Best Pickleball Commercials: Super Bowl Laughs to Legends
Best Pickleball Commercials: The Most Unforgettable Ads on the Court
My fascination with Super Bowl commercials goes back years. I love seeing what brands come up with during those prime advertising slots, so when pickleball finally landed a Super Bowl ad, it felt like a major milestone. I wrote this article to highlight how pickleball has become so mainstream that it earned a spot alongside the biggest, most expensive commercials of the year. Now, let’s celebrate the best pickleball commercials that have brought our beloved sport into the limelight.
Why Pickleball Commercials Are Worth Noticing
Television ads have always served as a cultural barometer, signaling trends that catch fire nationwide. Pickleball has soared in popularity, appearing on local courts, in professional arenas, and now in high profile commercials. These ads often blend humor, strategy, and star power, appealing to both casual spectators and people that play pickleball daily. Their growing presence underscores just how universal and exciting pickleball has become.
The Spotlighted Ads: Top Picks for Best Pickleball Commercials
Below, you will find an in depth look at solid performing commercials that have boosted pickleball’s visibility. From Super Bowl spots to shorter TV segments, each ad offers a unique perspective on why pickleball’s culture is so fun and inclusive.
1. Michelob Ultra Super Bowl 2025: “The Ultra Hustle”
Airing during Super Bowl LIX in 2025, Michelob Ultra made a splash with a comedic pickleball ad featuring Willem Dafoe and Catherine O’Hara. They hustle younger pairs on the court, surprising everyone with their sudden, and perhaps exaggerated, pickleball prowess. Cameos by professional athletes such as Sabrina Ionescu, Ryan Crouser, and Randy Moss add credibility and a dash of star power. Watching pickleball reach a Super Bowl audience was a jaw dropping moment for many fans, myself included.
2. Target: “Greatest Pickleball Game Ever?”
This short documentary style commercial highlights a crew of players eagerly waiting for their partners outside a Target store. Instead of shopping, they would rather hit the courts. Cameos from WNBA player Kelsey Plum, Charlie Berens, the Holderness Family, and various internet influencers hammer home the point: playing pickleball can be more appealing than browsing aisle after aisle. The ad feels relatable for anyone who has ever chosen a good game of doubles over running errands.
3. E*TRADE’s 2024 “Picklebabies”
E*TRADE’s return to the Super Bowl in 2024 brought back their iconic talking baby, but this time playing pickleball. Dressed in sweatbands and sporting tiny paddles, the babies serve up comedic banter about finances while demonstrating that everyone wants to get in on the pickleball craze. It is an amusing juxtaposition, young (and fictional) novices taking a swing at a sport that people of all ages have come to love.
4. Ozempic’s Pickleball Themed Ad
This commercial features individuals managing Type 2 diabetes while strolling through a pickleball venue. The ad attempts to highlight an active lifestyle, though many real life players find the slow, gentle rallies and constant net side chat less than authentic. Still, seeing pickleball as a fitness metaphor in a widespread pharmaceutical ad indicates how deeply the sport has rooted itself in public consciousness.
5. Washington Lottery: Seattle Seahawks Scratch
Set in pickleball’s home state, this ad features Seattle Seahawks legends Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor. Though they are more known for high stakes football, their presence draws attention to pickleball’s ability to cross sports boundaries. It is a quick dose of fun and an acknowledgment that pickleball resonates with pro athletes from all walks of life.
Best Pickleball Commercials: Short List of Memorable Ads
| Brand | Year | Main Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Michelob Ultra | 2025 | Hustling younger players for laughs during Super Bowl |
| E*TRADE | 2024 | Babies in sweatbands playing pickleball |
| Target | 2025 | Choosing pickleball over shopping |
| Ozempic | Ongoing | Managing health while playing low key pickleball |
| Wash. Lottery | 2023 | Seahawks stars dabbling in pickleball |
Other Notable Ads Featuring Pickleball
1. Discount Tire’s “Pickleball” Commercial
This 15 second spot offers a lighthearted twist on the sport, presumably to capture the attention of viewers who have started to recognize pickleball references. While brief, it underscores how brands outside the beverage or sports industries are capitalizing on pickleball’s popularity.
2. Engage Pickleball Commercial
Titled “There’s a reason everyone is talking about it,” this Engage ad focuses on the fun factor of the game. It depicts upbeat music, players of varying skill levels, and the excitement that has spurred pickleball’s meteoric rise. It highlights how picking up a paddle can lead to quick camaraderie on the court.
3. Pantalones Organic Tequila: The Official Tequila of Pickleball
This marketing campaign touts Pantalones Tequila as the “official tequila of pickleball.” It appeals to viewers who see pickleball not just as a sport, but also as a social activity. With the game’s sense of community and occasional post match gatherings, linking a tequila brand can seem like a natural (albeit playful) pairing.
Funniest and “Worst” Pickleball Commercials
Some ads try too hard to portray pickleball’s supposed gentleness, ignoring its vibrant pace and broad age appeal. Others focus on comedic elements that ring true, such as friendly trash talk, bangers hitting the ball at full force, or confusion over who is serving and what the score might be. Whether you label them “best” or “worst” often depends on how accurately they capture real pickleball or how much they make you laugh.
For instance, the Ozempic ad, while well intentioned, comes across as overly tame. Meanwhile, something like “Picklebabies” from E*TRADE might be silly, yet undeniably memorable. In the end, pickleball fans love discussing these ads because they spark conversation about how the sport is portrayed on TV.
Q&A: Common Pickleball Commercial Questions
Why focus on commercials instead of live matches?
Live pickleball streams and tournaments reach dedicated fans. Commercials, however, reach a broader audience, pulling in viewers who might otherwise skip sports content. It is also fascinating to see creative ad agencies interpret and package pickleball for mainstream TV.
Do these commercials help the sport grow?
Yes, they contribute to wider awareness. When big brands align with pickleball, viewers often realize that the sport is more than just a niche pastime. This can lead to curiosity, court bookings, and new players discovering the joy of the game.
Which commercial is considered the funniest?
Many players love the comedic approach of E*TRADE’s “Picklebabies,” though the Michelob Ultra Super Bowl spot also garners plenty of laughs for its hustle storyline. Humor is subjective, so the “funniest” ad might just be the one that resonates with your personal playing style or sense of humor.
Are these ads realistic depictions of pickleball?
Not always. Real matches can be quick, strategic, and sometimes heated. Ads typically feature slower rallies or comedic exaggerations to appeal to non players. They still serve as valuable snapshots that capture the game’s welcoming vibe, even if they downplay its intensity.
How can I share my opinion on these ads?
Leave a comment below, and let us know your thoughts on the Best Pickleball Commercials. Part of the fun lies in comparing which commercials truly capture the sport’s spirit and which ones miss the mark. Did we miss a good one? Let us know about it.
Why I Compiled These Best Pickleball Commercials
The first time I saw a pickleball themed ad during the Super Bowl was epic for me. It felt like a beacon of mainstream acceptance that goes beyond local rec centers and weekend tournaments. I put this list together to spotlight just how far pickleball has come in a relatively short time. From comedic babies to star athletes, each advertisement reveals a new angle on a sport that I, and many others, already love. Dive in, watch a few of these commercials, and form your own opinion on how they capture the heart of pickleball. With its continued rise in popularity, I suspect we will see even more creative and entertaining ads in the coming years.
If you want to explore other topics, check out our latest articles on Pickleball Strategy. Thanks for reading, and be sure to share your favorite (and least favorite) pickleball commercials in the comments section. Or share ideas on what would make the Best Pickleball Commercials. Who knows, you might inspire the next big ad campaign!
