Networking is moving off the golf course and onto the pickleball court.
A young professionals event on Wednesday, April 8 will give attendees a chance to connect while trying one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce will host “Young Professionals Take Over Pickleball Kingdom” from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pickleball Kingdom, 1100 Negron Drive in Hamilton Township.
The event is geared toward ages 21 to 39 and is open to both beginners and experienced players, with instruction available for those new to the game.
The program blends networking with activity, a format that has become increasingly popular as business groups look for alternatives to traditional mixers.
Instead of standing around exchanging business cards, participants will rotate through pickleball games while also having time to meet other professionals, with light fare and informal conversation built into the evening.
The structure of the sport itself lends to that format. Games are short, partners rotate frequently, and players naturally interact between matches. That creates repeated opportunities to meet new people in a single session, rather than being limited to a few conversations over the course of an event.
The event also reflects the rapid growth of pickleball in the region. Facilities have opened or expanded in Robbinsville, Ewing, and Hamilton over the past year, signaling strong demand for indoor courts and structured play opportunities.
What was once seen as a niche recreational activity has quickly become a mainstream option for fitness, socializing, and increasingly, professional networking.
A February 2026 article in Forbes, “How Pickleball Became America’s Fastest-Growing Sport — Even Among Gen Z,” described the game as “one of the fastest-growing sports in America—and increasingly, around the world,” with participation expanding across demographics, including younger players.
The same report highlighted the sport’s growing appeal among Gen Z, a shift that has helped reshape pickleball’s image from a casual pastime into a more dynamic, social activity centered on accessibility and shared experience.
Pickleball Kingdom’s Hamilton location, which opened to the public several months ago and held its grand opening in February, is part of a broader national expansion.
The company has awarded more than 350 franchises across 20 states, with plans for continued growth in the Northeast.
The Hamilton facility, developed with involvement from Denholtz Properties and led by franchisee Samrat “Sam” Sood, spans 40,500 square feet and includes 14 indoor courts.
The venue offers more than 70 hours of open play weekly, along with organized group sessions, leagues, and instruction that includes video analysis.
The facility is designed to serve multiple audiences at once. Beginners can take lessons or join casual play, while more experienced players can participate in leagues and structured competition.
At the same time, the space is built to accommodate private functions, from birthday parties to corporate events, giving it a dual role as both a recreational venue and a business gathering space.
That dual purpose is increasingly common as companies rethink how and where professional relationships are built. Rather than relying solely on formal networking events, many organizations are turning to shared experiences—activities that allow participants to interact more naturally while doing something together.
A July 12, 2024 article by Bloomberg, “Companies Are Ditching Golf for Pickleball to Get Deals Done,” reported that corporate bookings at pickleball clubs are surging as businesses look for alternatives to traditional golf outings.
The report noted that pickleball is “cheaper, less time-consuming — and easier to play” than golf, making it more practical for modern business schedules.
The Dink, a website dedicated to covering the sport, noted in a July 2024 article, “Has Pickleball Overtaken Golf as the Preferable Business Activity in Corporate America,” found that corporate demand for pickleball events is growing as companies seek more inclusive and efficient ways to connect. The article noted that the sport offers “time and cost savings while being more inclusive and easier for beginners.”
The appeal is also practical. “I can take someone onto the pickleball court who has never touched a pickleball paddle before, and I can show them how to play and they would have a good time in under 10 minutes,” Chicago real estate broker Colin Hebson said in the report.
Cost is another factor driving adoption. The Dink reported that two hours of pickleball can cost around $80 compared with $600 to $700 for a round of golf, making it a more accessible option for companies hosting client or employee events.
Coverage in Forbes also highlighted pickleball’s role in relationship-building, noting that “pickleball is the new golf” for networking and business development.
For local business groups, that dynamic makes events like the April 8 program especially appealing. Attendees are not just exchanging information—they are sharing an experience, which can make interactions feel more authentic and less transactional.
The Chamber event is structured with that in mind. Coaches will be available for those who have never played before, removing one of the biggest barriers to entry. Equipment and guidance will be provided, allowing participants to focus on the experience rather than the mechanics of the sport.
The setting also creates a more relaxed environment than traditional networking venues. Without the pressure of formal introductions or structured agendas, participants can engage at their own pace, moving between games and conversations throughout the evening.
For Pickleball Kingdom, events like this are part of a broader strategy to build a community around the facility.
By hosting organized play, lessons, and networking programs, the venue is positioning itself not just as a place to play, but as a hub for social and professional interaction. That approach aligns with a growing segment of the fitness and recreation industry, where facilities are designed to function as gathering spaces as much as athletic venues.
For attendees, the Chamber event offers both an introduction to the sport and a practical networking opportunity in a less formal setting.
Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for prospective members. Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably, bring water, and wear athletic shoes. Registration is required.
For businesses, the rise of pickleball venues points to a broader shift toward experiential networking and workplace culture investments. Facilities like Pickleball Kingdom are increasingly serving as both recreation centers and informal networking hubs.
Players will will take the court at Pickleball Kingdom in Hamilton on April 8 during a young professionals event combining networking with one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.,
