Trend #3:

Open Play: Can the Culture Keep Up?

The Joy of Open Play — Now Under Pressure

Open play is the beating heart of recreational pickleball. It’s what makes the sport feel accessible, social, and refreshingly unpretentious. But as the skill gap widens — with brand-new players entering the game while others are leveling up fast — the cracks are beginning to show. Frustrations are rising. Court tension is real.

The promise of open play is inclusion. But in practice, it’s getting messy. Intermediate and advanced players are showing up for a competitive workout… and finding themselves in a 11–0 blowout with a first-timer who’s still figuring out the rules. Meanwhile, that first-timer may leave feeling outmatched and embarrassed. Nobody wins.

“All Levels Welcome” Is Getting Complicated

Throughout 2025, expect to continue to see a shift: more pre-planned games, more court reservations, and — crucially — more level-specific open play sessions. Rec centers, parks, and clubs will need to lead the way with signage, structure, and maybe even on-site hosts to help the system run smoothly. The goal isn’t to kill the open play culture. It’s to evolve it, so it works for everyone.

The Shift: Organized, Divided, Reserved

Throughout 2025, expect to continue to see a shift: more pre-planned games, more court reservations, and — crucially — more level-specific open play sessions. Rec centers, parks, and clubs will need to lead the way with signage, structure, and maybe even on-site hosts to help the system run smoothly. The goal isn’t to kill the open play culture. It’s to evolve it, so it works for everyone.

Trend #4:

Pro Pickleball: Not Appointment Viewing (Yet)

The Play Is Incredible — But the Pull Isn’t There (Yet)

Let’s be clear: pro pickleball is getting really good. The speed, the angles, the athleticism — it’s all dialed up. And the top players? They’re sharpening their games and their personal brands. But for the average recreational player, it’s still not must-see TV. The game is fun to watch, but the motivation to follow pros? It’s not quite there.

The recreational player shows up for three reasons: fun, fitness, and community. It’s not that they don’t respect the pros — they absolutely do. It’s just that after a morning of open play and coffee with the crew, there’s not a burning need to stream a match or follow a bracket. Following the pros might feel like homework in a sport that’s otherwise focused on fun.

Fun, Fitness, Friends > Fandom

Still, the seeds are being planted. As production values improve, storylines deepen, and more fans get to see elite pickleball up close, interest will grow — eventually. The question isn’t if the rec player will start tuning in. It’s when. But in 2025? They’re still more focused on whether their Tuesday partner shows up than who’s climbing the PPA rankings.

The Long Game

Still, the seeds are being planted. As production values improve, storylines deepen, and more fans get to see elite pickleball up close, interest will grow — eventually. The question isn’t if the rec player will start tuning in. It’s when. But in 2025? They’re still more focused on whether their Tuesday partner shows up than who’s climbing the PPA rankings.

Trend #5:

Venues & Facilities: The Shakeout Begins

Built with Passion — But Not Always a Plan

Over the past few years, courts have popped up in every corner of America — from empty warehouses to abandoned strip malls to gleaming new construction. Many of these facilities were created by people who love the game. Unfortunately, passion doesn’t always equal profit. Running a financially sustainable pickleball venue is hard. And in 2025, that reality is beginning to really hit home.

Expect more closings, mergers, and management handoffs this year. The facilities that survive will either have deep pockets or sharp business models — ideally both. And we’ll see a wave of experienced operators stepping in to professionalize what’s been, up to now, a very enthusiastic but uneven marketplace.

Closures, Consolidation, and the Rise of Pro Operators

The upside? The best facilities will emerge stronger — more polished, more player-friendly, and more financially sustainable. We’ll start to see the rise of destination venues that blend competitive play, social events, coaching, clinics, food, and community under one well-run roof. It’s a shift from DIY vibes to experience-driven pickleball — and for many players, it’ll be worth the upgrade.

From DIY to Destination

The upside? The best facilities will emerge stronger — more polished, more player-friendly, and more financially sustainable. We’ll start to see the rise of destination venues that blend competitive play, social events, coaching, clinics, food, and community under one well-run roof. It’s a shift from DIY vibes to experience-driven pickleball — and for many players, it’ll be worth the upgrade.

Trend #2:

Travel: Pickleball Packs Its Bags

The Courts Are There. The Access? Not So Much.

Resorts across the globe are racing to pour concrete and paint lines — but it’s not enough. As we move through 2025, a new frustration is emerging: recreational players eager to play while on vacation are finding courts fully booked, poorly organized, or not even available despite being promised. The pickleball boom caught many resorts flat-footed, and now they’re scrambling to catch up.

It turns out, managing open play at a resort is no easy feat. Guests arrive with different skill levels, different expectations, and a limited window to play. What works at the local rec center doesn’t always translate poolside. To meet demand, resorts will need to level up — literally — by offering organized open play by skill level, guided sessions, and more on-site clinics. Those that get it right will win loyal, paddle-packing customers.

The Challenge of Open Play at Hotels and Resorts

Oddly, many hotels still bury their pickleball offerings deep within their websites — if they mention them at all. That is starting to change. As resorts realize that travelers are choosing destinations based on court access, expect pickleball to move front and center in hotel marketing. Not just as a feature, but as a draw.

Marketing Catch-Up

Oddly, many hotels still bury their pickleball offerings deep within their websites — if they mention them at all. That is starting to change. As resorts realize that travelers are choosing destinations based on court access, expect pickleball to move front and center in hotel marketing. Not just as a feature, but as a draw.

