elpais.com
Pickleball Boom: US Explosion, Spain's Growing Popularity
Pickleball, a sport combining tennis, paddle tennis, and badminton, boasts nearly 50 million US players by late 2024 and is experiencing a 56% growth rate, while Spain, with 20,000 players, is seeing a rise in popularity with a new national circuit.
- What challenges might hinder pickleball's growth in Spain, and what strategies could ensure its continued expansion?
- Spain's pickleball growth, while significant, faces an uncertain trajectory compared to the US. The establishment of Spain's first national pickleball circuit, however, suggests a potential for future professionalization and sustained growth, mirroring the US model. The intergenerational appeal, ease of learning, and gender inclusivity of the sport contribute to its broad appeal and growth potential.
- What factors contribute to pickleball's explosive growth in the US and its potential for similar expansion in Spain?
- Around 20,000 people in Spain have adopted pickleball, a sport combining elements of tennis, paddle tennis, and badminton. Its popularity is exploding in the US, with almost 50 million players by the end of 2024, projected to surpass basketball in participation next year. In Spain, significant growth is anticipated, though it remains unclear if it will match the US boom.
- How does the accessibility and ease of learning pickleball contribute to its intergenerational appeal and rapid adoption?
- The 56% increase in US pickleball players in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of over 50% annual growth, underscores its rapid expansion. This surge follows its 1965 origins as a backyard game invented to entertain children, highlighting its evolution into a professional sport with a million-dollar tournament, the Pickleball Slam, featuring tennis stars like Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The overwhelmingly positive tone and emphasis on rapid growth create a framing bias. Headlines and introductory paragraphs highlight the excitement and popularity without presenting a balanced view of challenges or limitations. The inclusion of celebrity endorsements further amplifies the positive perception.
Language Bias
The article uses enthusiastic and positive language ('furor,' 'boom,' 'locura'), which may influence reader perception. While this reflects the current excitement around pickleball, using more neutral terms in some instances would improve objectivity. For example, instead of "causa furor," consider "is gaining popularity.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the growth and popularity of pickleball in Spain and the US, but omits discussion of potential downsides or criticisms of the sport. While acknowledging space constraints is reasonable, mentioning potential drawbacks (e.g., cost of equipment, accessibility issues for certain demographics) would provide a more balanced perspective.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of pickleball's future, suggesting it will inevitably become one of the most practiced sports in Spain. While the growth is significant, presenting this as a guaranteed outcome ignores potential unforeseen factors that could affect its trajectory.
Gender Bias
The article briefly mentions the gender equality aspect of pickleball, highlighting its accessibility to both men and women. However, it lacks detailed analysis of gender representation in participation statistics or media coverage. More detailed information would strengthen this aspect.
Sustainable Development Goals
Pickleball is presented as an inclusive and accessible sport suitable for all ages and skill levels, promoting physical activity and overall well-being. The article highlights its intergenerational appeal, enabling families to play together, and its low barrier to entry makes it accessible to a wide range of people, regardless of physical capabilities.