DALLAS, TX – It’s about time.

Nike has finally joined the picklesphere and launched their new pickleball collection.

This merch drop feels like a long time coming. When I began playing pickleball, I was shocked to learn that one of America’s largest apparel and footwear designers wasn't catering to the needs of those enjoying America's fastest-growing sport.

Nike has long been a staple in the world of tennis apparel, specifically for women. It seems like you can’t visit any court without seeing an adorable Nike-branded skirt or dress.

It's important to note that because tennis and pickleball gear are basically interchangeable, the demand may not have been so high for pickleball-specific items. Admittedly, I’m one of many who purchased a tennis skirt to wear for pickleball.

Aside from a few Nike swoosh shirts prominently featuring the word “pickleball” on the front, the pickleball section doesn’t look too different from the aforementioned tennis collection. There’s nothing specifically "pickleball-esque" about Nike’s new release, which is a real travesty.

Pickleball fashion is bright, colorful, and fun. C’mon, we’re playing a game called pickleball. How serious can it be? We need a little bit more for our court fashion.

This collection desperately needs some patterns or bold colors. The staple neutral black and white gear is good to have on hand, but we need options.

The boldest item currently available is the Nike Zoom Challenge pickleball shoe in the pink retro style, which I love. Excuse me while I add them to my cart.

But compared to their tennis section, Nike's pickleball gear is looking a little slim.

Nike was actively involved with pickleball well before this merch drop.

In fact, Nike regularly hosts pickleball camps across the country for players to learn and improve.

I think it’s safe to say the brand is only getting started with pickleball gear, and I look forward to writing another merch drop update soon.