Pickleball is just getting started in China

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

Pickleball, the fast-growing sport in the U.S., is experiencing a significant surge in popularity in China. 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 Forces:** The rise is fueled by a growing interest in active lifestyles, recreational sports, social media influencers, and the resurgence of tennis, particularly after China’s Olympic gold medal win in tennis.
• **Market Dynamics:** Unlike the U.S., pickleball courts in China are often built and operated by businesses for profit, with the national Chinese Tennis Association overseeing the sport’s development.
• **Early Adoption:** The sport’s appeal lies in its ease of learning, with local schools repurposing facilities to encourage participation.
• **Challenges for Foreign Brands:** While the market offers huge potential, foreign businesses face hurdles like language barriers and navigating the WeChat ecosystem.
• **Hong Kong Open Success:** The inaugural PPA Tour Asia, including the Hong Kong Open, saw a large crowd and a waitlist, indicating strong interest.
• **Broader Economic Context:** The surge in pickleball spending comes as overall retail sales in China have been subdued, but experts predict a pickup in consumer spending in the coming years.

For more details, you can read the original article on CNBC: [https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/29/pickleball-is-booming-in-china-heres-why.html](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/29/pickleball-is-booming-in-china-heres-why.html)