As pickleball rapidly ascends in popularity, many fans are eager to watch matches live or play catch up on replays, all while sitting in the comfort of their own home. Whether you’re a cable subscriber or someone who’s cut the cord, there are plenty of ways to watch pickleball on TV, as long as you have an internet connection.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore every possible option to watch pickleball, with or without cable, focusing on streaming services, apps, live broadcasts, and innovative new platforms like PickleballTV. Let’s dive in!
1. ESPN
One of the largest sports networks in the world, ESPN has begun including pickleball coverage in its programming lineup, making it a prime option for fans wanting to catch high-profile tournaments like the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour and the USA Pickleball National Championships.
How to Watch on ESPN:
With Cable: If you have cable, tuning into ESPN is simple. You can find scheduled pickleball events on ESPN’s TV guide, particularly during major tournaments. ESPN occasionally airs pickleball matches on its main channels (ESPN, ESPN2) or ESPNews.
Without Cable: You can stream ESPN in multiple ways through internet-based services:
ESPN+: ESPN’s own subscription-based streaming platform offers a variety of live sports, including pickleball matches, on-demand content, highlights, and replays. You can stream it on smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku, or through the ESPN app on mobile devices.
Streaming Services with ESPN: Services like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, and YouTube TV all include ESPN in their live TV packages, allowing you to stream live events without needing a cable subscription.
2. CBS Sports Network
CBS Sports Network has also taken an interest in pickleball, covering prestigious tournaments such as the US Open Pickleball Championships this season.
How to Watch on CBS Sports Network:
With Cable: CBS Sports Network is available through most cable and satellite packages, giving you direct access to live pickleball broadcasts.
Without Cable: You can also stream CBS Sports through several options:
Paramount+: CBS’s official streaming platform allows you to stream live CBS Sports content, including pickleball matches, with a subscription. You can watch via smart TVs, mobile devices, and streaming sticks.
Live TV Streaming Services: Platforms like FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV all offer CBS Sports as part of their live TV channel lineup.
3. Tennis Channel
Given the similarities between tennis and pickleball, it’s no surprise that the Tennis Channel has started broadcasting pickleball matches. The Tennis Channel provides coverage of both professional and amateur events, including replays and exclusive interviews with top players.
How to Watch on Tennis Channel:
With Cable: If your cable package includes the Tennis Channel, you can watch scheduled pickleball broadcasts as part of their programming.
Without Cable: The Tennis Channel is accessible via:
Tennis Channel Plus: This is a premium subscription service that offers live streaming of racquet sports, including pickleball. You can access Tennis Channel Plus on your smart TV, mobile devices, and streaming platforms.
Streaming Services: You can also stream the Tennis Channel through live TV platforms like Sling TV and FuboTV, which offer it as part of their sports package.
4. YouTube
YouTube has become a major destination for pickleball content, with numerous channels dedicated to streaming live matches, tutorials, and highlights. Both official organizations and fan-driven channels upload high-quality matches, giving you easy and free access to pickleball.
How to Watch on YouTube:
Completely Free: Many pickleball matches, including major tournaments, can be streamed for free via YouTube. Channels like the PPA Tour, APP Tour, and other independent organizations regularly post full match replays, highlights, and even live streams of current tournaments. All you need is a device that supports YouTube, such as a smart TV, tablet, or smartphone.
YouTube TV: If you’re looking for a more traditional live TV experience, YouTube TV offers channels like ESPN, CBS Sports, and the Tennis Channel, where you can watch pickleball matches live. YouTube TV requires a subscription, but it’s a great option for those who’ve cut the cord.
5. PickleballTV
PickleballTV is a specialized streaming platform dedicated entirely to pickleball content. It provides live streaming of matches, on-demand replays, instructional videos, tips, and even coverage of unique pickleball events. It’s a fantastic option for those who are serious about following the sport.
