SM Supermalls Expands Pickleball Network to Reach 80 Courts

SM Supermalls moved to broaden access to pickleball across its retail footprint as it closed 2025 with 61 court locations at 25 properties, 37 of which were permanent installations. The rollout added two new permanent courts at SM Center Shaw and SM Center Muntinlupa, and the company emphasized a strategy that blends permanent courts with modular, semi-permanent setups to respond quickly to local demand.

The expansion is aimed at convenience and community access. Courts located inside or adjacent to malls create low-friction play opportunities for families, casual players and newcomers who can combine errands, shopping and recreation in a single trip. SM integrated court bookings and event listings into the SM Malls Online app, making reservations and calendar checks straightforward for players who want to lock in time or find nearby programming.

Programming around the courts is a core part of the rollout. SM scheduled Glow Ball events for evening play, free coached clinics for beginners, and a structured tournament calendar that includes the SM Pickleball Super Series in partnership with Toby’s Sports. The operator also launched a Pickleball Power Tour featuring Lauren Mercado, providing traveling exhibition and instructional sessions that raise visibility and offer learning opportunities outside formal league play.

For community players, the practical benefits are clear. Free coached clinics lower the barrier to entry, modular courts let organizers test new sites without long-term infrastructure commitments, and mall-based locations provide predictable parking, security and amenities that independent community courts sometimes lack. The tournament series and partnership with a major sports retailer create competitive pathways for ambitious players while keeping many events accessible to casual participants.

SM executives framed the initiative as a family-oriented, active-sports play that can scale with interest. To meet growing participation, the company plans further court growth in 2026 toward roughly 80 locations. For amateur players and organizers, that means more nearby court time, additional beginner programming, and more chances to compete and learn in a familiar mall environment. Verify court availability and sign up for clinics or events through the SM Malls Online app before heading out.