Pickleball is just getting started in China

## Pickleball’s Rise in China: A New Court for the Sport

Pickleball is making waves in China, experiencing a rapid surge in popularity and sales. While the sport is already well-established in the U.S., China’s market is just beginning to boom. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:

• **Explosive Growth:** Online sales of pickleball equipment in China have increased sixfold, reaching an average of $1.2 million monthly.
• **Driving Factors:** The rise is fueled by a growing interest in active lifestyles, recreational sports, and the influence of social media and tennis.
• **Tennis Connection:** The resurgence of tennis in China, boosted by a recent Olympic gold medal, has paved the way for pickleball’s acceptance.
• **Professional Interest:** The first “Hong Kong Open” tournament saw a large crowd, and the PPA Tour Asia is expanding to include matches in Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
• **Business Opportunities:** Unlike the U.S., pickleball courts in China are primarily built by businesses for profit, creating a competitive market.
• **Structured Development:** The Chinese Tennis Association oversees the sport’s development, making it more organized than in other countries.
• **Accessibility:** Pickleball’s ease of learning is a key factor in its appeal, especially compared to the perceived difficulty of tennis.
• **Market Challenges:** Foreign brands face hurdles in China due to language barriers and the unique digital ecosystem.
• **Consumer Sentiment:** The growth in pickleball spending comes as overall retail sales in China are recovering, with expectations of a consumption pickup in the coming years.

For more details, you can read the original article on CNBC: [https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/06/pickleball-is-booming-in-china-but-theres-a-catch.html](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/06/pickleball-is-booming-in-china-but-theres-a-catch.html)