Can ultimate players/community learn anything from the Pickleball phenomenon?
I've been reading and a bit astounded by the rapid ascendancy of pickleball in the U.S. These guys are everywhere - taking over tennis courts, getting local support/spaces to play, constructing new courts, recruiting millions to the sport. The pro leagues have diverse ownership and access across genders. They are hosting tournaments that have massive payouts in cash prizes (7 figures). Great individual players have sponsorships/money. It seems like they're just doing a ton of the stuff ultimate has been wanting to do for decades, all while maintaining a massive and enthusiastic pool of rec league players/hobbyists who don't take it too seriously.
I can think of some advantages they have:
- Smaller spaces / courts needed to play
- Familiar sport (racket, ball, net, etc)
- Big names / retired athletes involved like Tom Brady
- Smaller teams (1v1 or 2v2) so prob cheaper in many respects
But on net I don't think those advantages can account for the difference in success/growth. There are a lot of similarities too. Seems low-cost. Previously unfamiliar sport. Seems to be enthusiasm for pro leagues + a gigantic rec league/casual pool of players. Seems to be a lot men and women both playing the sport.
I know nothing about pickleball. I've watched the sport and am not at all convinced it is more interesting or fun than ultimate. But I've also never played and only know a handful of serious players.
So I'm curious: What are they doing that we aren't? What could we learn from them? Why is this working so well? I'm certain there are a ton of dual ultimate/pickleball players and I'd love to hear what people think or if there is anything we could take away or incorporate from their seemingly massive success. On a personal note, my aspirations for ultimate are to see the best players make a living + get massive exposure while the youth & rec league scenes continue to grow and maintain what makes them unique/special. So that's the lens I'm asking this through.