Pickleball’s Paddle Power: Hong Kong’s World Championship Signals a Global Investment Boom

By SK Lee

HONG KONG – In the serene embrace of Discovery Bay on Lantau Island, where turquoise waters lap against ferry piers and the hum of urban frenzy feels a world away, the third annual World Pickleball Championship (WPC) unfolded like a symphony of smashes and dinks over three electrifying days. More than 900 players from 16 countries converged for over 1,800 matches, transforming the tranquil enclave into a pulsating hub of athleticism and camaraderie. Ferries churned across the harbor, ferrying hordes of competitors, spectators, and even local celebrities, turning what could have been a quiet weekend into a full-blown extravaganza dubbed “Pickleworld” by enthusiasts.

This wasn’t just a tournament; it was a testament to pickleball’s meteoric ascent from backyard novelty to bona fide global phenomenon. Sponsored by heavyweights TGG, FWD, and ViuTV – three corporate titans channeling their resources into community building – the event underscored how pickleball is weaving itself into the fabric of social and economic life. “These partnerships aren’t mere branding exercises,” noted event organizer LIT TLP in a statement. “They’re investments in fostering connections that transcend the court.”

LIT TLP, the driving force behind the championship, marked its third consecutive year at the helm. The merger with LIT in October 2025 supercharged the operation, doubling participant numbers from last year’s tally and elevating the stakes for this edition. Yet amid the cheers and volleys, a somber note resonated: the event was dedicated to the victims of the devastating Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po on November 26, which claimed 160 lives and injured 79 in one of Hong Kong’s deadliest blazes since 1948. LIT TLP pledged HK$300,000 to CityLab, a local NGO specializing in community building, channeling most of the sponsorship proceeds to aid recovery efforts. “In times of tragedy, sports remind us of our shared resilience,” said LIT TLP Co-Chair Rocky Chan during the opening ceremony.

Local luminaries added star power, turning courtside into a who’s-who of Hong Kong glitterati. Among the throng was reigning WPC Asian No. 1 Ryan Lam Chun-hei, whose meteoric rise since turning pro with LIT TLP in October has captivated fans. The Hong Kong native clinched both men’s singles and doubles titles at the recent WPC Korea Open, solidifying his status as the continent’s paddle prodigy. Lam, who has climbed the ranks with blistering pace, drew cheers from supporters including actors and influencers who swapped red-carpet poses for rally-side selfies.

In a recent interview with the South China Morning Post, Lam reflected on the sport’s grassroots evolution in Hong Kong. “Of course, having dedicated pickleball courts is best,” he said, praising the Discovery Bay setup. “Actually, being able to play here with such good weather and environment is already very good in Hong Kong. This year, there are really more professional courts, especially in the past six months. We need more people to participate in matches and in the sport, so that pickleball can be better promoted.” His words echo a broader narrative: pickleball’s infrastructure boom mirrors its player surge. In the U.S. alone – the sport’s epicenter – participation exploded to 19.8 million in 2024, a 45.8% year-over-year leap and 311% growth since 2021, cementing its title as America’s fastest-growing sport for the fourth straight year. Globally, an estimated 36.5 million Americans have now tried the game at least once, with the market projected to hit $1.82 billion by year’s end. Places to play? Over 16,210 nationwide, up 50% from 2024.

Commentators are buzzing about this alchemy of growth, community, and engagement. Simone Jardim, a pickleball trailblazer, captures the sport’s egalitarian allure: “On the same court, you can have a millionaire with someone living paycheck to paycheck. No one’s interested in what you do for a living, only in how long you’ve been playing.” Alex Kerman, senior director at the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), points to demographic shifts driving the momentum: with the average player now just shy of 35 – down from 38 in 2021 – pickleball is shedding its “seniors’ game” label and captivating millennials and youth alike. “We expect participation to keep climbing, especially among youth,” Kerman told AAA Club Alliance. In Asia, the ripple effects are palpable: Hong Kong’s young pickleball scene, as showcased at this WPC leg, is a microcosm of the global tour’s expansion, with dedicated facilities sprouting amid taped-down lines on makeshift pitches just a year ago.

The frenzy has even pierced Silicon Valley’s armor. Tesla, ever attuned to cultural FOMO, unveiled the Tesla Plaid Pickleball Paddle in collaboration with Selkirk Labs – a $350 aerodynamic marvel inspired by its electric vehicles’ sleek lines. At that price, it’s less impulse buy than strategic acquisition, signaling how pickleball’s cultural cachet is luring blue-chip brands into the fray.

For investors eyeing the horizon, pickleball isn’t a fleeting fad – it’s a portfolio pivot. What began as a pastime has morphed into a high-ROI ecosystem, with major institutions and family offices pouring capital into courts, leagues, and gear. From venture-backed pro tours to real estate plays on multi-sport venues, the math adds up: 223% participation growth over three years, millennial adoption rates rivaling e-sports, and a market trajectory that could double again by 2026. As LIT TLP’s Chan put it post-merger, “This is community capital at work.” In pickleball’s dink-and-drive world, the real winners are those who serve first.