
A Historic Day for Pickleball Fans
The recent Major League Pickleball (MLP) Finals turned out to be a milestone event for fans and players alike. Broadcasted on CBS, the championship match between the Columbus Sliders and the New Jersey 5s attracted an impressive average of 433,000 viewers, making it the second-most watched pro pickleball match of all time. This surge in viewership reflects the sport’s skyrocketing popularity, particularly among older adults, who are increasingly embracing pickleball as a go-to pastime.
Record Attendance in Central Park
Hosted at the iconic Wollman Rink in Central Park, the matches were played in front of sold-out crowds, adding to the festive atmosphere that has become synonymous with the MLP events. Such record attendance not only highlights the growing interest in pickleball but also underscores its potential as a community-building sport, especially for those aged 50 and above who are seeking engaging physical activities.
Impact on Business and Sponsorships
This year’s MLP season demonstrated significant growth across various business metrics. Notably, sponsorship revenue more than doubled compared to last year, and ticket sales saw a 28% increase. These figures suggest a burgeoning market around pickleball that businesses should not overlook, especially companies focused on wellness and active lifestyles for older populations. With increased social media engagement and a robust digital presence, brands have unprecedented opportunities to connect with this expanding audience.
Included Revenue Insights
Throughout the season, total viewing time on PickleballTV soared by 105%, and YouTube views increased by 156%. This indicates a growing appetite for pickleball content, signaling that next year’s competitive landscape will likely bring even more opportunities for engagement and marketing for e-commerce sellers, health experts, and active lifestyle brands catering to older players in Southern California.
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