Pickleball grows into a tool for social connection and international diplomacy

Pickleball has emerged as a significant cultural and social phenomenon, particularly in the United States and China. In the US, the sport has seen explosive growth, with participation rising from 4.2 million players in 2020 to over 24 million in 2025, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. Beyond physical exercise, the sport is being recognized for its potential to combat loneliness among older adults, as its social, rotating-partner format fosters community.

On an international level, pickleball is being utilized as a tool for sports diplomacy. A delegation of 24 American students from Iowa recently traveled to China for a cultural and sporting exchange organized by China’s Ministry of Education. Visiting cities such as Beijing, Qingdao, and Hebi—which is known as China’s ‘Pickleball City’—the group aims to build people-to-people connections through the sport, echoing the historical significance of ‘Ping-Pong Diplomacy’ from 1971.