On January 18, the Ramsports Pickleball Stadium officially opened at MH Mall in Longhua District, marking a significant milestone for the sport’s expansion in China. The grand opening attracted key figures from the global sports industry, including Chinese gymnastics icon Li Ning, Ramsports CEO Richard Gossett, Mission Hills Group Vice Chairman Tenniel Chu, International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) Chairman Seymour Rifkind, Major League Pickleball (MLP) and DUPR Founder Steve Kuhn, and renowned coaches Eddie Shen and Michael Newell.

A Premier Facility for Pickleball Enthusiasts

Ramsports’ inaugural pickleball facility in China spans an impressive 3,500 square meters and features international-standard courts, complemented by a team of IPTPA-certified coaches. The venue is designed to cater to players of all levels, reinforcing China’s emergence as a hotspot for the rapidly growing sport.

Pickleball, an engaging blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has surged in popularity worldwide. Its accessible nature and social appeal make it an attractive option for all age groups. Speaking to Shenzhen Daily, Gossett emphasized the sport’s physical and mental health benefits, describing it as “a game that everyone can play.”

(Photo Source: https://www.missionhillschina.com/en/news/20240120/)

Growing Pickleball’s Footprint in China

With strong optimism about pickleball’s future in China, Ramsports is already planning to launch a second facility in the country within the next four months. Gossett also revealed that the company is exploring franchise opportunities to accelerate the sport’s adoption across China.

Alex Yuan, President of Ramsports Group, reinforced the brand’s commitment to bringing world-class sports concepts and products to the Chinese market. Echoing this sentiment, Mission Hills Vice Chairman Tenniel Chu predicted China would soon become the fastest-growing pickleball market in terms of player participation. He further announced plans to develop additional facilities and host prestigious international tournaments to nurture the sport’s competitive scene in China.

(Photo Source: https://www.missionhillschina.com/en/news/20240120/)

A Grand Opening Celebration

The stadium’s unveiling was celebrated with a vibrant ceremony featuring a traditional dragon dance, a fashion show combining athleticism and style, and pickleball demonstrations by Ramsports’ expert coaching team. A highlight of the event was the signing ceremony with Roos Van Reek, the Netherlands’ top pickleball player and a key player in the Australian Major Pickleball League, underscoring Ramsports’ ambition to foster international collaboration.

(Photo Source: https://www.eyeshenzhen.com/content/2025-01/20/content_31444251.htm)

Pickleball’s Olympic Potential

As pickleball continues to gain traction globally, discussions about its inclusion in future Olympic Games have intensified. “We think pickleball will be played, if not in L.A. (2028 Olympics), it will be in Australia (2032 Olympics),” said Gossett, reflecting the sport’s momentum.

Chu drew parallels between pickleball and China’s traditional strengths in badminton and table tennis, envisioning a promising future for Chinese players on the international stage. “We do foresee that in the near future, the Olympic committee will definitely consider this sport as part of the Olympic family. Chinese players will definitely have a very promising future in terms of developing the sport,” he said.

(Photo Source: https://www.missionhillschina.com/en/news/20240120/)

The Future of Pickleball in China

With the successful launch of Ramsports Pickleball Stadium, China is poised to become a major player in the sport’s global landscape. As more facilities, tournaments, and professional training programs emerge, pickleball’s rise in China appears inevitable. Whether for casual enthusiasts or elite athletes, this dynamic sport is set to become an integral part of China’s sporting culture in the years to come.