Behind the brand
Founded in 2023, Black Pickleball was started as an Instagram page based on a revelation of being the only Black participants in a new pickleball facility in Charlotte, NC. In less than a year, that Instagram page has grown into a movement and a 501(c)3 organization. We have seen about 500 people attend our events - many of whom learned how to play the game through our programming.
You can learn more about our story through our featured news articles and the leadership team profiles below.
The Problem
According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, it is estimated that there are over 36.5 million pickleball players in the US. Do you know how many of these players are Black?
According to the SIFA 2022 Report, 7.3% of pickleball players identify as African-American/ Black.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sports in the United States, known for its accessibility, ease of play, and ability to bring together people of all ages. However, despite its rapid growth, pickleball has not included the Black community significantly in its expansion. Many underserved Black communities lack the resources and infrastructure to participate in pickleball, resulting in missed opportunities for physical activity, social engagement, and economic benefits.
Studies have found that societies with low social capital suffer higher rates of crime, lower quality of government & worse physical health than those with deeper connections. Research by Harvard economist picks up on the conversation about social capital, finding that at the community level, cross-class connections and friendships are the greatest booster of economic mobility. (Washington Post)
The Solution
Our mission at Black Pickleball is to provide opportunities for cross-class connections inherent in communal sports to improve the financial literacy and economic mobility of minority communities. We are dedicated to fostering inclusive and supportive environments that empower individuals through education, community engagement, and accessible health & wellness programming.
Our vision is to impact the socioeconomic status of minority communities through communal sports across the globe. We aim to ensure accessibility and opportunities for minority communities through our comprehensive community development and educational programming.