious sport with international circuits, club leagues, and ranking systems. And Shefali is excited to be at the forefront of its growth in India. “A few years ago, I didn’t know this sport existed. But now there are multiple courts across country and it’s expanding to other northern states. Even smaller towns like those in Maharashtra are producing excellent players.”&nbsp;She emphasises the need for grassroots infrastructure, especially in rural and Tier-2 cities. “The one drawback is that it ideally needs a synthetic surface. But people are adapting—even cement courts are being used. Many old tennis courts are converting to pickleball courts because it’s bringing in players and money.”&nbsp;With cricket entering the Olympics and chess also being considered for future inclusion, Shefali believes that pickleball could also be headed for international multisport events like the Asian Games or Commonwealth Games. “There have been talks about it entering the Olympics someday. It started in the US, but now countries across Asia are picking it up fast. The momentum is real.” She’s also had the chance to interact with international players—peers who, like her, are watching India’s rise in the sport with interest. “They believe India has always been strong in athletics. Now, with more exposure, we’re catching up quickly.”&nbsp;One of the most important figures in Shefali’s journey remains her father, who coached her through her entire tennis career and continues to guide her training philosophy. “He’s strict on court, no doubt. He has his rules. But off the court, he’s very open. He let me travel, handle college life on my own, and make mistakes. That experience matters.” The duo share a different dynamic depending on the setting.“We fight on court sometimes—normal coach-player stuff. But off the court, we’re like friends.”<h2>Advice to young players</h2>While Shefali is now fully invested in pickleball, she strongly recommends tennis as the base sport for children looking to pursue racket sports seriously. “Start with tennis. The stroke mechanics, the movements—they build the right muscle memory. Then, if they choose to try pickleball, it’ll be an easier switch.” She sees a long-term future in pickleball—not just for herself, but for the next generation of Indian athletes. Whether or not the sport makes it to the Olympics in the next few years, she’s convinced it’s here to stay. “It’s not just a hobby anymore. It’s a real sport. And India’s just getting started.”&nbsp;Picklebay is India’s ﬁrst comprehensive pickleball platform, enabling players to discover courts, join tournaments, ﬁnd playing partners, and be part of a thriving community. Now active across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, Picklebay is building a digitally connected future for the sport in India. The Picklebay India Tour is a first-of-its-kind effort to create a competitive yet community-driven national circuit for pickleball. The Delhi leg is the latest stop in the ongoing 10-city tour, which has already witnessed tremendous participation and enthusiasm in its first three editions.

WION Exclusive Its not just a hobby anymore Its a real sport, says Indias no 6 Shefali Arora on rise of pickleball in countr

