Pickleball Has Players. Now It Needs Fans.

In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, Chris speaks to Calvin Innes, an award-winning creative director, fandom strategist and co-founder of The Forge, about one of pickleball’s biggest unanswered questions: how does the sport turn millions of players into genuine fans?

Calvin explains why participation alone is not enough, what pickleball can learn from Formula 1, UFC, cricket and other sports, and why storytelling, personalities, rivalries, behind-the-scenes access and fan-led content may matter as much as tournaments and results.

The discussion also explores the English Open, Olympic ambitions, the difference between players and fans, and why pickleball’s quirks may be some of its biggest assets.