Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, but it started as a simple backyard game to cure summer boredom. Here is the full history: when and where it was invented, who created it, and how it became a professional sport.
Quick answer: Pickleball was invented in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. It became an officially recognized professional sport in 2019, when the first pro tours launched. So the game has been around for about 60 years.
When and Where Was Pickleball Invented?
Pickleball was created in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Congressman Joel Pritchard, businessman Bill Bell, and their friend Barney McCallum were trying to entertain bored families one summer. Pritchard had a badminton court but they could not find enough rackets, so they improvised with table tennis paddles and a perforated plastic ball, lowered the net, and made up rules as they went. That mix of badminton, table tennis, and tennis became pickleball.
Where Does the Name Come From?
There are two popular stories. One says it was named after the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, who chased the ball. The other says Joan Pritchard named it after the “pickle boat” in rowing, a boat crewed by leftover rowers, reflecting the game’s mix of borrowed sports. Both stories are part of pickleball lore.
A Timeline of Pickleball History
|
Year |
Milestone |
|
1965 |
Invented on Bainbridge Island by Pritchard, Bell, and McCallum |
|
1967 |
The first permanent pickleball court is built in a backyard |
|
1972 |
A corporation is formed to protect the new sport |
|
1976 |
The first known pickleball tournament is held in Washington |
|
1984 |
The USA Pickleball Association forms and the first rulebook is published |
|
1990 |
Pickleball is played in all 50 US states |
|
2010s |
Rapid growth in clubs, courts, and players |
|
2019 |
Pickleball becomes a professional sport with the first pro tours (APP and PPA) |
|
2020s |
Named the fastest-growing sport in the US for several years running |
When Did Pickleball Become a Professional Sport?
Pickleball was officially recognized as a professional sport in 2019, when two pro tours launched: the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). Since then, prize money, sponsorships, and televised events have grown quickly, along with Major League Pickleball. See our roundup of the world’s largest pickleball tournaments.
How Long Has Pickleball Been Around?
Since 1965, so about 60 years. For most of that time it was a casual community game, but the last decade has turned it into a mainstream and professional sport.
Why Pickleball Grew So Fast
- Easy to learn: simple rules and a small court make it beginner-friendly.
- Social and fun: doubles play and a friendly community.
- Low impact: accessible for all ages, including older players.
- Cheap to start: you need only a paddle, a ball, and a court.
New to the game? Start with what is pickleball and the basic rules, and see how it compares in our tennis vs pickleball guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was pickleball invented?
In the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington.
Who invented pickleball?
Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created it together in 1965.
When did pickleball become a professional sport?
In 2019, when the first professional tours (APP and PPA) launched.
How long has pickleball been around?
About 60 years, since 1965.
Where was pickleball invented?
On Bainbridge Island, Washington, in the United States.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball began in 1965 as a backyard game on Bainbridge Island and grew into a professional sport by 2019 and the fastest-growing sport in the US. Nearly 60 years on, it is bigger than ever. Join the fun in Olaben pickleball apparel made for the court.
