How Pickleball Became the Lifestyle Sport of a New Generation
Sureena Shree ChandrasekarWhy Pickleball Fits the Modern Mindset
In a world glued to screens, people crave connection and physical play. Pickleball offers that balance whereby it’s competitive yet accessible, social yet skill-based. It hits that sweet spot between fun and focus, and that’s why it’s booming among all age groups.
Young professionals see it as the new golf a place to network, decompress, and get fit without burnout. Older players embrace it as a low-impact path to staying active and social. Everyone wins.
Brands That Get It
Lifestyle-driven campaigns by brands like Skechers, Franklin, and Somersby have tapped into this cultural energy. Instead of pushing products, they’re promoting experience the “pickleball life.”
When tournaments come with music, social media booths, and post-game lounges, it’s not just sport it’s social currency.
From Hobby to Identity
More people now identify as “pickleball players” even if they play once a week. The sport’s community has become an identity, much like surfers or runners. There’s pride in participation in the gear, the culture, and the conversations it creates.
That sense of belonging fuels engagement and loyalty both for players and the brands that support them.
The Social Media Spark
Instagram reels and TikTok clips have pushed pickleball into pop culture. Clips of trick shots, funny rallies, and casual court banter have made the game relatable and cool.
The new algorithm rewards authenticity and pickleball’s laughter-filled clips deliver it naturally.
What’s Next
As Southeast Asia continues to embrace the sport, expect more lifestyle collaborations from fitness brands to F&B experiences. Pickleball is no longer confined to courts; it’s shaping how people live, connect, and unwind.
This article is an excerpt from our interview with Jared Franklin. Watch the full video here.
Photos by @cfongraphy via Instagram
