Major League Pickleball Finals Draws 433,000 Average Viewers: A Breakthrough for the Sport

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.

Pickleball Lifestyle

0 Comments

Write A Comment

Related Posts All Posts

10.03.2025

Pickleballtv Launches on YouTube TV: A New Era for Fans and Players

Update Big News for Pickleball Enthusiasts In an exciting development for pickleball lovers, the United Pickleball Association (UPA) has welcomed Pickleballtv (PBTV) to YouTube TV, marking a significant leap for the sport. The introduction of a dedicated 24/7 pickleball network on one of America's largest streaming services opens a new avenue for fans to immerse themselves in professional pickleball, a rapidly growing sport that has seen a 311% increase in participation over recent years. Extensive Coverage and Diverse Programming Thanks to this partnership, all subscribers to YouTube TV can enjoy comprehensive coverage of the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP), along with international competitions and collegiate events. The channel promises not just live matches but also highlights and original shows, such as the upcoming series Celebrity Pickleball, featuring familiar faces like Drew Brees and Katie Couric. This diverse content aims to enhance the viewing experience for both seasoned fans and newcomers. What's Next for Pickleball? The launch comes just in time for the Jenius Bank Pickleball World Championships, slated for late October in Dallas—a major event that attracted over 57,000 fans last year. As the sport continues to grow, PBTV's addition to YouTube TV represents a strategic move to further popularize pickleball and engage a broader audience. Engaging with the Pickleball Community This development is not merely about sport; it’s about community. For businesses catering to pickleball enthusiasts, such as those in the health, wellness, and e-commerce sectors, the increase in viewers represents an opportunity to connect with a vibrant and growing demographic. As millions tune in to watch their favorite players and matches, brands can leverage this visibility to engage with potential customers, promoting health products, supplements, and pickleball-related gear that appeal especially to older players in Southern California. Join the Excitement For players over 50, Pickleballtv on YouTube TV offers a chance to stay involved with the sport they love from the comfort of their homes. As the pickleball community continues to grow, this is a perfect time to embrace the enthusiasm surrounding the game.

09.26.2025

Exciting New Era in Pickleball: Juniors Emerge as Future Stars

Update The Rise of Young Talent in Professional Pickleball The landscape of professional pickleball is shifting, and an impressive new generation of talent is emerging. Recently, the United Pickleball Association (UPA) signed several top junior players, such as 12-year-old Elsie Hendershot and 15-year-old Ella Yeh, providing them with unique opportunities to develop while competing at higher levels. These young athletes, including Cam Chaffin, Jade Rau, and Tama Shimabukuro, are not just players; they represent the future of this rapidly growing sport. Airing Out the Pathways to Pro Status The UPA's Futures Contracts allow these promising juniors to participate in not only major tournaments but also local events and youth competitions. This flexibility is crucial for their growth, enabling them to gain experience while showcasing their skills at a young age. The Stakes Are High: What This Means for Interested Companies For companies targeting pickleball players over 50 in Southern California, this entering class of talent brings significant marketing opportunities. As the sport grows, so too does the potential consumer audience, especially as these young athletes inspire more participation among seasoned players and fans alike. Turning Challenges into Opportunities: What's Next? Young stars like Tama Shimabukuro express excitement for the challenge, highlighting the value of development in real competition. Organizations catering to this demographic can leverage these developments to create young influencer partnerships, enhance brand visibility at tournaments, and engage a growing community interested in pickleball. As the pickleball scene continues to evolve with fresh talent, there is an unmistakable opportunity for companies focused on the lifestyle and health aspects associated with this sport. Monitoring upcoming tournaments and young players’ progress can inform targeted marketing strategies significantly relevant to sports-wear, supplements, and equipment catering to older players. In Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Pickleball The rise of these junior players marks an exciting period for pickleball, and with it comes new opportunities for engagement and commerce that can resonate with various audience segments. It's an ideal time for brands dedicated to accommodating the pickleball community, especially those focused on the 50+ age group, to embrace this growing movement.

09.24.2025

DUPR Verified: The Answer to Ending Sandbagging in Pickleball

Update Is Sandbagging Finally Coming to an End? For many passionate pickleball players, the term "sandbagging" has become synonymous with unfair competition. The practice of players intentionally underperforming to gain an advantage in lower skill brackets has long plagued the sport. But thanks to a new initiative from DUPR—Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating—this troubling trend may soon be a thing of the past. Understanding the New DUPR Verified System DUPR recently announced that over 300 clubs across the U.S. will begin operating as DUPR Verified clubs in 2026. This means that players must now meet specific criteria, similar to TSA pre-check for air travel, to ensure a more honest competition. Players are required to have an active DUPR+ subscription and a verified phone number that can only be linked to one account. Events and players will be subject to review by DUPR's Fairplay Committee, tasked with maintaining integrity within the sport. Match scores must be reported promptly, and results from verified events will carry more weight in players' ratings, leading to a more accurate reflection of their current skill levels and performance. The Benefits of a More Regulated Play Environment This initiative benefits not just the major leagues like Minor League Pickleball and Top Tier Pickleball League but also local tournaments and clubs. As more players opt for verified events, it could usher in a new era of credibility, attracting more serious athletes and sponsors to the sport. What’s Next for Pickleball? As pickleball continues to grow globally—with tournaments popping up across continents—the push for higher standards is essential. Ensuring fairness in play through verified events could pave the way for pickleball to transition into the realm of professional sports. With reputations and financial stakes on the line, players are likely to feel more secure in their competitive pursuits. As we look towards 2026 and beyond, it’s clear that if we want pickleball to thrive, a commitment to fairness and authenticity must be upheld. With DUPR’s systems in place, players and clubs can expect a new level of excitement and trust in their tournaments. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer eager to join the local league, now is the time to embrace the changes and rid the sport of sandbagging for good!

Major League Pickleball Finals Draws 433,000 Average Viewers: A Breakthrough for the Sport

A Historic Day for Pickleball Fans

Record Attendance in Central Park

Impact on Business and Sponsorships

Included Revenue Insights

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title