SM Supermalls expands nationwide pickleball network with 61 courts

SM Supermalls has broadened its presence in Philippine pickleball with a rapid build-out of courts and programming designed to reach citywide audiences. By the end of 2025 the company operated 61 pickleball courts across 25 SM properties, the largest single-corporate footprint reported in the country. That scale is changing where and how people access courts, coaching, and organized play.

The Active Hub concept at participating malls packages coached clinics, community events, themed socials and family-friendly formats to attract a wide cross-section of players. Coached sessions and tournament-style play are being run in partnership with specialist retailers and sports partners, including Toby’s Sports, which helps supply equipment and coaching capacity. The SM Pickleball Super Series is one anchor event for players looking to move from recreational play into competitive formats.

Themes and social formats aim to broaden appeal beyond traditional club settings. Glow-in-the-dark Glow Ball evenings and family sessions provide low-pressure ways for new players to try the sport, while coached clinics and partner-led programming provide skill progression for intermediate and competitive players. SM also backed a Pickleball Power Tour that featured Filipino-American professionals, with Lauren Mercado among the pros taking part, bringing higher-level exhibition play and instruction to mall settings.

For local players the practical benefits are straightforward: more courts in convenient mall locations, scheduled coaching and socials, and clearer pathways from introductory clinics to competitive series. Players seeking to try the sport can join family sessions or Glow Ball nights; those aiming to compete can enter Super Series events or attend partner-run clinics to develop skills. Retail partnerships make it easier to access paddles, shoes and other gear without a separate trip to specialty stores.

The expansion is clearly commercial, aiming to capitalize on pickleball’s fast growth, but it also fills an access gap in many urban areas where dedicated courts and coaching have been limited. Expect additional activations and an expanded event calendar through 2026 as SM builds on these early investments. Verify schedules and booking procedures with your nearest SM Active Hub to find coached sessions, socials and court availability in your city.