In 2025, Netflix has teamed up with the rapidly growing sport of pickleball to produce a series of compelling documentaries and celebrity-driven content, propelling the sport into the global spotlight. This strategic partnership aims to showcase the sport’s explosive rise, its diverse community, and its potential for Olympic inclusion.
Pickleball, a paddle sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years. From its inception in 1965, the sport has evolved from a niche pastime into a global phenomenon. In the United States alone, participation surged to nearly 20 million by 2024, marking a 311% increase since 2021 . This surge in popularity has been fueled by the sport’s accessibility, low cost, and appeal to a wide demographic, including seniors and families.([Wikipedia][1], [Wikipedia][2], [FOOTBALLMEDIA24][3])
**Netflix’s Strategic Partnership**
Recognizing the sport’s potential, Netflix has invested in producing a series of documentaries that delve into the stories of pickleball’s top players, its inclusive community, and its journey toward Olympic recognition. One such documentary, tentatively titled *Pickleball: A New Generation of Sport*, explores how the sport has transformed into a global sensation, highlighting the importance of its inclusion in the Olympics .([FOOTBALLMEDIA24][3])
Another documentary focuses on Ben Johns, a prominent figure in the pickleball community. The film showcases his journey from a college athlete to a world champion, emphasizing his role in popularizing the sport and inspiring a new generation of players .([FOOTBALLMEDIA24][4])
**Celebrity Involvement**
To further amplify pickleball’s reach, Netflix has collaborated with celebrities and influencers to create engaging content that resonates with a broader audience. The *Celebrity Pickleball Bash*, a series of showcases where celebrities team up with professional players, is set to launch in 2025. Equity partners in this venture include New York Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson, comedian Anthony Anderson, country pop singer Jessie James Decker, former NFL wide receiver Eric Decker, actor and on-air personality Mario Lopez, PIVOT Agency Founder and former Golden State Warriors executive Ben Shapiro, and current CEO of Rhode Skin Nick Vlahos .([PR Newswire][5])
The partnership between Netflix and pickleball extends beyond the United States. In India, the sport has gained significant traction, with over 50,000 players and more than 500 courts across the country . The World Pickleball League, India’s first franchise-based pickleball league, has attracted attention from major sponsors and investors, further solidifying the sport’s global appeal.([Wikipedia][1], [Swiggy.com][6])
**Conclusion**
Netflix’s collaboration with pickleball represents a strategic move to capitalize on the sport’s rapid growth and widespread appeal. Through compelling documentaries and celebrity-driven content, Netflix aims to elevate pickleball’s status from a niche activity to a mainstream sport. As the sport continues to gain momentum, its inclusion in the Olympics seems increasingly likely, marking a new chapter in its storied history.
[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickleball_in_India?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Pickleball in India”
[2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickleball?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Pickleball”
[3]: https://footballmedia24.co.uk/2025/03/03/breaking-netflix-set-to-release-highly-anticipated-documentary-on-pickleballs-rise-and-acceptance-highlighting-importance-of-olympics-inclusion/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “BREAKING: Netflix Set to Release Highly Anticipated Docum…”
[4]: https://footballmedia24.co.uk/2025/02/28/netflix-to-release-documentary-spotlighting-pickleball-star-ben-johns-showcasing-his-journey-and-impact-on-the-sport/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “netflix-to-release-documentary-spotlighting-pickleball-star-ben-johns-showcasing-his-journey-and-impact-on-the-sport”
[5]: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/celebrity-pickleball-bash-to-launch-in-2025-with-star-studded-group-of-equity-partners-302279321.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Celebrity Pickleball Bash to Launch in 2025 with Star-Studded Group of Equity Partners”
[6]: https://www.swiggy.com/corporate/press-release/swiggy-and-rishabh-pant-to-co-own-the-mumbai-pickle-power-pickleball-team/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Swiggy and Rishabh Pant to Co-Own the Mumbai Pickle Power Pickleball team – Swiggy”