Pickleball’s explosive growth has brought opportunity — and risk. As new facilities open across the country, many operators are racing to meet demand. But according to Jayson Scott, the director of business development – US Brokerage at Players Health, that speed can come at a cost.
“We are seeing rapid growth just outpacing their current risk management planning,” said Scott. “Many of these organizations are expanding so quickly, they may not have proper insurance in place or proper risk protocols in place. And that’s some of the struggle that we’re seeing.”
Players Health, a mission-driven organization dedicated to creating the safest and most accessible environments for athletes, offers tailored insurance and proactive risk management solutions for sports facilities — including the fast-growing pickleball sector. That means protection for property, staff and participants, but also tools like staff training, incident reporting, compliance support and claims assistance.
Scott’s advice for owners is simple: know what you’re covered for, and what you’re not. “Your operations are super unique and your coverage should reflect that as well,” he explained. “Don’t assume that a one-size-fits-all program is what you need and it’s gonna have coverage for you from the insurance perspective.”
Common Coverage Gaps
Many operators are unaware of exposures they face every day. Abuse and molestation coverage, for example, isn’t just for facilities with youth programs. “It goes beyond that,” said Scott. “Every facility in the U.S. has abuse and molestation exposure.”
Other often-overlooked areas include cyber liability, liquor liability and professional coverage.
Managing Rising Costs
Premiums are also climbing, driven by more claims, large settlements in personal injury and abuse cases, and higher legal and medical expenses. “As participation grows, so do the number of claims,” said Scott. “Now is the best time to ensure you have the right protection in place.”
He emphasized that proactive risk management can help stabilize rates by reducing incidents and strengthening claims defense. “Make sure you’re proactive rather than reactive on these solutions,” he advised.
The Value of the Right Partner
Scott stressed the importance of choosing a partner who understands both the sport and the business side of pickleball. “We start by working really closely with each organization just to understand their business model, along with what kind of members they’re serving and how they plan to grow,” he said. “We can really analyze their business and put together a plan that’s going to work for them — not only from the insurance solution, but also the risk management piece as well.”
For pickleball facility owners, the industry boom presents unprecedented opportunity, but also greater exposure. By addressing risk management early, understanding coverage needs and working with a knowledgeable partner, operators can protect their business for the long run.
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With over a decade spent covering the business side of sports and fitness, Rachel Chonko brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for active communities to Peake Media. As Editor-in-Chief, she’s focused on helping pickleball clubs and fitness facilities thrive, from guiding growth strategies to showcasing the latest industry trends. Rachel also hosts the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, where she interviews leaders in fitness and pickleball to share insights and success stories with the wider community to give her listeners a competitive edge.
After taking up pickleball herself, Rachel has come to appreciate the sport’s unique blend of social connection and active living — a mix that’s perfectly in line with her editorial philosophy. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or check out her articles below for a deep dive into the energy and culture driving pickleball’s rapid rise.
