Here’s a bold claim: pickleball might just be the most inclusive sport on the planet. But what makes it so special? WNBA superstar Jewell Loyd, a three-time champion, argues that pickleball’s magic lies in its ability to bring together players of all ages and skill levels—from six-year-olds to sixty-year-olds—on the same court. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the game; it’s about the connections it fosters.
Loyd, a guard for the Las Vegas Aces and one of the most accomplished players of her generation, has become a passionate advocate for pickleball in recent years. For her, the sport offers a refreshing break from the intense demands of professional basketball. ‘Having different outlets is super vital for me,’ she explains. ‘Sometimes you need to step outside your comfort zone to relax and open your mind.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: while some might view playing another sport as counterproductive, Loyd sees pickleball as a form of active recovery. ‘It challenges me in new ways and lets me learn from people I wouldn’t normally meet,’ she says.
Loyd’s journey with pickleball began just three years ago, and it wasn’t love at first serve. ‘I was getting beaten by older women, and it was embarrassing,’ she recalls. ‘But that’s when I got hooked. I started playing as much as I could.’ This experience deepened her appreciation for the sport’s accessibility and its unique ability to level the playing field, allowing beginners and seasoned players to compete side by side.
Beyond her pickleball passion, Loyd’s athletic résumé is nothing short of impressive. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft, she’s an Olympic gold medalist, a multi-time WNBA champion, and a former Seattle Storm star before joining the Aces in 2025. She even earned the nickname ‘Gold Mamba’ from the late Kobe Bryant, a testament to her relentless competitive spirit. Yet, it’s pickleball’s simplicity and social nature that keep drawing her back, proving that even elite athletes can find joy in a sport that prioritizes connection as much as competition.
But is pickleball really as inclusive as Loyd claims? While the sport’s growing popularity suggests yes, some argue that its accessibility could be further improved, especially in underserved communities. What do you think? Is pickleball the ultimate inclusive sport, or is there room for improvement? Let’s spark a conversation in the comments!
For those looking to dive deeper into the world of pickleball, the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) is leading the charge in promoting the sport across India. Affiliated with the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), the IPA organizes events like the IPA Nationals to inspire players of all ages and skill levels. Meanwhile, the Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) system tracks top players across age groups, skill divisions, and formats, shaping team selections from school to national levels.
Stay in the loop with the latest pickleball news, exclusive content, and tips by following @pickleballnow on Instagram. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious beginner, this is your ultimate destination for all things pickleball—a community united by a sport that’s sweeping the globe.
Written by Rahul Sadhu, a sports journalist with Sports Now, who began his career as a reporter for the Deccan Chronicle.
