BY LEON STANGA, PRESIDENT OF PICKLEBALL VENEZUELA
With over 220 courts and direct access from Miami, Venezuela is positioning itself as the next major hub for international pickleball tourism and investment.
A New Destination for US Players
Recent developments indicate that Venezuela is rapidly emerging as an exciting new destination for international pickleball, specifically targeting players and holidaymakers from the United States. As the country slowly reopens to the U.S., the proximity is unbeatable: direct access from Miami takes just over three hours, a convenience that has sparked renewed interest among sports tourism developers, athletes, and investors alike.
Infrastructure Ready for the World Stage
While many emerging markets struggle with facilities, Venezuela is already well-equipped. The nation boasts over 220 pickleball courts nationwide, signalling that it is more than ready to host training camps, holiday experiences, and international tournaments.
Discussions are currently underway with potential investors to further develop this infrastructure, with a specific focus on key mainland cities and the famous holiday destination of Margarita Island. The country’s geographic location makes it an ideal strategic hub for South American competitions, offering easy access for neighbouring nations. Venezuela already maintains active pickleball exchanges with Colombia, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, proving its viability as a regional centre.
The Miami Connection
A major driving force behind this potential boom is the extensive Venezuelan diaspora, particularly those based in Miami. Many high-level Venezuelan pickleball players currently residing in Florida are expressing a growing interest in returning home to compete, invest, and contribute to the sport’s local development.
Investors are recognising this unique combination of a passionate player base, existing infrastructure, and ideal climate, viewing Venezuela as a potential “regional mecca” for the sport outside of the United States.
Five Years of Tireless Growth
The surge in popularity is no accident; it is the result of half a decade of dedicated groundwork. Leon Stango, Founder and President of Pickleball in Venezuela, notes that his organisation has worked “consistently and tirelessly over the last five years” to transform the game from nothing into a dominant local sport.
“We have… one of the strongest junior programs in the region,” Stango states. “We welcome collaboration with other countries and federations to develop a new international pickleball destination outside the USA”.
As the sport continues its global expansion, Venezuela’s rapid progress suggests it may soon become a key destination for international competition and a primary driver of the movement in South America.
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