9 months ago
New-Age Sports Like Padel and Pickleball Attracting Consumer Brands in India
Imagine some fun new sports like padel and pickleball are becoming super popular in India.
Because lots of people, especially younger ones, are starting to play them, big companies like McDonald's and Zomato want to be part of the excitement.
They are sponsoring games, teams, and even helping build more places to play.
It's like how famous movie stars used to get all the attention, but now these sports are getting it.
Companies do this because it helps them connect with people in a fun way, and it shows they are modern and cool.
It's a smart way for them to advertise to people who like to stay active and try new things.
They hope that by being involved, more people will notice their brands and like them more.
These sports are growing so fast, and companies want to be there from the beginning to be a part of their success.
Consumer companies are increasingly partnering with emerging sports like padel and pickleball in India.
These partnerships aim to enhance brand engagement, cultural relevance, and reach younger demographics.
Factors driving this trend include the social and easy-to-learn nature of these sports, creating urban communities.
The pickleball market in India is projected to grow significantly, with a projected 26% CAGR from 2024 to 2029.
Companies benefit from associating with sports through increased brand recall and a shift towards people-led marketing, but clear metrics are needed to ensure return on investment.
- Who
- Consumer companies (McDonald's India, Nazara Technologies, Zomato, Swiggy, ITC Foods, KiranaPro) and emerging sports associations (Indian Padel Academy, All India Pickleball Association)
- What
- Increasing partnerships and sponsorships with new-age sports like padel and pickleball
- Where
- India
- When
- Ongoing, with recent activities in early 2024 and projected growth from 2024-2029
- Why
- To boost consumer engagement, cultural relevance, reach younger, lifestyle-driven users, and tap into the rapidly growing fitness and leisure market.
Key facts
- Pickleball Market Growth (India)
- Projected 26% CAGR from 2024-2029
- Pickleball Players (Global)
- Over 5 million in 84 countries
- Pickleball Players (India)
- Expected to surpass 1 million by 2028
- Pickleball Courts (India, Late 2024 Est.)
- 1,000
- Professional Pickleball Players (India, Late 2024 Est.)
- 10,000
- Athlete Endorsements (India, 2024)
- ₹1,224 crore
Quotes
Ankur Bisen
a senior partner at The Knowledge Company, a market intelligence firm
“Sports brings together participants rather than just spectators, giving brands multiple points for activation.”
livemint.com
“Without clear metrics, the spend risks becoming vanity-driven.”
livemint.com





