How Sports Apps Are Reshaping Access to Pickleball and Beyond

The sports scene in North America is changing fast. In major cities, demand for recreational facilities has exploded—especially in pickleball hotspots like New York and Los Angeles. Courts that were once half-empty are now booked out like exclusive restaurants. With urban space limited and weekend slots scarce, the question becomes: how do we get more people on the court without building more of them? That’s where sports tech steps in. Platforms like CatchCorner are turning booking chaos into a smooth tap-and-play experience, cutting through the friction of phone calls and long waitlists.

CatchCorner’s approach has been especially savvy. Rather than offering generic listings, it tailors access based on the momentum of local sports. So in NYC, it’s all about pickleball. In Chicago, volleyball. In Toronto, hockey. This city-specific strategy means athletes get access to the sports they care about most, right where they want to play. Facilities, in turn, are reaping the benefits: more visibility, more bookings, and fewer empty slots.

For pickleball, the shift is massive. Rooftops, basketball courts, and any flat surface are being repurposed for the game. And with platforms like CatchCorner streamlining access, players can spend less time planning and more time playing. Whether you’re a club regular or just paddling your way through the summer heat, you no longer have to settle for half-baked drop-ins or late-night scraps for open time. Technology has caught up with the demand. Now it’s your turn to do the same.