Rapid Growth Backfires for Pickleball as Top Dogs Forced to Make the Inevitable Move

Pickleball has been one of the fastest-growing sports in recent times. Although it has existed for more than half a century, it only started growing exponentially in the last few years. It has skyrocketed in popularity, and several tennis legends have also picked up the sport, boosting its image even further. However, all is not as it seems. Major League Pickleball, which overlooks all competitions in the sport, has asked players to take a significant cut.

Although the sport is experiencing tough times, it has seen significant changes. Pickleball has many new areas, but it has also taken over many tennis courts, much to the chagrin of John McEnroe. Still, the paddle sport is in a major pickle. 

Bad news for pickleball players and enthusiasts

The paddle sport has seen exponential growth since COVID-19, despite being in the fray since 1965. Many brands have come forward to support the league, and we have seen the construction of many new courts. Additionally, tennis legends like John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and more have also picked up the sport, even creating a slam for it. 

But there is bad news in store for the players of the sport. Recently, Major League Pickleball asked the players employed under it to take a pay cut of 40%. Their workload will be reduced in accordance with the pay cut, as per an email sent to the players. It further read that they need to make certain changes to make sure the sport continues to thrive in the future. Before, players were required to play for 200 days; now, it has been cut down to 120. 

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The remainder of the days on the calendar, if filled with other jobs related to pickleball, will not oblige the players to share their earnings with MLP. The news, although daunting, is aiming to ensure the sustainability of the sport. Despite the step back, pickleball has taken over many areas of tennis, with one prominent tennis academy even falling prey to it.

McEnroe struggles with the rise of pickleball

Although opposed to the sport at first, McEnroe eventually served to popularize it as he played the first pickleball slam and will soon play in another. Regardless, his love for tennis is still at the top, and when he saw a tennis academy being overtaken by pickleball, he was saddened.

He further said that it was a big shame that the two sports can’t have equal areas for practicing. The racket and the paddle sport have been in a tussle for quite some time.

Many tennis courts were overtaken by pickleball players as there weren’t enough facilities, which started the conflict. Despite the rapid growth of the sport now, they are in for a difficult period. But given the interest in the sport, it has a good chance of rising back. 

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