Dressed in a sleek athletic kit, with her hair tied back in a neat ponytail and a composed expression that rarely gives away emotion, Shefali Arora looks every bit the focused athlete she is. But what truly stands out isn’t just her appearance—it’s her unwavering gaze. Even while speaking to WION exclusively, her eyes kept darting toward the court where a match was underway. It wasn’t her turn to play, but her mind was clearly still in the game. Currently ranked No. 6 in India in singles as per the DUPR rankings, Shefali is part of the wave of young athletes propelling pickleball into mainstream sporting consciousness in the country. Her journey, however, didn’t begin on a pickleball court—it began with a tennis racquet, long hours of training under her father’s guidance, and over a decade of competitive play. Shefali was participating in fourth leg of the ongoing Picklebay India Tour in Delhi after it witnessed action-packed editions in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Shefali won the final in women’s singles open category along with cash prize of Rs 10000. “I’ve been playing tennis for more than ten years,” she recalls. “My dad has been my coach throughout. Born and brought up in Delhi, Shefali's affair with pickleball started in October 2024, when a fellow tennis player suggested she try her hand at a major tournament being held in the capital. Despite her limited exposure to the sport at the time, she entered the pro category. “It was a big tournament, and I’d barely played the sport before,” she said. “But it was fun. The vibe was different—community-driven and energetic. That experience made me realise this wasn’t just a hobby sport—it had serious potential.” From curiosity to commitment Initially, Shefali balanced both tennis and pickleball. But as she played more leagues and interacted with the pickleball community, the shift began to happen naturally. The sport's unique blend of tennis, table tennis, and badminton intrigued her—and her tennis foundation gave her a distinct edge. “The strokes felt familiar, but the pace and space were different. Pickleball is played on a smaller court, so you have to recalibrate power, control, and consistency.” That recalibration didn’t take long. With her background in competitive tennis—including international tournaments—Shefali adapted quickly, rising through India’s pickleball ranks in under a year. With a tennis racquet in hand for most of her formative years, Shefali believes that tennis players do enjoy a natural advantage when transitioning to pickleball. “We’re used to driving from the back of the court with more power. Our muscle memory helps, especially with volleys and positioning.” Still, the transition isn’t seamless. She points out that tennis players often need to unlearn overhitting and learn how to play with “touch” rather than just force—something that can only come with time on court. “The first few weeks are hard. You end up hitting out a lot. But with time, you gain better control over your shots.” Leaving tennis behind? When asked whether tennis is still a part of her competitive calendar, Shefali answers with quiet honesty. “I’ve been playing more pickleball recently. Unless there’s a major tennis tournament that I can’t miss, I’m focused on this now.” She knows her tennis rankings will drop as a result, but she’s clear-eyed about her current goals. “If a big tournament comes up and I can enter, I’ll play. But pickleball is where I’m growing right now.” The future of pickleball in India Once seen as a casual, post-work hobby, pickleball is now evolving into a serious sport with international circuits, club leagues, and ranking systems. And Shefali is excited to be at the forefront of its growth in India. “A few years ago, I didn’t know this sport existed. But now there are multiple courts across country and it’s expanding to other northern states. Even smaller towns like those in Maharashtra are producing excellent players.” She emphasises the need for grassroots infrastructure, especially in rural and Tier-2 cities. “The one drawback is that it ideally needs a synthetic surface. But people are adapting—even cement courts are being used. Many old tennis courts are converting to pickleball courts because it’s bringing in players and money.” With cricket entering the Olympics and chess also being considered for future inclusion, Shefali believes that pickleball could also be headed for international multisport events like the Asian Games or Commonwealth Games. “There have been talks about it entering the Olympics someday. It started in the US, but now countries across Asia are picking it up fast. The momentum is real.” She’s also had the chance to interact with international players—peers who, like her, are watching India’s rise in the sport with interest. “They believe India has always been strong in athletics. Now, with more exposure, we’re catching up quickly.” One of the most important figures in Shefali’s journey remains her father, who coached her through her entire tennis career and continues to guide her training philosophy. “He’s strict on court, no doubt. He has his rules. But off the court, he’s very open. He let me travel, handle college life on my own, and make mistakes. That experience matters.” The duo share a different dynamic depending on the setting. “We fight on court sometimes—normal coach-player stuff. But off the court, we’re like friends.” Advice to young players While Shefali is now fully invested in pickleball, she strongly recommends tennis as the base sport for children looking to pursue racket sports seriously. “Start with tennis. The stroke mechanics, the movements—they build the right muscle memory. Then, if they choose to try pickleball, it’ll be an easier switch.” She sees a long-term future in pickleball—not just for herself, but for the next generation of Indian athletes. Whether or not the sport makes it to the Olympics in the next few years, she’s convinced it’s here to stay. “It’s not just a hobby anymore. It’s a real sport. And India’s just getting started.” Picklebay is India’s ﬁrst comprehensive pickleball platform, enabling players to discover courts, join tournaments, ﬁnd playing partners, and be part of a thriving community. Now active across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, Picklebay is building a digitally connected future for the sport in India. The Picklebay India Tour is a first-of-its-kind effort to create a competitive yet community-driven national circuit for pickleball. The Delhi leg is the latest stop in the ongoing 10-city tour, which has already witnessed tremendous participation and enthusiasm in its first three editions.

Currently ranked No. 6 in India in singles category, Shefali is part of the wave of young athletes propelling pickleball into mainstream sporting consciousness in India

WION Exclusive: 'It's not just a hobby anymore. It's a real sport', says India's no 6 Shefali Arora on rise of pickleball in country

