The Philippines is witnessing a sports phenomenon, and SM Active Hub isn't just riding the wave; they're creating the tsunami!
- SM Active Hub now operates an astounding 86 pickleball courts across 29 malls, making it the largest mall-based network in the Philippines.
- Over 100 tournaments, open-plays, and clinics have been hosted, cementing SM's role as a premier event organizer.
- The network boasts over 130,000 members and continues to expand its reach.
- International pickleball stars like McKonner Dy and James Ignatowich have graced SM courts, inspiring local players.
Dominating the Courts: SM's Pickleball Empire Grows
Unrivaled Reach: A Nationwide Network
The pickleball boom in the Philippines has found its epicenter in SM Active Hub. With an astonishing 86 state-of-the-art pickleball courts spread across 29 SM Supermalls from Luzon to Mindanao, SM has cemented its position as the nation's undisputed leader in making this exhilarating sport accessible to all.
This unparalleled expansion has attracted over 130,000 passionate members, a number that continues to climb as the sport's infectious energy spreads further into local communities.
Beyond the Baseline: Mega-Events & Pro Showdowns
The Battlegrounds: Premier Tournaments Take Center Stage
SM Active Hub isn't just about building infrastructure; it's about igniting the competitive spirit. Having organized over 100 tournaments, open-play sessions, and coaching clinics, SM stands as one of the most dynamic organizers in the country.
The highly anticipated SM Pickleball Super Series Year 2 in partnership with Toby's Sports is already underway, building on the success of previous legs at SM North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia. Simultaneously, the intense SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge is heating up across multiple locations, culminating in a grand finale at the new Four E-Com Center, which features a cutting-edge six-court venue.
Global Stars Shine Bright: International Talent Elevates Local Play
A highlight of SM Active Hub's commitment is bringing world-class talent to Filipino enthusiasts. In 2026 alone, nine professional pickleball players have graced SM courts.
This star-studded roster included the electrifying 16-year-old Filipino-Canadian phenom McKonner Dy, a PPA Tour athlete and national champion, who captivated crowds with exhibitions and meet-and-greets at various SM malls.
Fans also witnessed the prowess of PPA Champion James Ignatowich, a former world No. 3 in Mixed Doubles, who headlined the Toby’s Pickleball Super Series at SM North EDSA, offering a rare glimpse into elite-level play. In 2025, rising Filipino-American pro Lauren Mercado also toured SM facilities, directly engaging with and inspiring local players.
Cultivating the Community: Pickleball as a Lifestyle
More Than a Game: Building a Vibrant Social Scene
Beyond the fierce competition, SM Active Hub is masterfully crafting a vibrant pickleball culture. Unique activations like the Pink Paddle Club at SM City East Ortigas, the electric Night Glow at SM City Cabanatuan, and the stylish Neon Paddle at SM Center Antipolo Downtown are transforming matches into unforgettable social experiences.
These initiatives blur the lines between sport, entertainment, and community engagement. This ethos was perfectly encapsulated when The Friday Crew, a collective of six international pickleball players and content creators, transformed Four E-Com Center into a bustling social sports hub. This demonstrated that SM is not just promoting a game, but truly fostering a dynamic, active lifestyle movement.
SM's Vision: The Future of Filipino Pickleball
Joseph Francis V. Silva, SM Sports and Leisure Centers Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations, succinctly articulates the mission. "Through SM Active Hub, we continue to lead pickleball's growth in the Philippines by making the sport more accessible, inclusive, and community-driven," Silva stated.
He added, "SM Supermalls has become the biggest and most dominant advocate of pickleball and active lifestyles, thanks to the country's largest network of courts, tournaments, and activations."
Booking courts or discovering upcoming clinics and events across the entire 29-mall network is effortlessly simple via the SM Malls Online App. The numbers speak for themselves: 86 courts, 29 malls, over 100 tournaments – and this is merely the beginning of SM Active Hub's incredible journey.
