Tennis has been a popular sport for decades, known for its fast-paced rallies and global recognition. In recent years, however, another racquet sport has been gaining rapid popularity—pickleball. Often seen as a more accessible alternative to tennis, pickleball is now emerging as a sport with massive business potential, especially in countries like India.
This blog explores the core differences between tennis and pickleball and how understanding them can help you step into the world of sports entrepreneurship.
Difference Between Tennis and Pickleball
While both games involve racquets (or paddles) and a net, their setup, rules, and target audiences vary significantly. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Court Size and Dimensions
Tennis court flooring is much larger. A standard tennis court measures 78 feet long and 27 feet wide for singles, and 36 feet wide for doubles. In contrast, a pickleball court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. The smaller size makes pickleball more accessible and allows more courts to be fitted into a limited space.
This difference in space requirement makes pickleball more suitable for urban areas and compact venues, offering an opportunity for affordable court development.
2. Equipment
Tennis is played with a strung racquet and a felt-covered rubber ball. Pickleball uses a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball, often called a wiffle ball.
Pickleball paddles and balls are less expensive and lighter, making the sport more accessible to beginners and families.
3. Gameplay and Learning Curve
Tennis demands a higher level of physical fitness and has a steeper learning curve due to its faster pace and longer rallies. Pickleball, on the other hand, is easier to learn and less physically demanding, making it popular among all age groups, including children and older adults.
This simplicity has contributed to its explosive growth worldwide, especially in communities, schools, and recreational clubs.
4. Popularity and Growth
Tennis remains a major global sport, featured in the Olympics and supported by international federations. Pickleball is still growing, but is now one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, and is seeing rising interest in India.
The increasing number of housing societies, resorts, and academies adding pickleball courts proves that it’s more than just a trend—it’s a business opportunity.
How to Become a Sports Entrepreneur through Pickleball
If you’re passionate about sports and looking for a business idea, pickleball is a smart entry point. With its low startup cost and high demand, it opens the door for multiple revenue streams.
1. Build a Pickleball Court
You can start by setting up one or more pickleball courts in a residential community, commercial space, or even a school. The investment is significantly lower compared to a tennis court, especially when using synthetic acrylic flooring, which is durable and cost-effective.
Once your pickleball court flooring is ready, you can offer it for hourly rentals, memberships, or organize tournaments to attract consistent traffic.
2. Offer Coaching and Training
There is a growing demand for pickleball coaching. You can become a certified coach or hire professionals to run structured training programs for kids, beginners, and senior citizens. Running group classes or weekend camps can become a steady source of income.
3. Sell Pickleball Equipment
With more people picking up the sport, there’s an increasing demand for quality paddles, balls, nets, and shoes. You can tie up with suppliers or manufacturers and sell pickleball kits online or at your facility.
This model can also be expanded into wholesale or B2B distribution for clubs, schools, and retailers.
4. Launch a Pickleball Academy or Franchise
If you’re thinking bigger, start a pickleball academy offering coaching, recreation, and equipment under one roof. Once established, the brand can be scaled through a franchise model across cities.
You can also add features like a café, merchandise, or indoor facilities to enhance the customer experience.
Why Pickleball is a Great Business Opportunity
- Lower investment compared to tennis courts
- Appeals to a broad age group
- High ROI through multiple income streams like rentals, coaching, and events
- Growing demand with minimal competition in India
- Can be developed even in compact spaces
Final Thoughts
While tennis continues to be a sport of tradition and prestige, pickleball is rapidly gaining ground due to its accessibility, affordability, and fun factor. For aspiring entrepreneurs, especially in the sports or fitness space, pickleball offers an exciting and profitable opportunity.
By understanding the difference between tennis and pickleball and evaluating the growing demand, you can take confident steps toward becoming a successful sports entrepreneur.
Start small, learn the market, and grow with the game.