SM Supermalls has expanded its support for pickleball by operating 86 courts across 29 malls nationwide through its SM Active Hub initiative. The courts provide spaces for both competitive spaces for beginners and experienced players alike, making the sport more accessible to communities across the country. 

Created in the United States, pickleball combines elements of table tennis, badminton, and tennis. Its smaller court, simple rules, and accessible gameplay have drawn beginners, recreational players, and competitive athletes, fueling its rapid growth in the Philippines.

Pickleball and Its Growing Presence

Pickleball gained wider attention in the 2010s before surging in popularity in the early 2020s. Its growing appeal has since expanded to the Philippines, where more communities are creating space for players to participate in the sport. 

Pickleball has become popular in the Philippines thanks to clubs, leisure organizations, and neighborhood facilities. More courts are also being planned outside Metro Manila, extending the sport’s reach across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.  This growing network of playing spaces reflects the sport’s increasing presence and demand among Filipino players.

SM Supermalls has expanded its pickleball courts across Metro Manila and major cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, widening access to the sport beyond major playing hubs.

This nationwide presence allows more Filipinos to access the sport, reflecting SM’s commitment to making pickleball more inclusive and accessible to communities across the country.

As pickleball gains momentum, SM Supermalls launched SM Active Hub to turn mall spaces into venues for sports and leisure. The initiative provides dedicated courts and activities designed to introduce more Filipinos to the sport.

In addition to building more facilities, SM Supermalls has used SM Active Hub to host competitive events, local tournaments, beginner clinics, and open play sessions to promote pickleball participation. The programs are designed for students, working professionals, families, and senior citizens, highlighting pickleball's accessibility across different age groups, reflecting the sport’s growing appeal across different age groups and skill levels. 

What It Means to The Filipinos

As SM Active Hub continues to promote pickleball nationwide through competitions, clinics, and community play, other sports facilities, clubs, and local communities across the country are also expanding spaces for the sport. While facilities like Arena Athletics and PickleTown Davao have emerged in Davao, specialized facilities like The Courtside Cebu offer indoor courts for both recreational and competitive players in Cebu. These developments reflect the growing demand for accessible places to play and the sport’s increasing popularity among Filipinos. 

Pickleball continues to gain popularity in the Philippines as the company grows its network of courts across the country. By providing accessible venues and fostering an active sporting community, the company continues to play a significant role in the development of pickleball and the promotion of an active lifestyle among Filipinos.