The short answer: Pickleball’s boom in Malaysia has pushed court rental prices from around RM20 an hour to as much as RM70 at some venues. Malaysia Pickleball Association president Farrell Choo Kah Thiam calls it a minor headache caused by market forces, and expects prices to stabilise or fall as more dedicated courts are built to meet demand.
What’s the score?
Pickleball is experiencing an unprecedented boom in Malaysia, leading to a rapid increase in the construction of dedicated courts. However, this surge in popularity has also resulted in a significant rise in court rental prices, jumping from around RM20 per hour to as high as RM70 per hour in some venues. While this increase is a “minor headache,” according to Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) President Farrell Choo Kah Thiam, he remains optimistic that prices will eventually decrease as more dedicated facilities are built.
Hit it deeper!
The meteoric rise of pickleball in Malaysia is evident in the overwhelming success of events like the Panas Cup 2025 and the accelerated pace of dedicated court construction. Initially, the MPA faced resistance from some badminton and tennis court operators who were concerned that retrofitting their courts for pickleball would cause damage. However, many others allowed pickleball to be played, with players ensuring tape markings were removed after each session.
Now, while venue availability is becoming less of an issue due to the increase in dedicated courts, the soaring demand has driven up rental costs significantly. MPA President Farrell Choo Kah Thiam attributes these rising prices to market forces, stating that operators are responsible for setting the rates. Despite the current high costs, Thiam is not overly concerned, believing that the prices will eventually stabilise or decrease as more dedicated pickleball facilities become available. The MPA has an ambitious goal of having 10% of the Malaysian population playing pickleball within the next decade, which would necessitate a substantial increase in the number of courts. The association is actively seeking ways to expand pickleball spaces and is even lobbying for its inclusion in the Malaysia Games.
The World Pickleball verdict
The significant increase in pickleball court rental prices in Malaysia is a direct consequence of the sport’s rapid growth and the high demand for playing venues. While the rising costs may present a short-term challenge for some players, the MPA’s optimism regarding future price decreases with the development of more dedicated facilities is a positive sign. The situation highlights the classic economic principle of supply and demand at play in the burgeoning pickleball market in Malaysia. The MPA’s proactive efforts to expand court availability and promote the sport’s growth are crucial for ensuring its long-term sustainability and accessibility for a wider segment of the population.
