China's Pickleball Boom: From Niche Sport to Market Explosion

China’s pickleball market is experiencing explosive growth that rivals the U.S. craze. Online sales of paddles and gear reached an average of $1.2 million monthly by July 2024 — a staggering six-fold jump from the previous year, according to WPIC Marketing + Technologies data.

What’s Driving the Spike?

Several factors are converging to fuel pickleball’s rise across the country. The sport has gained substantial traction through social media influencers and broader interest in active lifestyles. A major catalyst was Chinese player Zheng Qinwen’s Olympic gold medal in tennis singles, which reignited enthusiasm for racquet sports nationwide.

“Interest in tennis and pickleball started gaining momentum in 2023 and accelerated significantly in 2024,” noted Daniel Zipser, senior partner at McKinsey. “We’re witnessing strong acceleration growth across racquet sports more broadly.”

The Professional Pickleball Association’s inaugural PPA Tour Asia validated this momentum. During the Hong Kong Open (August 21-24), the tournament reached full capacity with a waiting list for final matches. Jack Wong claimed the men’s singles title, while Roos van Reek took the women’s championship. This wasn’t just participation — it reflected genuine fan engagement at the competitive level.

The Business Model Looks Different

Unlike suburban America, China’s urban landscape requires a different approach. Major cities lack neighborhood spaces for free public courts, so entrepreneurs are rapidly building commercial facilities. Lu Bing, deputy head of the Suzhou Pickleball Association, opened several courts where hourly fees start at 60 yuan ($8.39). Schools are also jumping in, converting basketball courts to meet surging demand.

“All these courts are built by profit-driven businesses,” explained Patrick Yan, founder of The Brine Agency. “What started as first-mover positioning is now attracting competing businesses and startups.”

The Chinese Tennis Association’s involvement in tournament organization creates a more structured ecosystem compared to other countries relying on grassroots funding — another advantage for rapid scaling.

Where’s the Friction?

Growth doesn’t come without obstacles. Foreign brands face hurdles in penetrating the market: language barriers, China’s WeChat-dominated ecosystem, and fierce local competition. While Joola operates through authorized partners like Suzhou’s Shishan club, broader international expansion remains complex.

Yet these challenges also signal massive untapped potential. Vietnam and Malaysia lead Asia’s pickleball scene currently, but China’s consumer base dwarfs both. As the market matures, consolidation appears inevitable — some courts will fade while winners dominate regional markets.

The Bigger Picture

Pickleball’s acceleration reflects a deeper consumer shift. After pandemic-driven pessimism dampened spending, Chinese consumers are moving past sentiment-driven hesitation. “People have realized the depressed economic outlook won’t reverse anytime soon. Life goes on,” Zipser observed. They’re reinvesting in leisure and active pursuits, signaling broad consumption growth expected through 2026.

The racquet sports boom isn’t a temporary fad — it’s a structural shift reshaping China’s sporting landscape and creating genuine business opportunities.