How to Watch on PickleballTV:
PickleballTV App: Available on platforms like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, PickleballTV offers both free and subscription-based content. The free version gives you access to a decent amount of pickleball content, while the premium subscription unlocks additional features like ad-free viewing and exclusive match footage.
Website Streaming: You can also access PickleballTV content via their website. Simply create an account, and you’ll be able to stream matches live or watch on-demand replays from your computer or smart TV.
6. PPA Tour Website and App
The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) has embraced digital streaming by offering live coverage of its tournaments through its official website and app. The PPA Tour is known for hosting some of the most prestigious pickleball events in the world, and their own streaming service and platform gives you front-row access to the action.
How to Watch on PPA Tour:
Free Streaming: The PPA Tour offers some matches and highlight replays for free via their official website and mobile app. Both options are compatible with a variety of devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones.
Premium Subscription: For die-hard fans, the PPA Tour provides a premium subscription service that includes ad-free live streams, access to exclusive content, and in-depth match analysis.
7. APP Tour Website and App
Similar to the PPA, the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) also streams its tournaments through their official website and mobile phone app. APP Tour is one of the top pickleball organizations in the world, making their streaming platform a must-have for fans.
How to Watch on APP Tour:
Free Streaming: The APP Tour offers live streams of many of their events for free. You can also catch replays and highlights on their website or via their app.
Social Media Streaming: APP also streams live matches through social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube, allowing you to watch on virtually any device with internet access.
8. Regional Sports Networks and Local TV
Depending on your location, local networks and regional sports channels may cover pickleball tournaments, particularly if a major event is being hosted in your area. While the availability of regional sports networks will vary by region, it’s always worth checking for live broadcasts of local pickleball competitions.
How to Watch on Regional Sports Networks:
With Cable: If your cable package includes regional sports networks, you can tune in to local pickleball matches.
Without Cable: Many regional networks have their own streaming apps or offer access via live TV services such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or FuboTV. This makes it easy to stream regional pickleball tournaments even if you don’t have cable.
9. Amazon Prime Video
While Amazon Prime Video isn’t a regular broadcaster of live pickleball matches, they have produced some exclusive pickleball-related documentaries and specials. These provide subscribers with an in-depth look at the sport, offering insights into pickleball culture, strategies, and top players.
How to Watch on Amazon Prime Video:
Prime Subscription: If you’re already an Amazon Prime member, you can access pickleball content through the Prime Video app, available on smart TVs, mobile devices, and streaming platforms like Roku. Although live matches may not be featured, it’s worth exploring if you’re looking for more documentary-style content.
Other Streaming Platforms to Consider
In addition to the options above, other platforms may occasionally feature pickleball content or highlights. While these may not offer live streaming of professional matches, they are great resources for pickleball fans.
1. Facebook Live
Many pickleball tournaments and local events are streamed live on Facebook, often through official league pages like the PPA Tour or APP Tour. It’s a convenient way to catch live matches, especially amateur events.
2. Twitch
Twitch has begun expanding beyond gaming, with more sports content being featured. Some pickleball pros and enthusiasts stream their matches live on Twitch, making it a unique place to watch more casual, real-time pickleball action.
3. Instagram TV
For shorter clips, highlights, and quick recaps of major tournaments, Instagram TV (IGTV) offers bite-sized pickleball content that can be streamed via your mobile device or desktop.
Conclusion
There are countless ways to watch pickleball on TV, whether you have cable or not. As long as you have access to the internet, platforms like ESPN+, PickleballTV, YouTube, and the official pickleball channel apps of the PPA and APP Tours allow you to stay connected to the sport. With live streams, on-demand replays, and exclusive content, you won’t miss out on any of the pickleball action.
As the sport continues to grow, expect more streaming platforms and channels to offer pickleball coverage. Whether you’re watching a pro tournament or an amateur match, there’s no shortage of options to stay tuned in and enjoy the fastest-growing sport in the world.