Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States—but its roots are far more humble than its modern-day popularity suggests. What started as a spontaneous backyard game in the 1960s has evolved into a full-fledged sport with professional leagues, national tournaments, and millions of devoted players across all age groups.
Here’s a look back at the surprisingly quirky and inspiring history of pickleball.
The Origins: Bainbridge Island, Washington (1965)
The story of pickleball begins in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, just a short ferry ride from Seattle. Three fathers—Joel Pritchard, a congressman; Bill Bell, a successful businessman; and Barney McCallum, an inventor—were looking for a way to entertain their bored children. With limited sports equipment available, they improvised a game on an old badminton court.
They used ping-pong paddles, a wiffle ball, and lowered the net to 36 inches. The rules evolved quickly—combining elements from tennis, badminton, and table tennis—and the game soon became a family favorite.
The Name “Pickleball”
There are two popular origin stories for the name:
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The “Pickle Boat” Theory – According to Joan Pritchard, Joel’s wife, the game reminded her of a “pickle boat,” a crew term referring to a boat made up of leftover oarsmen from other teams. Since the sport was a mashup of other games, the name stuck.
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The Dog Story – Others believe the name came from the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, who liked to chase the ball around. However, according to the family, Pickles wasn’t adopted until after the game was created—though the tale makes for a good headline.
Formalizing the Game
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1972: A corporation was formed to protect the sport and establish official rules.
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1976: The first known pickleball tournament was held at South Center Athletic Club in Tukwila, Washington.
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1984: The United States Amateur Pickleball Association (U.S.A.P.A.) was founded and published the first official rulebook.
During the 1980s and 1990s, pickleball began to grow steadily, especially in retirement communities across the Sun Belt.
Explosive Growth in the 21st Century
In the 2000s, the sport’s popularity expanded beyond its retiree roots:
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2005: The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was officially incorporated to promote the sport nationwide.
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2015: The first US Open Pickleball Championships were held in Naples, Florida.
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2022: Major League Pickleball (MLP) launched, bringing team-based pro pickleball to a national audience.
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2023: The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour expanded, drawing corporate sponsors and professional athletes from other sports.
According to USA Pickleball, there are now over 10,000 courts in the U.S. and an estimated 36.5 million players nationwide.
Why Is Pickleball So Popular?
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Easy to learn – New players can pick it up in minutes.
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Low impact – Great for all ages and fitness levels.
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Social – Often played in doubles, with a relaxed and friendly vibe.
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Affordable – Requires minimal gear and is accessible to most communities.
Today and Beyond
Pickleball has entered schools, community centers, and elite training facilities. Celebrities, pro athletes, and even major league teams are getting involved. Cities across the U.S.—including Denver—are investing in new courts and tournaments as demand grows.
From its makeshift beginnings to its status as America’s hottest new sport, pickleball's journey is a testament to creativity, inclusivity, and fun. And if history is any guide, it’s only just getting started.