
MANILA, Philippines, 19th June 2026 — As pickleball continues to gain popularity among Filipinos, SM Supermalls is creating more opportunities for players to learn, play, and compete through accessible facilities and community-driven tournaments. As the home of the country’s largest pickleball destination, SM is helping grow the game by creating more places to play, more opportunities to compete, and stronger communities to connect.
“SM Supermalls and the SM Active Hub remain committed to providing pickleball fanatics the space they need to play and build new bonds with a community. We will continue to champion the pickleball movement that brings people together through shared experiences and passions,” said Joseph Francis Silva, Senior Assistant Vice President for SM Sports & Leisure.

One of the key drivers of this growing movement is the ongoing SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge, SM’s inaugural tournament series that brings together players from different communities and skill levels. The competition provides participants with opportunities to test their abilities, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and be part of a thriving sporting community.
SM Supermalls has successfully completed the first qualifying legs of the SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge at SM City Bicutan, SM City Sta. Mesa, and SM City Santa Rosa. The tournament continues with upcoming qualifying legs at SM City Marikina and SM City Muntinlupa, where players will once again battle it out in exciting matches filled with teamwork, strategy, and intense rallies.
The competition will culminate in the Grand Finals in July 2026 at Four E-Com Center, where the top-performing teams from across the tournament series will compete for the championship title.

Beyond tournaments, SM Supermalls continues to expand access to the sport through its growing network of pickleball facilities. Today, SM is home to 86 pickleball courts across 29 malls, making it the country’s largest mall-based pickleball destination. These courts provide dedicated spaces where first-timers can discover the sport, recreational players can stay active, and competitive athletes can continuously sharpen their skills.
To meet the growing demand for pickleball facilities, additional courts are set to open at more SM malls nationwide. This continued expansion strengthens SM’s growing network of pickleball venues and makes the sport more accessible to communities across the country.

Many of today’s tournament participants first picked up a paddle at their most-loved SM Pickleball Court. Through the SM Active Hub community, players have found not only a place to play but also opportunities to build friendships, stay active, and share memorable experiences with fellow enthusiasts.
“Beyond organizing tournaments and expanding court access, SM Supermalls aims to cultivate spaces where people can enjoy maxed-out experiences, stay active, and build meaningful connections through sport. Pickleball offers an enjoyable way for people to become part of a welcoming and supportive community,” Silva added.
Pickleball enthusiasts can still join the remaining qualifying legs of the SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge and experience SM Pickleball Courts at participating SM malls. Follow SM Supermalls’ official social media channels for tournament updates, court openings, and upcoming pickleball activities.
About SM Sports and Leisure Center
With the mission of revolutionizing fitness and sports engagement in the country, SM Sports and Leisure Centers (SLC) is dedicated to max out the sports experiences of Filipinos—whether through fun bonding moments or high adrenaline competition. Its commitment is to building spaces Where Winning Begins, conducive for bringing out the best in every moment, play, and routine.