In a groundbreaking act of generosity that’s reverberating across the sports world and beyond, the global pickleball community has come together to donate a staggering \$19.5 million toward the construction of a state-of-the-art homeless shelter in London. The initiative, led by top professional players, league organizers, and major sponsors, is being hailed as one of the most significant charitable contributions in modern sports history.
The planned facility, located in East London, will be more than just a shelter — it is designed as a holistic rehabilitation center providing not only a safe place to sleep, but also healthcare, mental wellness support, job training, addiction recovery programs, and transitional housing. It is expected to serve over 1,000 individuals annually, with a long-term goal of reintegrating them into stable employment and housing.
The idea for the initiative was born out of a conversation among leading figures in the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA) and the UK Pickleball Federation during a recent international tournament. Shocked by the rising levels of homelessness in major cities, and particularly touched by the visible crisis in London, the group resolved to take action — not just to raise awareness, but to create lasting change.
Professional player and philanthropist Jamie Saunders, currently ranked in the global top five, was instrumental in rallying support. “Pickleball has given us so much — from community to purpose to international recognition,” Saunders said. “It felt like it was time to give something back, and to do it in a way that reflects the core values of our sport: inclusion, support, and resilience.”
What started as a modest campaign quickly snowballed into a global movement. International players pledged portions of their winnings. Pickleball clubs hosted charity tournaments, drawing thousands of participants and spectators. Sponsors including GearBox, Selkirk, and Onix matched donations, and within six months, the campaign had reached its remarkable \$19.5 million goal.
Construction is set to begin in early 2026, with the facility expected to open its doors by the end of 2027. The design, a collaborative effort with leading social services organizations and architects specializing in trauma-informed environments, emphasizes dignity and recovery. Features will include private rooms, green communal spaces, a medical clinic, classrooms, and on-site social work staff.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan praised the effort in a public statement: “This extraordinary gift from the pickleball community is not only generous but transformative. It’s an example of what can happen when sports are used as a force for good.”
The story has captured headlines worldwide, with social media buzzing over what many are calling the “Pickleball Miracle.” Celebrities and athletes from other sports, including tennis legend Serena Williams and footballer Marcus Rashford, have voiced admiration and called for similar efforts in their own communities.
The initiative has already sparked conversations in other cities about how sports organizations can partner with local governments to address homelessness, housing insecurity, and mental health. Pickleball, once considered a niche hobby, is proving to be not just a rising global sport but a platform for powerful, people-centered change.