What began as a modest backyard game has steadily carved a unique space for itself in India’s dynamic sports landscape. Over the past decade, pickleball—a sport that fuses elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis—has evolved from obscurity to a national movement in India, attracting players of all ages and backgrounds.&nbsp;At first glance, pickleball’s appeal lay in its simplicity. Played on a smaller court with a lightweight paddle and a perforated ball, it didn’t demand the power and stamina required by tennis or the precision of badminton. Instead, it offered a social, low-impact alternative that quickly resonated with people looking for a recreational yet competitive outlet.&nbsp;But, despite its rapid rise, challenges remain. Access to quality coaching, limited large-scale infrastructure, and low awareness outside urban centers still hinder the sport’s broader reach. However, momentum is on pickleball’s side.&nbsp;Addressing the issue, Siddhant Jatia, Founder and CEO of Picklebay said, “Using Pickle Bay, we have created like a complete end-to-end ecosystem around the sport. Currently, we're live in six cities. We have almost every pickleball court listed in these six cities on our tech platform. People can actually go there, make informed decisions about where they need to play, what they need to play, what are the sizes of the courts, what are the charges, etc.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, India's No. 8 Avinash Kumar shared his thoughts about the sport and the future associated with it. He said, “I see a good future for pickleball. It is growing very fast. Once people start playing pickleball, they get attracted to it. They always want to play it. They want to continue it. So, the future looks bright.”&nbsp;Aaliya Ebrahim, a former tennis player spoke about what makes pickleball different than other racket sports. She said, “I think pickleball is a more quicker sport. It's more fun. It's more quick and there's a great community for pickleball as well. It's super fun. Pickleball has been growing very tremendously in the West, especially in Europe. It's now catching up in India.”&nbsp;Picklebay is India’s ﬁrst comprehensive pickleball platform, enabling players to discover courts, join tournaments, ﬁnd playing partners, and be part of a thriving community. Now active across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, Picklebay is building a digitally connected future for the sport in India.

India swings into pickleball: The sport redefining recreational play



What began as a modest backyard game has steadily carved a unique space for itself in India’s dynamic sports landscape. Over the past decade, pickleball—a sport that fuses elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis—has evolved from obscurity to a national movement in India, attracting players of all ages and backgrounds. At first glance, pickleball’s appeal lay in its simplicity. Played on a smaller court with a lightweight paddle and a perforated ball, it didn’t demand the power and stamina required by tennis or the precision of badminton. Instead, it offered a social, low-impact alternative that quickly resonated with people looking for a recreational yet competitive outlet. But, despite its rapid rise, challenges remain. Access to quality coaching, limited large-scale infrastructure, and low awareness outside urban centers still hinder the sport’s broader reach. However, momentum is on pickleball’s side. Addressing the issue, Siddhant Jatia, Founder and CEO of Picklebay said, “Using Pickle Bay, we have created like a complete end-to-end ecosystem around the sport. Currently, we're live in six cities. We have almost every pickleball court listed in these six cities on our tech platform. People can actually go there, make informed decisions about where they need to play, what they need to play, what are the sizes of the courts, what are the charges, etc.” Meanwhile, India's No. 8 Avinash Kumar shared his thoughts about the sport and the future associated with it. He said, “I see a good future for pickleball. It is growing very fast. Once people start playing pickleball, they get attracted to it. They always want to play it. They want to continue it. So, the future looks bright.” Aaliya Ebrahim, a former tennis player spoke about what makes pickleball different than other racket sports. She said, “I think pickleball is a more quicker sport. It's more fun. It's more quick and there's a great community for pickleball as well. It's super fun. Pickleball has been growing very tremendously in the West, especially in Europe. It's now catching up in India.” Picklebay is India’s ﬁrst comprehensive pickleball platform, enabling players to discover courts, join tournaments, ﬁnd playing partners, and be part of a thriving community. Now active across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, Picklebay is building a digitally connected future for the sport in India.

Over the past decade, pickleball—a sport that fuses elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis has seen tremendous growth in India

India swings into pickleball: The sport redefining recreational play

Former India No.1 Tennis player Gaurav Natekar has founded the World Pickleball League- India's first franchise-based league in the sport. Arjuna Awardee Natekar breaks down the rise of the sport in India and across the globe in a conversation with WION Sports Correspondent Vidur Kathuria.

Former Indian Tennis Star Gaurav Natekar On The Pickleball Revolution in India

Two-time NBA champion and former league Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant on Thursday became the latest high-profile athlete to buy a Major League Pickleball (MLP) expansion team.

The Brooklyn Nets forward and business partner Rich Kleiman announced that their Thirty Five Ventures (35V) firm purchased a pickleball team that will compete in the 2023 MLP season.

MLP Founder and Chief Executive Officer Steve Kuhn said Durant, who led the Golden State Warriors to NBA titles in 2017 and 2018, and Kleiman would be "game-changing partners" for the league.

"They not only bring passion for the game, but also unrivaled expertise to help us to continue to grow," Kuhn said in a news release.

"We're especially excited about their plans to bring pickleball to underserved communities – something they have done with basketball for years."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-aston-villa-sack-manager-steven-gerrard-after-poor-start-to-season-527289">Aston Villa sack manager Steven Gerrard after poor start to season</a>

Other MLP team owners and partners include four-time NBA champion LeBron James, Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Tom Brady and Drew Brees as well as former world number one tennis player Kim Clijsters.

