Pickleball is making waves in Asia this week, thanks to the 2025 JOOLA Pickleball Legends Tour.
Top JOOLA athletes—including Ben Johns, Anna Bright, Brooke Buckner, Tyson McGuffin, Collin Johns, and Zoey Wang—are touring Vietnam and China for clinics, exhibitions, and product showcases. Tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf have joined them, adding star power to the sport’s growing presence in the region.
With the launch of PPA Tour Asia and MLP Asia on the horizon, the timing is ideal to promote the game and connect with fans. Interest is already skyrocketing, with a Bonafide Research report predicting over 24.5% annual growth in Asia from 2024 to 2029.
“Asia is the most populous continent and has a strong affinity for racket sports like tennis, table tennis, and badminton,” said UPA Asia Managing Director Kimberly Koh. “We saw an opportunity to bring these properties into the region.”
The UPA’s Asia Pickleball Trailblazers Program will further drive professional pickleball’s growth. Starting in April, selected players will undergo three months of elite training in the U.S., gaining mentorship from top players, coaches, and marketing experts. Graduates will earn a 2025-26 UPA Asia Touring Contract and compete in PPA Tour Asia and MLP Asia events.
“Once we establish the pro level and create opportunities for amateurs, we’ll take it to the next level with Major League Pickleball,” Koh added.
Taiwanese star Zoey Wang, thrilled to introduce pickleball to her home region, confirmed its rapid rise. “Everyone is switching from tennis, badminton, or ping pong,” she said. “More courts are being built in places like Vietnam and India, which is great for the sport’s growth.”
Could this expansion lead to pickleball’s inclusion in major international sporting events? That remains uncertain, but the groundwork is being laid.
“Our goal is to develop the PPA Tour and players while drawing media attention to the sport,” Koh concluded. “That could help it gain recognition from events like the SEA Games, Asian Games, or even the Olympics.”
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