Why CEOs Are Choosing Pickleball Over Golf for Business and Wellness

Why More CEOs Are Playing Pickleball: A Look at Boardroom Crossovers
Introduction: When the Paddle Meets the Power Suit
Pickleball, once a quirky hybrid of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, is now sweeping through corporate America—and not just in after-hours employee leagues. Increasingly, CEOs and high-level executives are picking up paddles, trading the boardroom table for the non-volley zone.

From Silicon Valley to Wall Street, the sport’s rise among the C-suite isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a reflection of how modern leaders are redefining performance, social capital, and even business strategy. So why are so many top executives embracing pickleball?

The New Golf: Networking in Motion
For decades, golf has been the go-to sport for executives seeking informal networking opportunities. But golf demands half a day, expensive gear, and a level of exclusivity that’s become increasingly outdated. Pickleball, by contrast:

Requires minimal equipment and time.

Can be played in 45-minute blocks.

Encourages dynamic, face-to-face interaction.

Fosters inclusivity—age, gender, and fitness level barriers are low.

According to a 2024 survey by The Wall Street Journal, nearly 1 in 5 executives at Fortune 500 companies report playing pickleball either weekly or monthly, often using it to build informal alliances, vet partners, or decompress with clients.

Mental Fitness Meets Strategic Thinking
CEOs, by nature, gravitate toward challenges that combine mental and physical acuity. Pickleball’s strategic depth makes it a perfect match.

What Pickleball Offers:
Tactical shot placement: Requires anticipation and pattern recognition.

Quick decision-making: Especially in doubles, players must adapt in milliseconds.

Controlled aggression: A metaphor for leadership—knowing when to attack and when to reset.

John Chambers, former CEO of Cisco, once remarked, “Pickleball is like a mental sprint—you’re reacting, strategizing, and building rapport in real time.” Executives often enjoy games that mirror the pressure and unpredictability of business, and pickleball delivers.

An Executive Health Hack
Time-strapped CEOs are often looking for efficient fitness routines—something that improves cardiovascular health, agility, and stress levels without the monotony of a treadmill. Pickleball provides:

Interval-style cardio bursts

Low-impact movement, ideal for joint-conscious executives

Natural social interaction, reducing isolation common in high-level roles

Dr. Kevin Stone of The Stone Clinic in San Francisco notes that “pickleball is uniquely positioned to serve older, high-functioning professionals who want to stay agile and social without risking serious injury.”

In other words, it’s a longevity game—physically and professionally.

Team-Building with a Competitive Edge
Forward-thinking CEOs are also leveraging pickleball for internal team-building. Instead of forced trust falls or PowerPoint-heavy retreats, companies are booking pickleball clinics, interdepartmental tournaments, and charity fundraisers.

Examples:
Salesforce held a senior leadership retreat in 2023 that included a “Pickleball and Performance” breakout session.

Dell Technologies now offers executive wellness packages that feature weekly pickleball matches on-campus.

Bain & Company’s leadership cited pickleball in a recent report on workplace wellness strategies that retain top talent.

The takeaway? CEOs are using the sport not only for personal gain but also as a cultural catalyst.

Breaking Down Power Distance
Pickleball’s casual and communal nature allows executives to interact with employees or partners in a low-hierarchy setting. There’s no dress code, no assistant managing tee times, no elitism. On the court, everyone’s just a player.

This leveling effect is rare in other business settings and helps humanize leadership. Employees who play against—or with—the CEO often report increased approachability, morale, and loyalty.

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, has spoken about the importance of shared physical activity in breaking down silos and building authentic trust. In companies that promote pickleball across ranks, that trust is built one dink at a time.

Celebrity CEOs and Pickleball Advocacy
High-profile names have also brought attention to the pickleball-C-suite connection:

Mark Cuban: Investor in startup Owen Pickleball, calls it the “perfect culture sport.”

Elon Musk: Reportedly installed a private court at Tesla's Texas Gigafactory.

Meg Whitman (former HP CEO): Regularly plays with political and business figures in D.C.

Bob Iger (Disney CEO): Is a private club member with weekly doubles fixtures.

Their visibility adds aspirational appeal—and validation—for other executives considering the sport.

Private Clubs, Real Estate, and Pickleball Prestige
The rise in executive interest has had a ripple effect in the luxury market. Several exclusive business clubs now include pickleball courts as must-have amenities:

Soho House added pickleball courts in Malibu and Austin locations.

The Battery SF launched "Paddle & Pitch Nights" pairing business pitches with social doubles matches.

High-end residential developers in Miami, Scottsdale, and the Bay Area are building pickleball courts as part of C-level amenity packages.

Pickleball has become not just a sport but a status symbol of healthy, connected leadership.

When Play Informs Policy
In some rare instances, CEOs who play pickleball have brought the sport’s principles into their leadership philosophy:

Spacing and balance are seen as metaphors for organizational structure.

Shot selection mimics strategic resource allocation.

Resetting the point parallels business turnarounds and resilience.

These analogies aren’t just fluff—they’re being used in corporate storytelling, offsite speeches, and even hiring criteria. A few firms now explicitly ask about sports experience during leadership interviews to gauge resilience, collaboration, and competitive maturity.

Conclusion: The Paddle Is Mightier Than the PowerPoint
Pickleball is no longer just a retirement pastime or a suburban curiosity—it’s a full-fledged corporate phenomenon. Its simplicity, accessibility, and strategic nuance have made it a magnet for CEOs who seek balance, networking, and health all in one place.

The game allows executives to model adaptability, humility, and composure—qualities vital for navigating today’s volatile business landscape. And as more leaders embrace pickleball not just as a pastime but as a philosophy, it’s clear the sport is shaping boardroom culture in unexpected ways.

Whether you're closing deals or defending dinks, the mindset remains the same: stay agile, read the play, and be ready for the next return.