The MLP will expand from 12 teams to 16 next season, with the number of events doubling from three to six and the total prize money set to surpass $2 million.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-breaks-silence-after-being-dropped-from-manchester-uniteds-squad-for-chelsea-clash-527319">Ronaldo breaks silence after being dropped from Manchester United's squad for Chelsea clash</a>

Invented in 1965, pickleball is a fast-paced paddle sport similar to tennis and badminton, though it is played on a smaller court with a net using a perforated plastic ball.

Two-time NBA champion and former league Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant on Thursday became the latest high-profile athlete to buy a Major League Pickleball (MLP) expansion team.

Two-time NBA champion and former league Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant on Thursday became the latest high-profile athlete to buy a Major League Pickleball (MLP) expansion team. The Brooklyn Nets forward and business partner Rich Kleiman announced that their Thirty Five Ventures (35V) firm purchased a pickleball team that will compete in the 2023 MLP season. MLP Founder and Chief Executive Officer Steve Kuhn said Durant, who led the Golden State Warriors to NBA titles in 2017 and 2018, and Kleiman would be "game-changing partners" for the league. "They not only bring passion for the game, but also unrivaled expertise to help us to continue to grow," Kuhn said in a news release. "We're especially excited about their plans to bring pickleball to underserved communities – something they have done with basketball for years." Also Read: Aston Villa sack manager Steven Gerrard after poor start to season Other MLP team owners and partners include four-time NBA champion LeBron James, Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Tom Brady and Drew Brees as well as former world number one tennis player Kim Clijsters. The MLP will expand from 12 teams to 16 next season, with the number of events doubling from three to six and the total prize money set to surpass $2 million. Also Read: Ronaldo breaks silence after being dropped from Manchester United's squad for Chelsea clash Invented in 1965, pickleball is a fast-paced paddle sport similar to tennis and badminton, though it is played on a smaller court with a net using a perforated plastic ball.

NBA's Kevin Durant latest high-profile athlete to invest in pickleball

A game that's easy to pick up and more accessible than tennis, pickleball is all the rage in New York, as the sport snags investors and grows increasingly professionalized across the United States.

On a recent weekday evening at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, dozens of players ranging from thirty-somethings to retirees shared the four new courts at Brooklyn Bridge Park, which recently replaced the bocce ball courts.

Teams form spontaneously as players wait their turn at the park space that offers a unique view of Manhattan's brightly lit skyscrapers.

"You come here, put your paddle over there, and you get to play with a range of people, beginner and intermediate," said 52-year-old Amy Zhao with a smile.

With its neon perforated plastic ball, flat paddle rackets and obligatory underhand serve, pickleball is a kind of "mini tennis," especially due to its smaller-sized court.

It's also much cheaper: David Masters took up pickleball when he realized it cost $100 to snag a spot to play tennis at a New York public park.

"And also, you had to wake up at like 6:00 am just to reserve a court," said the 31-year-old software engineer.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/louis-mckechnie-climate-change-activist-gets-prison-sentence-for-tying-himself-to-goalpost-521369">&nbsp;Louis McKechnie: Climate change activist gets prison sentence for tying himself to goalpost</a>

Beyond tennis, pickleball takes on airs of both badminton and ping-pong, with lighting-fast exchanges that demand quick reflexes.

What's more, players must strategically position on the court: competitors can't hit the ball before it bounces if it lands in a non-volley zone that's just in front of the net. The game was invented in 1965 by three fathers in the state of Washington.

In February, the Sports &amp; Fitness Industry Association deemed it the fastest growing sport in the United States, with 4.8 million regular or casual players in 2021, up 39 percent from 2019.

The growth in New York is visible, with new courts popping up throughout the city and where private coaches have even become in demand, some running upwards of $75 per hour.

"During the pandemic, people wanted to get activities. And it felt like pickleball was one that checked a lot of boxes," said 33-year-old Karim Kerawala.&nbsp;

"It let them be outside and let them compete in something that didn't require a ton of exercise, unless you wanted... higher level play," Kerawala said.

Calling pickleball his "new obsession," he said a meet-up app saw membership numbers go from around 200 to nearly 2,000 in one year. A number of "professional" circuits have already arisen, including the APP tour that was founded in 2019.&nbsp;

At the end of May the league organized a tournament at Flushing Meadows, on the grounds of the US Open.&nbsp;According to Ken Herrmann, founder of the APP Tour, interest and skill is such that qualifying tournaments are starting to become necessary for professional events.

