Pickleball’s remarkable growth shows no signs of slowing, holding its title as America's fastest-growing sport for four consecutive years. McKinney, Texas is now stepping into the spotlight, hosting the highly anticipated PPA Tour’s CIBC Texas Open from March 12–16, 2025, at the Courts of McKinney. This elite event will feature top-ranked players, including #1 female Anna Leigh Waters and #1 male Ben Johns, firmly placing McKinney on the international pickleball map.

The Rise of Pickleball in McKinney

Pickleball has quickly become more than a pastime in McKinney—it’s a community staple. According to PPA Tour CEO Connor Pardoe, the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex (which includes McKinney) has become one of the fastest-growing pickleball regions in the world! Parks and recreation centers across the city are bustling with activity as weekly games, clinics, and leagues attract players of all ages. From The Courts of McKinney’s top-tier facilities to Finch Park’s historical charm and the state-of-the-art Picklr indoor center, the sport is thriving. Increased participation has sparked demand for certified instructors, with local coaches reporting record engagement levels and lesson bookings. TeachMe.To, the largest pickleball lessons website, recorded over 100 lessons happening in the McKinney area in February alone.

McKinney Pickleball by the Numbers

  • Public Courts: 13 pickleball courts across McKinney’s public parks (e.g., eight courts at Finch Park) are available free for community play.

  • Dedicated Facilities: Two major pickleball-dedicated venues serve local players – The Courts of McKinney offers 14 courts (4 indoor, 10 outdoor) and The Picklr McKinney provides 9 indoor courts with modern amenities.​

  • Lesson Inquiries & Sessions: Over 1,200 monthly pickleball lesson searches from McKinney area players (recent TeachMe.To data, 2025) and 178 lessons completed by local coaches (year to date) illustrate booming interest in learning the sport.​

  • Instructor Base: 17 pickleball instructors currently serve the McKinney area via TeachMe.To, a number that continues to rise alongside player demand.​

  • Economic Boost from Events: Tournaments like the Texas Open bring a surge of over 1,000 visitors. Hundreds of out-of-town players and spectators will fill local hotels, restaurants, and shops during the event.

Community Voices and Personal Stories

Beyond the stats and dollar figures, the real heart of McKinney’s pickleball boom is in its people. Local players and residents are eager to share what the sport means to them, and the arrival of the PPA Tour has only amplified that enthusiasm. Melissa Stuart, Pickleball Director at The Courts of McKinney, said, "Within minutes of playing, I was hooked. Teaching pickleball has combined my two passions of teaching and playing pickleball," showcasing her personal connection to the sport. She describes mornings at the courts that start with strangers and end with high-fives and coffee with new pals. 

The social fabric of the community has woven itself around pickleball in surprising ways – church groups are forming pickleball meetups, coworkers are challenging each other in after-work games, and families are scheduling regular pickleball nights. The positive health impacts are evident too; local players talk about shedding pounds, lowering their stress, and even improving chronic conditions thanks to the regular exercise and camaraderie the game provides.

Economic Boost for McKinney

Hosting the CIBC Texas Open is expected to deliver significant economic benefits. Nearly 1,000 registered players and thousands of spectators will bring business to local hotels, restaurants, and shops, generating millions of dollars of economic impact. Increased sales of pickleball gear, court bookings, and coaching sessions have already provided immediate local boosts, with sustained growth expected as McKinney solidifies its reputation as a pickleball hotspot.


Opportunities for Local Players and Coaches

This event offers local enthusiasts the unique opportunity to compete alongside professional players. Unlike some pro sports events that are closed off, pickleball opens are famously inclusive. Amateurs can experience the thrill of "playing where the pros play," attend instructional camps led by PPA professionals, or participate in clinics and skill exhibitions. Local instructors are capitalizing on the excitement, offering specialized lessons, clinics, and interactive events, reinforcing McKinney’s vibrant pickleball culture. With over 17 local pickleball coaches available during the tournament, there's sure to be a surge in lessons taken.

How to Get Involved

Join the excitement at the Courts of McKinney from March 12–16. Tickets are available online through the PPA Tour website or Tixr, with family-friendly pricing options. Can't attend in person? Follow along via live-streamed matches on the PPA YouTube channel.

The pickleball journey in McKinney doesn’t have to end when the pros leave town. If the Open has sparked your interest in playing, or if you’re looking to improve your game, there are ample local resources to tap into. One of the easiest ways to start is by taking a lesson or joining a clinic – and thanks to platforms like TeachMe.To, finding a qualified local instructor is just a few clicks away. TeachMe.To connects aspiring players with pickleball coaches, and right now there are 17 instructors in the McKinney area ready to teach. You can filter by skill level, schedule, and location to find the perfect coach, whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced player aiming to polish certain skills. Many newcomers who watched last year’s pros play are now part of weekly classes and open play sessions because they took that first step. It’s your turn now: grab a paddle, sign up for a lesson, and join the thriving pickleball scene in our community. McKinney offers open play nights at parks, beginner clinics through the parks and rec department, and league play for those who get more competitive – so there’s a place for everyone on the court. In the spirit of the Texas Open, let’s keep the momentum going.

Let’s maintain the momentum of this extraordinary event and continue growing McKinney’s thriving pickleball community. See you on the courts!