The Meteoric Rise of Pickleball in the Philippines

From a single clinic in Cebu in 2016 to 13,000 registered members and a national federation — pickleball's journey in the Philippines has been nothing short of remarkable. This is the story of how a backyard game from Washington state became one of the fastest-growing sports in the archipelago.

The Early Days: 2016-2019

Pickleball first arrived in the Philippines in 2016 through American expatriates and returning OFWs who had discovered the sport abroad. The first organized clinic was held in Cebu City with just 12 participants, using portable nets set up on a badminton court.

Over the next three years, small pockets of players emerged in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao. The sport grew primarily through word-of-mouth, with early adopters introducing friends and family. By 2019, an estimated 500-1,000 Filipinos had tried pickleball, but there was no formal organization or dedicated infrastructure.

The Formation of the PPF: 2020-2022

The Philippine Pickleball Federation was officially formed in 2021, bringing together the scattered communities under one umbrella organization. The PPF's first priorities were establishing official rules, training certified coaches, and lobbying local governments for court space.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the PPF grew its membership to 3,000 by the end of 2022. Virtual meetings, online coaching, and small-group outdoor play kept the community connected during lockdowns.

The Explosion: 2023-2025

The post-pandemic period saw explosive growth. SM Supermalls announced its first pickleball courts in 2024, triggering a wave of infrastructure investment. Toby's Sports began carrying pickleball equipment. The first SM Pickleball Super Series launched in 2025, drawing 2,000 participants.

By early 2026, the PPF had 13,000 registered members, with an estimated 100,000+ casual players nationwide. The Reclub app, a platform for booking courts and finding playing partners, listed over 500 courts across the country.

What's Next

The PPF's 2026-2028 strategic plan includes: establishing a professional league, building a national training center, hosting international tournaments, and developing grassroots programs in public schools. With momentum this strong, the next chapter of Philippine pickleball promises to be even more exciting than the last.