Match Point: Pickleball Is the New Dating App

Pickleball is pretty much the perfect dating app … but brought to life.

Think about it: You’re constantly meeting new people on the court, in person, who you automatically share a common interest with.

No more aimlessly swiping right and awkward small talk—your mutual love of pickleball gives you instant common ground. Maybe there’s a little off-court chemistry here, too?

We’re not saying your future spouse is one open play away, but “romance and pickleball” seems to be a recurring theme these days:

• Top pros Parris Todd and Hunter Johnson make dating a fellow pickleball player look pretty darn good.
• Pickleball singles events are popping up across the country, bringing new meaning to the term “social mixer.”
• Mixed doubles is a lock for a date night idea you both will love
• A pickleball app recently added an “Open to Dating” profile tag, an optional way to signal that you’re game for more than just some friendly competition.
• Pickleball is being incorporated into weddings, too, from casual games at the reception to legit paddle brands sponsoring weddings and bachelor/bachelorette parties.

We’re all for getting the most out of your court time, just don’t let it interfere with the pickleball. Let’s keep the flirting off the court, deal?