Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. and excellent for B2B networking

According to industry reports, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, with 4.8 million players nationwide. The game, which combines elements of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong, gained popularity during the early days of the pandemic.  But there’s more to its surge in popularity.  Pickleball is a highly social game.  Not only does pickleball offer numerous benefits for coordination and heart health, but it is also a fun and competitive way to build personal and professional networks.

Because of its massive popularity, recreation facilities, schools, parks, and private clubs now play host to pickleball leagues.  Since only four players are on the court simultaneously, many people have plenty of time on the sidelines to build great relationships.

According to data, six out of 10 pickleball players are men, approximately 38 years old on average; So what used to be considered a sport for seniors is now for all genders, experience levels, and varying age groups.  This makes pickleball an excellent opportunity to connect with other professionals, regardless of age.

For business professionals and entrepreneurs, pickleball is a B2B networking goldmine.  Lloyd Goldstein of HMS Retail in Washington, DC, is an avid pickleball player. He also uses his love of the game to generate interest in his real estate business by striking up conversations with potential clients. Goldstein says he is always looking for new retailers, restaurants, movie theaters, and other entertainment operators to help formulate and implement their national real estate strategies. By being casual and never pushy, he has made several valuable connections.

Jay Alignay, a PPR Certified Coach and Pickleball Referee, discusses the benefits of networking while playing the game. He states that meeting new people and forming connections is easy, which can benefit both socially and professionally. Alignay has met people from all walks of life while playing games, including those who have been successful in their careers, and has offered him advice and guidance.

Needless to say that choosing to network over a few games of pickleball is not only much more economical but also comes with many health benefits than meeting people at a business mixer.

Pickleball has many health benefits, including cardiovascular, improved stability, balance, and agility. It can also help improve depressive symptoms and help players cope with stress. Additionally, the social and networking advantages of the sport are very beneficial. Pickleball is centered around exercise and social engagement with those you are playing with and against. Establishing those strong social connections improves the quality of our lives and can extend our life expectancy.

So if you aren’t currently playing pickleball or have not attended events specifically targeted to networking, join Main Street Pickleball and see what connections you can make. Even if you walk away without any new contacts in your phone, you’ll still have a few hours of fun, and your workout checked off for the day.