“老头乐”匹克球，对年轻人来说刚刚好

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising popularity of pickleball in the U.S. and its emerging presence in China, highlighting the sport's unique characteristics and challenges in gaining traction among younger audiences [6][8][18]. Group 1: Popularity and Characteristics of Pickleball - Pickleball was designed to lower the intensity of sports, making it more accessible for beginners and families [11][12]. - Despite its growing popularity, pickleball struggles to gain the same level of recognition as tennis or badminton, often viewed as a lesser sport [11][12]. - In the U.S., the number of pickleball players surged from under 500 million in 2021 to over 5 million in just two years, indicating a rapid increase in interest [18][24]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Investment - The global pickleball equipment market is projected to grow from $1.61 billion in 2024 to $3.1 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% [24]. - Major sports figures, including LeBron James and Kevin Durant, are investing in pickleball, contributing to its commercialization and professionalization [21][26]. - The U.S. has established a professional league for pickleball, the UPA, which has attracted significant investment and aims to standardize the sport [26]. Group 3: Challenges in China - In China, pickleball is still a niche sport, with limited market penetration and only 4% of Li Ning's revenue coming from emerging sports, including pickleball [27][28]. - The infrastructure for pickleball in China is underdeveloped, with fewer than 100 dedicated courts in Beijing, many of which are repurposed from other sports [31][32]. - The perception of pickleball as a "low-end" sport may hinder its appeal to younger audiences, despite its social and inclusive nature [34][40]. Group 4: Social Aspects and User Engagement - Pickleball is seen as a social sport, allowing for easier communication and interaction among players, which may attract a broader audience [36][39]. - However, retaining players as regular participants remains a challenge, as many find it difficult to establish consistent playing partners [42]. - The sport's appeal to older demographics, particularly retirees, may limit its growth among younger players who are more invested in traditional sports [41][42].