The competing PPA Tour, found in 2018, signed exclusive contracts with the 24 best players in the sport, both men and women.&nbsp;They distributed $3 million in prize money in 2022, a sum that could double in 2023, said Hannah Johns, the PPA Tour's content director.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-dont-think-theres-a-big-difference-sebastian-vettels-take-on-f1-2022-new-rules-521264">I don't think there's a big difference: Sebastian Vettel's take on F1 2022 new rules</a>

"It's been absolutely crazy, how much it's taken off. And a lot of that is because we were able to get bigger sponsors and broadcast partners involved," Johns said, citing CBS, NBC and ABC among the networks and the car rental company Hertz as a brand.

And with the already announced takeover of the PPA Tour by the private investment firm founded by businessman Tom Dundon -- who already owns the Carolina Hurricanes ice hockey team -- Johns vows future partners in the world of alcohol and gambling to come.

Major League Pickleball announced this week it's joining forces with NBA phenom LeBron James, who is purchasing a team as part of an ownership group that includes fellow basketball champions Draymond Green and Kevin Love. 
&nbsp;

A game that's easy to pick up and more accessible than tennis, pickleball is all the rage in New York, as the sport snags investors and grows increasingly professionalized across the United States.

A game that's easy to pick up and more accessible than tennis, pickleball is all the rage in New York, as the sport snags investors and grows increasingly professionalized across the United States. On a recent weekday evening at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, dozens of players ranging from thirty-somethings to retirees shared the four new courts at Brooklyn Bridge Park, which recently replaced the bocce ball courts. Teams form spontaneously as players wait their turn at the park space that offers a unique view of Manhattan's brightly lit skyscrapers. "You come here, put your paddle over there, and you get to play with a range of people, beginner and intermediate," said 52-year-old Amy Zhao with a smile. With its neon perforated plastic ball, flat paddle rackets and obligatory underhand serve, pickleball is a kind of "mini tennis," especially due to its smaller-sized court. It's also much cheaper: David Masters took up pickleball when he realized it cost $100 to snag a spot to play tennis at a New York public park. "And also, you had to wake up at like 6:00 am just to reserve a court," said the 31-year-old software engineer. Also Read: Louis McKechnie: Climate change activist gets prison sentence for tying himself to goalpost Beyond tennis, pickleball takes on airs of both badminton and ping-pong, with lighting-fast exchanges that demand quick reflexes. What's more, players must strategically position on the court: competitors can't hit the ball before it bounces if it lands in a non-volley zone that's just in front of the net. The game was invented in 1965 by three fathers in the state of Washington. In February, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association deemed it the fastest growing sport in the United States, with 4.8 million regular or casual players in 2021, up 39 percent from 2019. The growth in New York is visible, with new courts popping up throughout the city and where private coaches have even become in demand, some running upwards of $75 per hour. "During the pandemic, people wanted to get activities. And it felt like pickleball was one that checked a lot of boxes," said 33-year-old Karim Kerawala. "It let them be outside and let them compete in something that didn't require a ton of exercise, unless you wanted... higher level play," Kerawala said. Calling pickleball his "new obsession," he said a meet-up app saw membership numbers go from around 200 to nearly 2,000 in one year. A number of "professional" circuits have already arisen, including the APP tour that was founded in 2019. At the end of May the league organized a tournament at Flushing Meadows, on the grounds of the US Open. According to Ken Herrmann, founder of the APP Tour, interest and skill is such that qualifying tournaments are starting to become necessary for professional events. The competing PPA Tour, found in 2018, signed exclusive contracts with the 24 best players in the sport, both men and women. They distributed $3 million in prize money in 2022, a sum that could double in 2023, said Hannah Johns, the PPA Tour's content director. Also Read: I don't think there's a big difference: Sebastian Vettel's take on F1 2022 new rules "It's been absolutely crazy, how much it's taken off. And a lot of that is because we were able to get bigger sponsors and broadcast partners involved," Johns said, citing CBS, NBC and ABC among the networks and the car rental company Hertz as a brand. And with the already announced takeover of the PPA Tour by the private investment firm founded by businessman Tom Dundon -- who already owns the Carolina Hurricanes ice hockey team -- Johns vows future partners in the world of alcohol and gambling to come. Major League Pickleball announced this week it's joining forces with NBA phenom LeBron James, who is purchasing a team as part of an ownership group that includes fellow basketball champions Draymond Green and Kevin Love.

Pickleball phenomenon takes over New York - All you need to know about 'mini tennis'

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