Pickleball star sees Philippines as Asia's next big market

Major Philippine companies are investing heavily in pickleball, betting on its rapid growth across Asia to drive demand for world-class venues, coaching, and tournaments. Top player Collin Johns says the Philippines is well positioned to become one of the sport's fastest-growing markets in the region. Johns, a former world No. 1, visited the country for coaching clinics in Manila, Cebu, and Davao, noting the Philippines is quickly closing the gap with earlier adopters like Vietnam and Malaysia. He credits strong local traditions in badminton, tennis, and table tennis for easing player transitions to pickleball. The centerpiece investment is Helios, an eight-story pickleball complex under development in Bridgetowne, designed as a climate-controlled indoor venue for international competitions. A temporary outdoor facility, Helios Beta, is scheduled to open in October 2026, with select clinic participants set to coach there before the permanent site opens.