The history of Pickleball
1965
The accidental invention
Pickleball began on Bainbridge Island, Washington when three dads — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — improvised a game using a badminton court, wiffle ball, and homemade wooden paddles.
The Name
Why the name ‘Pickleball’?
Two origin stories exist: the famous dog ‘Pickles’ who ran off with the ball, and the ‘pickle boat’ term used in rowing to describe a mix of leftover crew members.
1967
Permanent courts
In 1967 the first permanent pickleball courts were built.
1970s–1980s
From family game to organised sport
By 1972 the first corporation for the sport was formed. The first tournament occurred in 1976, and by 1984 the USA Pickleball Association was founded.
1975
- The National Observer published an article about pickleball
1976
- The first pickleball tournament was held in Tukwila, Washington
1984
- U.S.A.P.A formed. Sid Williams first President. Rule Book published for first time.
1989
- The Villages, Florida built permanent pickleball courts
1990s–2000s
Quiet but steady growth
Pickleball expanded across community centres, schools, and retirement communities. By 1990, it was played in all 50 U.S. states.
2002
- The first National Championships were hosted by the Villages, Florida
2007
- Pickleball introduced to India
2010s
The explosion begins
Major tournaments formed, participation surged globally, and social media spread the sport rapidly.
2011 2019
- Pickleball clubs setup in the UK, Spain, China, Thailand, Japan, Finland, Holland, France and many other countries. Tournaments were set up in Europe: Spain, UK, Holland, Finland, Italy, Germany, France, to name a few. Southern Hemisphere also introduced tournaments – India, Singapore, Thailand. Australia, Taiwan.
2012
- First pickleball Canada National tournament held in British Columbia
2015
- First pickleball teaching organisation created – IPTPA
2016
- First Issue of Pickleball Magazine was published Jan 2016.
2017
- Pickleball Hall of Fame was created.
2019
- APP Tour launched first USA sanctioned tour for professionals and amateurs; Pickleball Tournaments.com listed 748 tournaments!
2020s
A global phenomenon
Pickleball is now one of the fastest-growing sports globally, supported by professional leagues, international bodies, and celebrity investors. World Pickleball Day announced as an annual event on 10/10.
2020
- World Pickleball Day announced as an annual event on 10.10
- World Pickleball Games announced (delayed by Covid)
2022
- Pickleball became the Official Sport of Washington State when SB5615 was passed
- Pickleball accepted as an exhibition sport at the World Maccabi Games
2023
- Pickleball accepted as an exhibition sport at the Asian Games
2024
- 1st European Championships held with 24 participating countries. Won by England
2025
- Unification of Int’l Pickleball Federation & World Pickleball Federation unanimous Yes vote 14th June 2025.
