10 of the Top Emerging Pickleball Brands Disrupting the Game (2023–Present)

May 19

Written By Brent Weigelt

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The Future of Pickleball Is Here: Meet the New Players

Pickleball is no longer just a hobby—it's a movement. As the sport explodes nationwide, a new generation of pickleball startups is changing the game through bold branding, creative storytelling, and innovative marketing tactics. If you're a pickleball player, facility owner, or brand leader, these are the companies you need to watch.

This blog explores 10 of the most exciting pickleball brands founded since 2023 and why they're capturing the attention of players and pros alike.

1. Helios Pickleball

Founded: 2023
Focus: Smart paddles with sleek design and tech integration
Why it matters: Helios is the first paddle brand sold at Nordstrom. Their upcoming smart paddle with NFC tech is set to redefine what gear can do. Their branding blends high-end tech with mythology, creating a memorable brand story.

2. PB5star

Founded: 2023
Focus: Court-specific apparel, shoes, and paddles
Why it matters: Backed by footwear industry veterans, PB5star blends performance gear with stylish, pickleball-first designs. Their attention to detail and comfort sets a new standard for gear.

3. Neonic Pickleball

Founded: 2023
Focus: Glow-in-the-dark paddles and event-driven branding
Why it matters: Neonic is building a lifestyle around social play and vibrant product experiences. Their neon theme and community events redefine how players interact with the sport.

4. 11SIX24

Founded: 2023
Focus: Affordable, high-durability paddles
Why it matters: A brand born from frustration with paddle quality, offering pro-grade gear at more accessible prices. Their customer-first mindset has quickly built a loyal following.

5. Pickleball Apes

Founded: 2023
Focus: Kevlar-blend paddles and loud branding
Why it matters: Innovative materials + edgy visuals = serious player appeal. They fuse style with performance in a way that resonates with modern players.

6. Bread & Butter Pickleball

Founded: 2023
Focus: Stylish, high-performance paddles made with proprietary materials
Why it matters: Bread & Butter has exploded onto the scene with bold branding, playful product names like the “Filth” and “Shogun,” and paddles that deliver pro-level performance. Their titanium-infused carbon fiber face technology offers unique control and power, while their irreverent marketing creates a strong emotional hook for younger and competitive players. They’re not just selling paddles, they’re selling an attitude.

7. CRUSH Pickleball

Founded: 2023
Focus: Premium paddles and bold lifestyle branding
Why it matters: CRUSH is one of the first brands to engineer an extended paddle handle just for two-hand backhands. Their gear and message both focus on joy, connection, and bold design.

8. Pickle Diva

Founded: 2024
Focus: Female-first fashion-forward apparel
Why it matters: Empowering players with a confident, playful style and community-focused energy. Their vibrant collections show that pickleball fashion can be expressive and bold.

9. Centerline Athletics

Founded: 2024
Focus: High-performance pickleball apparel
Why it matters: Purpose-built clothing for real pickleball movement, combining function and fashion. They fill a huge need for true athletic design in pickleball-specific wear.

10. MUEV

Founded: 2024
Focus: Sleek court apparel with movement-first design
Why it matters: Sport-specific materials, friction-free cuts, and high style make MUEV a name to watch. With years of R&D behind them, they aim to redefine court performance wear.

Why Startups Matter in Pickleball

These brands aren’t just making paddles and shirts. They’re creating culture. Here’s what they bring to the game:

Stronger branding: Visual identity, voice, and community connection
Better products: Materials, fit, and performance for how people play
Smarter marketing: From Instagram reels to event partnerships, they know how to show up

For Facility Owners and Startups: Now's the Time to Evolve

If you're running a club, launching a brand, or building a pickleball business, note that these brands are setting new standards. The era of generic gear is over.

Smart branding and creative marketing are the future of the sport.

At Rittenhouse Performance Marketing, we help you:

Craft a standout brand strategy
Build your visual identity
Launch smart, data-driven campaigns

Let’s build what’s next in pickleball.
Visit rpmpickleball.com to connect.

Brent Weigelt