Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The rhythmic pop-pop-pop of a plastic ball against a paddle has become the new heartbeat of the Filipino sporting scene. What began as a rising trend has exploded into a full-scale cultural phenomenon, and SM Supermalls is leading the charge, transforming the retail landscape into the nation’s ultimate sports playground.
A Bold Expansion: Breaking Records and Boundaries
By the end of 2025, SM has cemented its status as the undisputed home of pickleball in the Philippines. Through the SM Sports and Lifestyle Center (SLC), the mall giant achieved a staggering milestone: 61 court locations spanning 25 properties across the country.
This expansion includes 37 permanent courts—the largest inventory among all mall operators—including newly launched professional-grade venues at SM Center Shaw and SM Center Muntinlupa.
"Closing 2025 with our largest pickleball court locations... is evidence that sports remains not just a strong interest, but a new way of life for our customers," says Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing.
Inside the SM Active Hub: More Than Just a Court
Launched in March 2024, the SM Active Hub was born from a vision to provide high-quality, accessible spaces for every kind of athlete. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a "casual pickler" picking up a paddle for the first time, the Hub offers an experience that is as inclusive as it is adrenaline-pumping.
What Makes the Experience "Maxed-Out"?
Modular Innovation: Utilizing a modular court approach, SM meets the athletic "appetite" of its communities with agility and style.
A Court for Every Player: The new SM Center Shaw features three outdoor permanent courts, while SM Center Muntinlupa offers four indoor permanent courts.
Creative Play: SM is redefining sports entertainment with "out-of-the-box" events like Glow Ball, a glow-in-the-dark pickleball twist that turns the game into a neon spectacle.
Skill Building: For those just starting, free coached Pickleball Clinics ensure the next generation of players is ready for the dink.
From Local Friendly Matches to Global Inspiration
The SM Active Hub isn't just about local play; it’s a stage for major competition. In partnership with Toby’s Sports, it hosts the prestigious SM Pickleball Super Series.
Perhaps most inspiring was the Pickleball Power Tour, featuring world-ranked Filipino-American pro-athlete Lauren Mercado. The event was such a massive success in igniting passion among young athletes that a second iteration is already scheduled for the first half of 2026.
The Future: The Road to 80
The demand for pickleball is so intense that SM’s courts remained fully booked through the end of 2025. Never one to rest on its laurels, SM’s upcoming thrust is even more ambitious: building enough permanent courts to increase their inventory to nearly 80 by 2026.
On top of the permanent infrastructure, SM maintains 24 semi-permanent courts nationwide to ensure that every Filipino has a place to play.
Join the Movement
Becoming part of this thriving community is easier than ever. Through the SM Malls Online app, enthusiasts can sign up, discover upcoming tournaments, and unlock exclusive rewards, discounts, and freebies.
As Joaquin San Agustin puts it, "As long as the Filipino desire for community and activity remains ablaze, SM is determined to continually give that passion for sports a home".
Ready to find your game? Download the app and visit your nearest SM Active Hub today.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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