Pickleball is having another huge moment in Australia, and our team at JOOLA Australia Pacific are glad to be at the heart of it. As one of the fastest-growing sports Down Under, pickleball is no longer a niche; it's edging toward mainstream.
With over 92,000 Australians playing between July 2023 and June 2024 and the Pickleball Australia report revealing 321 clubs, 530 venues, and 3,300 weekly sessions in August 2025, the sport’s rapid ascent is undeniable. So when the channel 9 show The Block featured a pickleball showdown in its 2025 season, it wasn't just entertainment; it was a cultural moment.
And JOOLA, the global paddle brand, was there to make it happen.
Context of The Block Episode
On 26 August 2025, viewers tuned into prime time to watch the Block Pickleball Challenge, with JOOLA powering the paddles, Pro Coaches and nets.
Contestants from all five teams: Robby & Mat (SA), Britt & Taz (WA), Em & Ben (VIC), Han & Can (WA), and Sonny & Alicia (QLD) faced off in a high-energy battle.
In a dramatic final, Best Mates Robby and Mat took the win, outplaying Em and Ben in the showdown.
Behind the Scenes of the Block & JOOLA’s Role
The Block contestants didn’t just show up; they brought the game to life!
Our team at JOOLA Australia supported this energy by supplying high-performance custom JOOLA pickleball paddles to the JOOLA Pro Net Built court on the Daylesford site. Our team ensured contestants had the best gear to bring their A-game. Our friends at Dream Courts delivered the spectacular pickleball court to set up what was an epic showdown.
The Custom Block × JOOLA paddles stole the scene: stellar design meets pro-level feel.
Customised for the Block and Chemist Warehouse, the major sponsor for the segment. And behind the camera? Contestants were all smiles, competition, and camaraderie:
- Han and Can, navigating the court with the best of their abilities. With their admitted lack of sporting backgrounds, they finished at the bottom, eliminated in round 1 by Emma and Ben.
- Alicia, determined, performed an epic dive - only to end up tearing her favourite tights at the end of the game… and then get into a friendly “out” call dispute with the head referee Paige.
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And when Robby and Mat scored match point, their spontaneous victory dance was a full-on Block-worthy performance, complete with high-fives, laughter, and sheer joy.
The Impact
This isn’t just prime-time fun; it’s proof that pickleball is being embraced by mainstream Australia. Featuring on The Block, a national renovation staple, elevated the sport’s visibility massively. The community blew up with fans buzzing: “Pickleball on The Block?! They smashed it!” and “Want that custom Block paddle now 😍.”
The timing couldn’t be better: Australia's pickleball infrastructure is booming. With membership doubling annually and new tournaments, clubs, and venues sprouting nationwide. JOOLA is committed to leading the charge. Whether supporting grassroots growth or outfitting TV-worthy courts, JOOLA is laser-focused on growing the game both locally and globally.
Pickleball Block Buster
Feeling inspired? Grab your paddle and join the pickleball movement! Shop JOOLA pickleball paddles now and discover how simple and fun it is to learn pickleball and get competitive.
Want to see more? Learn more about pickleball in Australia and find where to play, with gear and tips from the sport's trusted leaders.
