Is Pickleball The Fastest Growing Sport in the U.S.

Pickleball isn’t just a trend, it’s a revolution. In the past four years, pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with a 223.5% increase in participation. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), an estimated 48.3 million Americans played pickleball at least once in 2023.

The sport’s accessibility, affordability, and social appeal have propelled it beyond recreational play. Today, pickleball is attracting major investments, professional leagues, and even consideration for future Olympic inclusion.

But what is fueling this explosive pickleball growth, and why are so many people—from casual players to sports icons—jumping on board?

What is Pickleball? A Game for Everyone

Pickleball is a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong played on a small court with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball. It can be played in singles or doubles and is known for its fast-paced, low-impact gameplay.

Why Is Pickleball So Popular?

Easy to Learn, Hard to Master – Anyone can start playing within minutes.
Affordable Equipment – A good pickleball paddle costs between $50-$200, much cheaper than tennis or golf gear.
Social & Community-Based – Great for making friends across all age groups.
Low-Impact Yet Competitive – Fun for all fitness levels while offering professional play for elite athletes.

Pickleball vs. Tennis: Key Differences

Feature	Pickleball	Tennis
Court Size	44 ft x 20 ft	78 ft x 36 ft
Equipment	Solid paddle & perforated ball	Strung racket & felt-covered ball
Play Style	Faster-paced, strategic	Power-based, longer rallies
Learning Curve	Easier for beginners	More technical learning required

Pickleball Growth by the Numbers

Pickleball’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s a closer look at the numbers behind its success:

Year	Estimated U.S. Players	Growth Rate (%)
2021	5 million	85.7%
2022	13.6 million	51.8%
2023	48.3 million	223.5%

Pickleball has now overtaken running and cycling in popularity. 19% of all U.S. adults played at least once in the past year, with participation rates rivaling golf and basketball.

Key Demographics

Largest Player Group: Ages 25-34 (16.7% of all players)
Boomers & Seniors: Over 15.4% of players are 65+, proving it’s a multi-generational sport
Adults: Age 18-24 (13.3% of all players)
Kids Under 18: 1 million new players in 2023
Gender Split: 59.1% male, 40.9% female

The average player age is now 34.8 years old, down from 38 in 2021, proving pickleball is no longer just for retirees.

Where is Pickleball Most Popular?

According to USA Pickleball, the top states for pickleball facilities are:

State	# of Pickleball Locations
Florida	1,228
California	1,223
Texas	941
New York	702

Pickleball Courts in Burlingame

Burlingame has seen a 50% increase in pickleball courts in the past year, with more scheduled to open in 2025.

Pickleball Courts in Hillsborough

Hillsborough now has dedicated indoor pickleball courts, making it a hotspot for year-round play.

Pickleball Courts in San Mateo

San Mateo converted tennis courts into pickleball courts, a growing trend nationwide.

Pickleball Courts in San Bruno

San Bruno has introduced public courts with LED lighting, expanding evening play options.

The Rapid Expansion of Pickleball Courts & Facilities

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads looking for a fun backyard game. However, the sport really took off in recent years. Today, pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US, with millions of new players joining the craze every year. As a result, the demand for pickleball courts has skyrocketed across the country.

Key Reasons for Pickleball is The Fastest Growing Sport in the US

COVID-19 Boom: During lockdowns, pickleball was a safe, socially distanced
Celebrity Endorsements: Stars like LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Kevin Durant have invested in professional pickleball.
More Facilities: Cities are converting tennis courts into pickleball courts at record rates.
Professional Leagues: Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) are attracting big sponsors

Growth in Pickleball Facilities

2024 Data: Over 70,641 courts exist across the U.S.
Yearly Increase: 55% growth in dedicated facilities last year.
Investment Needed: Estimated $855 million required for new courts in the next 5-7 years.

Some cities are rapidly converting tennis courts into pickleball courts, while others are building exclusive pickleball venues to meet demand.

Pickleball’s Economic Impact & Market Growth

Pickleball isn’t just a game, it’s big business. Now, the pickleball market is booming.

Market Value in 2023: $1.5 billion
Projected 2033 Market Size: $4.4 billion
Annual Growth Rate: 3% CAGR

Big names like LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Kevin Durant have invested in professional pickleball leagues. A clear sign that pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US. Major brands like Anheuser-Busch, Skechers, and Carvana are also backing the sport.

The Rise of Professional Pickleball & Tournaments

Pickleball is evolving beyond casual play, with professional leagues and tournaments offering six-figure prize pools.

Top Pickleball Tournaments & Leagues

Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) – 26 tournaments annually.
Major League Pickleball (MLP) – Celebrity-backed teams & expansion into international markets.
USA Pickleball Championships – Largest event with over 35,000 spectators.

The Challenges Facing Pickleball’s Growth

Despite its success, pickleball isn’t without controversy.

Noise Complaints & Legal Battles: The “pop” of pickleball is louder than tennis, leading to community disputes. Some neighborhoods have restricted play or banned courts due to noise concerns.
Court Space Wars: Basketball & Tennis court takeovers. Pickleball’s popularity has led to conflicts over public court space. Cities are dedicating new facilities instead of converting existing courts.

What’s Next for Pickleball? Can Pickleball Sustain Its Growth?

As pickleball growth continues, the sport is expected to reach Olympic status by 2030. Expansion into international markets, further professionalization, international expansion into Europe & Asia, and more corporate investments & TV deals will ensure pickleball’s dominance in the sports industry.

Pickleball is here to stay. With more tournaments, major investments, and millions of new players joining each year, pickleball’s future is brighter than ever! Whether you’re an experienced athlete or picking up a paddle for the first time, now is the perfect time to join the fastest-growing sport in America!

Want to play? Find the nearest pickleball courts and start your journey today!

We offer professional pickleball classes & training in multiple locations, including:

1) Burlingame
2) Hillsborough
3) San Mateo
4) San Bruno