Why Brands Should Get in Early: Pickleball Boom in Malaysia

Despite its booming popularity in Malaysia, Pickleball remains largely untapped by brands, making it a prime opportunity for forward-thinking marketers. It is the fastest-growing sport in Malaysia, with new players, clubs, and tournaments popping up across the country. 

Why Brands Should Pay Attention to Pickleball in Malaysia

1. Explosive Growth, Minimal Competition: Pickleball is still in its early stages in Malaysia, meaning brands can establish themselves as pioneers in the space. Globally, major brands like Skechers, Carvana, and Celsius have already invested in pickleball sponsorships.

2. Diverse and Engaged Audience, Appealing to Young and Elderly: Pickleball attracts a mix of young professionals, active seniors, and social players, offering broad consumer touch points. Players are highly engaged, creating a strong community feel, both offline and online.

3. High Visibility with Low Investment: Sponsorship in traditional sports like football or badminton can be costly, but pickleball allows brands to gain visibility at a lower cost. With fewer brands currently involved, any sponsor stands out more in tournaments, events, and media coverage.

4. Perfect for Lifestyle & Wellness Branding: Pickleball is played for fun, fitness, and community - making it an ideal fit for lifestyle, health, and wellness brands. Fitness gear, supplements, wellness clinics, and even fashion brands can create products or campaigns around the sport.

5. Tournaments and Events Are Expanding: Malaysia has seen a rise in pickleball tournaments, including international events like the Skechers KL International Pickleball Tournament and Borneo Pickleball International. With increasing media coverage, players, and fanbase, early sponsors will have first-mover advantages.

Image via kenchungchk

How Brands Can Enter the Pickleball Scene

For brands looking to leverage this new sports marketing opportunity, here are ways to get involved:

1. Player Sponsorship & Training Support: Cover costs for players’ coaching, equipment, and travel to competitions. Example: VitaHealth sponsoring Colin Wong, Asia’s No.1 pickleball player, Chariot Agency has announced the sponsorship of two Malaysian pickleball teams.

2. Pickleball Clinics & Workshops: Organize beginner-friendly clinics or pro training sessions. Fitness and wellness brands can sponsor recovery sessions or post-game wellness treatments.

3. Tournament Sponsorship & Branding: Sponsor tournaments, from community-level events to national competitions. Feature brand activations, exclusive merchandise, and on-site experiences.

4. Pickleball Gear & Equipment Collaborations: Sporting goods and apparel brands can design limited-edition paddles, clothing, or accessories. Example: Skechers launched its pickleball shoe line, tapping into the sport’s demand for performance footwear.

5. Logistics & Transportation Partnerships: Transport brands (e.g., airlines, ride-sharing services) can sponsor player travel and tournament logistics. Example: Carvana, a U.S. car retailer, sponsors major pickleball events.

The pickleball revolution in Malaysia is just beginning, and the brands that act now will have a first-mover advantage in shaping the sport’s sponsorship landscape. 

Whether through player sponsorships, tournament branding, or facility investments, businesses that align with pickleball will gain visibility, engagement, and brand loyalty.

So, which brand will serve up success in Malaysia’s pickleball boom?