Missing the Mark

From oversold resort courts to poorly planned cruise ship setups, pickleball travel still has growing pains. Nowhere is this clearer than at sea—where tiny, wind-blown decks and baffled staff have turned “pickleball on a cruise” into more meme than movement.

Resorts like Palmetto Dunes, Rancho La Quinta, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge, The Boca Raton, and Hilton’s JW Desert Ridge are getting with the program with quality courts, clinics, level-based open play, paddle rentals, and even courtside bars.

Trend #6:

Apps & Technology: Still Downloading…

Too Many Apps, Not Enough Traction

In theory, pickleball tech should be booming. In reality? It’s kind of a mess. The app landscape is flooded with platforms — some for finding games, others for booking courts, a few for tracking stats, and even more trying to be social networks. Most recreational players have tried a couple. Most have already forgotten their login.

The demand is clear: players want one simple, intuitive platform where they can schedule games, reserve courts, message friends, and maybe even track a few stats — all without needing a tutorial. At some point, we’ll see the strongest contenders rise up but it’s not happening yet. The winners won’t be the flashiest or most technical, they’ll be the ones that actually work.

The Race for the One-Stop App

Swing analyzers, smart paddles, and AI stroke breakdowns are impressive. But for the average recreational player? It’s all a little much. They’re not looking for biomechanical feedback — they’re looking for a good match and maybe a coffee after. The tech that sticks will be the kind that enhances social connection and playability, not performance pressure.

Fun Over Features

Swing analyzers, smart paddles, and AI stroke breakdowns are impressive. But for the average recreational player? It’s all a little much. They’re not looking for biomechanical feedback — they’re looking for a good match and maybe a coffee after. The tech that sticks will be the kind that enhances social connection and playability, not performance pressure.

Trend #7:

Apparel: Come As You Are — For Now

Still Playing the Field

Pickleball apparel in 2025? It’s still a mixed bag — and that’s part of the charm. You’ll see tennis skirts, yes. But also leggings, bike shorts, gym tees, and the occasional Hawaiian shirt. There’s no dominant look, and most recreational players like it that way. Comfort rules. Performance matters, but only to a point. For now, the dress code is simple: wear what works.

There’s a drift toward traditional courtwear — especially among women — with pleated skirts, polos, and visors making more appearances. But pickleball hasn’t fully embraced the country club aesthetic, and it probably won’t. This sport is more social than status-driven, and the clothes reflect that.

Tennis-Inspired, But Not Tennis-Cloned

Major athleisure brands have noticed. Lululemon, Alo, Vuori, and even Athleta are subtly repositioning pieces as “pickleball-ready.” A few niche brands are trying to stake out style leadership, but nothing’s taken hold yet. We may see a breakthrough in the next 18 months — likely from a brand that blends fashion, fit, performance and community storytelling — but it’s not happened yet.

Big Brands, Small Moves

Eventually, yes. When pro players become stars with followings, endorsements, and signature lines, we’ll see rec players emulating their style — just like in tennis, golf, or skateboarding. But right now? The gap is still wide. Recreational pickleball remains proudly personal — style included.

Will The Pros Lead the Way?

Eventually, yes. When pro players become stars with followings, endorsements, and signature lines, we’ll see rec players emulating their style — just like in tennis, golf, or skateboarding. But right now? The gap is still wide. Recreational pickleball remains proudly personal — style included.

Trend #8:

More Millenials: The Sport That’s Aging in Reverse

Pickleball Is Getting Younger

Most sports start with youth and hope to keep them playing as they age. Pickleball flipped the script. What began as a retirement community pastime is now drawing Millennials in droves — and not just for the workout. For many, it’s a social reset button: low pressure, highly interactive, and way more appealing than shouting over music at a bar.

Millennials aren’t necessarily coming to crush. They’re showing up to connect — with friends, coworkers, strangers, and potential dates. And it’s working. Rec-level pickleball offers a rare combo of movement, mingling, and minimal awkwardness. It's become one of the only spaces where you can show up solo and leave with a phone full of new contacts.

Connection is the New Competition

The dating app fatigue is real. "The apps don’t work" has become a common refrain among players under 40. As a result, we’ll see a surge in singles-focused pickleball events, leagues, and club nights. The clubs that lean into this trend — thoughtfully and intentionally — will do more than fill courts. They’ll become social hubs.

Singles Pickleball Will Be the New Mixer

One of the most beautiful things about pickleball? Grandma, dad, and the college kid can all share a court. No other sport does that so well. As more Millennials play, expect to see even more families and friend groups mixing across generations — and loving it.

Multi-Generational Magic

One of the most beautiful things about pickleball? Grandma, dad, and the college kid can all share a court. No other sport does that so well. As more Millennials play, expect to see even more families and friend groups mixing across generations — and loving it.

The Final Word

The Game Is Growing. Fast

But here’s what isn’t changing: pickleball is still the most accessible, social, and joy-filled sport out there. It’s still the only place where strangers become partners, grandparents play alongside grandkids, and showing up solo doesn’t feel weird.

Yes, the gear is getting better. The venues are getting fancier.

The pro scene is evolving. But for the millions of recreational players who are building community one game at a time — this is still your sport.

At The Open Play Post, we’re here to cover your corner of the court — the culture, the people, the trends, and the real stories behind the fastest-growing game in America.

See you at open play.

— Eric, Joyce & The Team at The Open Play Post