Pickleball Kingdom Launches First Ever Pickleball Reality Competition Series
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Pickleball is no longer a quiet pastime in community parks. It has become one of the fastest growing sports in the world, filling convention centres, driving commercial real estate demand and building entire franchise networks around indoor play. Courts are packed, memberships are rising and pickleball has firmly stepped into the spotlight as a cultural phenomenon with mass appeal.
Now, the sport is heading to reality television.
Pickleball Kingdom, one of the most recognised brands in the sport and a global player in indoor pickleball franchising, has announced the launch of Season 1 of Pickleball Kingdom Paddle Battle, the first pickleball competition reality series. The show will debut in mid January 2026 on YouTube.
"This show is about dreams," said Ace Rodrigues, creator of the show and Founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom. "We will make four dreams come true, for two players on the court and for two in business. Lives will be changed. This has never been done before."
Pickleball Kingdom Paddle Battle is positioned as both a competition and a storytelling platform, blending athletic skill with the personal narratives that define much of modern reality entertainment. The show aims to appeal not only to pickleball enthusiasts, but to viewers who enjoy sports drama, personal challenges and the evolution of new talent.
This first season features sixteen players competing for four major opportunities. Two winners will earn professional pickleball contracts for one year based on their performance on the court. Two additional winners, determined by audience vote, will be awarded Pickleball Kingdom franchises.
"Each episode will highlight the back stories of the contestants and test their agility, strategy, and ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances both on and off the court," Rodrigues said. "If you do not play pickleball, I challenge you to watch one episode. I believe it will touch your soul, especially because you will have a chance to change someone's life."
The format combines on court competition with off court decision making, giving audiences insight into how players handle pressure, build relationships and manage the emotional highs and lows of a season. Viewers can expect rallies, rivalries, personal breakthroughs and moments of tension that unfold as the competition progresses.
One man and one woman will earn the professional contracts through their results in match play. One man and one woman will be awarded franchises through audience selection, adding an interactive layer to the series.
Throughout the season, the production highlights the rapid growth of pickleball and the community oriented culture that has shaped the sport. Contestants share their motivations and their connection to the game, and the show follows how competition and camaraderie develop simultaneously.
Ace Rodrigues added, "I want to personally invite you to join us on this thrilling journey as we crown the King and Queen of Pickleball Kingdom Paddle Battle. If you watch, you will have a favorite. And more importantly, you will have a chance to make someone's dream come true. How cool is that?"
As Pickleball Kingdom continues to expand globally through franchising, the series extends the brand into entertainment and digital storytelling. Viewers can follow along on the company’s platforms for updates, previews and details leading up to the premiere in January 2026.
