Pickleball in Pop Culture: Movies, TV Shows, and Celebrities Who Play
- Performance Pickleball
- Mar 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 28
Pickleball is taking the world—and Hollywood—by storm! Learn how this sport is making its way into pop culture and which celebrities are embracing the paddle.
The Growing Popularity of Pickleball
Once considered a niche pastime, Pickleball has surged in global popularity as one of the fastest growing sports around the world. This comes with little to no surprise—given its low-impact nature, easy-to-learn rules and accessibility to people of all ages and skill sets.
From community centers to exclusive country clubs, courts are filling up faster than ever. In fact, the USA Pickleball Association reports that pickleball participation has increased by over 20% in the past few years alone. This growth is particularly noticeable among celebrities, athletes, and influencers who are embracing the sport for its fun, social, and competitive aspects.
Hollywood Stars Who Love Pickleball
It’s no surprise that Hollywood’s elite are flocking to pickleball. With a mix of fitness, fun, and socializing, it's become the perfect activity for stars looking to stay active and unwind. Some celebrities who have publicly shared their love for pickleball include:
Leonardo Dicaprio – The A-List Hollywood actor and well-known environmental activist has not been shy about his pickleball craze in recent years. In January 2025, he was spotted playing a game on the beach with his girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti.
Taylor Swift – The #1 global pop sensation was seen sporting a lavender tennis skirt and wielding Kansas City Chiefs-themed pickleball paddle, an ode to her boyfriend–Travis Kelce. In the short tiktok, she was promoting her latest album ‘Fortnight’ on the pickleball court, unknowingly fuelling the worldwide pickleball craze even further!
Ellen Degeneres – The well-known TV talk show host, producer, writer, and comedian describes herself as being “obsessed with pickleball,” and also often plays the game with celebrity guests from her show.
Pickleball in TV Shows and Movies: Fun References
It’s not just about celebrities playing pickleball in real life; the sport is also making its way into the entertainment world. From quirky references to full-on pickleball match scenes, TV shows and movies are tapping into the sport’s growing popularity.
For example, in the sitcom Tacoma FD, Season 3 Episode 12 (titled ‘Pickleball’) centers around the fire department’s annual pickleball tournament–one of the few shows to make an episode about pickleball in a TV show and show the sport being played. Similarly, in the hit Netflix series Big Mouth, one of the main characters, Nick, finds himself on a pickleball court in a humorous scene that reflects the sport's new cultural relevance.
Why Pickleball Resonates With Celebrities
The sport’s attraction lies in its accessibility, low-impact nature, and versatility. Many stars appreciate the opportunity to stay active without the intensity and risk of injury that come with other sports like tennis or basketball.
The game is also perfect for socializing, and since many celebrities lead busy lives, they’re drawn to activities that allow them to connect with friends and family while still getting a workout in. Furthermore, with its rapidly growing presence on social media, celebrities enjoy sharing their pickleball moments with fans, creating a fun and relatable connection with their audience.
The competitive edge that pickleball offers is also perfect for stars who thrive in a challenge. While the sport is easy to learn, it can take years to master, making it a great choice for those who love to hone their skills over time.
How Pickleball's Pop Culture Status Is Impacting Its Growth
As celebrities continue to champion the sport, the visibility of pickleball has skyrocketed, leading to even greater growth. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are full of celebrity pickleball posts, with stars posting videos of themselves on the court, promoting tournaments, or simply having fun. The more public figures embrace the sport, the more its popularity grows.
Want to join the fun? Share your own favorite pickleball pop culture moments in the comments or join the conversation on social media!
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