The app was created by Annelise Niebauer, who fell in love with pickleball after returning to the US from a long stint working in the UK. At the time, Niebauer had just ended a decades-long relationship and found herself struggling with traditional dating apps.

"Because I loved pickleball, I later realized I was only clicking on profiles of people whose profile pictures showed them playing pickleball," Niebauer said, explaining the inspiration behind PickleMatch. "Then I thought, why not create a dedicated app for pickleball players? It might not be the most romantic way to connect, but it's genuine and easy."

The PickleMatch app interface on a phone. Photo: PM

The PickleMatch app interface on a phone. Photo: PM

PickleMatch launched as a beta trial, aiming to unite lonely hearts who share a passion for pickleball. Couples can arrange pickleball dates and develop a relationship if they feel a connection. Niebauer said she hopes to see happy couples and even marriages result from the app.

"It started as a joke, but now it's a reality," Niebauer said. "We created the app and already have over 100 people on the waiting list. This is clearly something people really want. It's great if you can play pickleball with someone you have feelings for."

Inspired by other dating apps, PickleMatch has its own sporting twist. The app sorts listings by pickleball skill level and location, making it easier for players to connect. Users can also apply basic filters like age, gender, and sexual orientation, and then message potential partners.

Niebauer explained that conversations primarily revolve around pickleball before couples meet in person on the court. This off-app time allows them to get to know each other better, making the connection less virtual.

"Fun and straightforward is what we aim for," Niebauer added. "The first conversation on the app isn't a job interview. I want them to chat, relax, and find common ground in pickleball. Even if they don't find love at first sight, they'll still have a fun time playing pickleball and making friends."

Niebauer shared her own experience of dating someone through the app, a relationship that lasted a few months before they amicably split and continued playing pickleball together. The low cost of entry – around 30 USD for a paddle – and the accessibility of lessons at public courts have contributed to pickleball's rapid growth as a favorite sport in many US states. This, she believes, will drive demand for pickleball partners and dating in the future.

The official version of the app is slated for an August launch in Colorado, followed by other states, Niebauer revealed. "I want to connect lonely hearts, and that should start with a shared passion."

Vy Anh