Pickleball, a sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has seen an exponential rise in its player base. With its easy-to-learn rules and engaging gameplay, it's captivating millions across the United States. Let's delve into the numbers that showcase the sport's booming pickleball popularity by looking at some pickleball growth statistics
We've condensed the most intriguing statistics in the realm of pickleball for you.Product Demonstration. Each year, USA Pickleball releases its Annual Growth Report, which contains captivating data about the future direction of pickleball. Here, we’ve highlighted the most compelling pickleball stats from the report.
- The 2023 report by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) declared that for the third consecutive year, pickleball remains the sport with the fastest growth rate in America, leading among 124 sports tracked.
- In the 2023 APP report on pickleball participation, it was found that 36.5 million individuals engaged in pickleball at least once in the past year, accounting for 14% of the adult population in the U.S.
- Regarding the gender distribution of pickleball players, males make up 60% of the total player base.
- Data from Places2Play reveals that there are 10,724 pickleball playing venues available, with an average of 130 new locations being added each month.
- The primary age group of pickleball players is between 18 and 34 years old, making up 28.8% of all players, indicating a trend towards a younger demographic in the sport.
- There are several major professional pickleball associations in the US. Some key associations include
- Professional Pickleball Association (PPA): The PPA is one of the leading organizations in professional pickleball. It hosts a tour of tournaments across the United States, offering some of the largest prize pools in the sport. The PPA Tour attracts top professional players and is known for its high level of competition.
- Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP): The APP Tour is another major circuit in professional pickleball, offering a series of tournaments for both professional and amateur players. The APP Tour is recognized for its comprehensive ranking system and inclusivity, catering to a wide range of skill levels.
- USA Pickleball Association (USAPA): While USAPA is more focused on the overall promotion and governance of pickleball in the United States, including at the amateur level, it also plays a significant role in the professional sphere. USAPA sanctions tournaments, maintains official rules, and provides player ratings.
- International Federation of Pickleball (IFP): The IFP is the international governing body for the sport of pickleball. It works to promote the growth of pickleball around the world and establish standardized rules. While it covers all levels of play, the IFP also has a significant impact on the professional game globally.
Membership Growth and Pickleball Growth Statistics: How many people play pickleball in the US? Who plays pickleball?
- Membership surpassed 70,000, marking an increase of 30% over 2022. This growth reflects the sport's nationwide embrace at both recreational and competitive levels for professionals, amateurs, and casual players.
- Based on the 2023 APP Tour's Pickleball Engagement Study, the number of pickleball players in the United States has reached an impressive 36.5 million.
- The SFIA has conducted a separate evaluation to assess the player count in the US. It's worth mentioning that their criteria for defining a 'player' differ, leading to variations in the numbers. However, the key takeaway is the remarkable increase in participation!
Age of Players? Demographics of pickleball players? How old are pickleball players? Pickleball demographics?
- In 2021, the median age of pickleball enthusiasts was recorded at 38.1 years, showing a notable decline from the average age of 41 years in 2020. This trend indicates a shift towards a younger demographic in pickleball players.
- The 2022 SFIA Single Sport Report on Pickleball highlights that the age group 18-24 is now the predominant segment among players.
- Age Range: While pickleball is popular among older adults, particularly those in retirement communities, it has been increasingly attracting younger players. The largest age bracket is 18-34 years old, accounting for a significant portion of players. This trend indicates that pickleball is becoming popular with a younger demographic each year.
- Gender Distribution: The sport tends to have a higher proportion of male players, with about 60% of players being male. However, the sport is enjoyed by both men and women, and the community is known for its inclusivity.
Places to Play and Court Numbers:
The USA Pickleball database expanded to 10,724 known locations in North America, with nearly 1,557 new locations added, averaging about 130 new locations per month. The total number of known pickleball courts reached 44,094.
By 2023, the United States boasts 10,724 registered pickleball venues, with an average addition of 130 new locations every month! In 2022, the total count of pickleball courts reached 44,094, marking a significant growth of 15.6% compared to the previous year.
- Naples, Florida, is renowned as the epicenter of Pickleball.
- In Washington state, pickleball is recognized as the official sport.Regarding pickleball venues, California leads with 794, closely followed by Florida with 770, and Texas with 519.
The following are the leading ten states in terms of pickleball venue numbers:
- California: 794
- Florida: 770
- Texas: 519
- North Carolina: 421
- New York: 400
- Illinois: 396
- Michigan: 377
- Pennsylvania: 357
- Washington: 348
- Ohio: 337
Tournaments and Championships:
- USA Pickleball sanctioned 237 tournaments, including the National Indoor Championships, the National Championships, and the first-ever Diamond Amateur Championship.
- The 2022 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships, held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, drew nearly 2,300 registered players, with professional players competing for $150,000 in prize money.
- The inaugural USA Pickleball Diamond Amateur Championship saw 1,193 registrants competing for a place in the 2023 National Championships.
Training and Education:
- The Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), USA Pickleball's teaching partner, has 4,300 members and conducted a record 202 workshops in 2022, with 1,935 participants.
- Updated educational resources include the 2023 Official Rulebook, the Officiating Handbook and Casebook, and the Ambassador Handbook.
Equipment and Facilities Development:
- The Equipment & Evaluation Committee approved 525 new paddles and 34 new balls in 2022.
- USA Pickleball is involved in the development of over $100M in new facilities, including more than 25 regional and sector-level venues.
Media Presence and Publicity:
- Pickleball was one of the hottest trends in the U.S. in 2022, receiving coverage from major media outlets like NBC’s The Today Show, CNBC, and ESPN, among others.
General Information about Pickleball:
- Played on a badminton-sized court, pickleball is easy to learn for beginners but can become a fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. It's popular across generations and in various settings, including schools and adult living communities.
Historical Context:
- 2023 marks the 58th anniversary of pickleball, which originated in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The game's name has an interesting origin story, linked either to a dog named Pickles or a "pickle boat" in crew.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many people play in a game of pickleball?
A game of pickleball can be played with either two players (singles) or four players (doubles). In singles, one player competes against another, while in doubles, two teams of two players each face off against each other.
- Is pickleball growing in popularity?
Pickleball has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity, particularly in the United States. Here are some key points highlighting its popularity:
Rapid Growth in Players: As of early 2023, there were 36.5 million pickleball players in the United States, a significant increase from previous years. This demonstrates the sport's rapidly expanding player base.
Wide Demographic Appeal: Pickleball attracts a diverse range of players, including both young adults and older players. Its popularity spans various age groups, making it a multi-generational sport.
Increase in Facilities: The number of places to play pickleball has grown substantially. As of 2023, there were over 10,000 known locations to play pickleball in the U.S., with new courts and facilities being added regularly.
Media Coverage and Cultural Presence: The sport has received considerable media attention, being featured in major news outlets and television shows. This media presence reflects its growing status in the cultural landscape.
Official Recognitions: In some areas, pickleball has been officially recognized and embraced. For example, it's the official state sport of Washington.
Tournaments and Professional Play: The sport hosts numerous tournaments, including national championships with significant prize money, indicating its growing professional stature.
International Growth: While particularly popular in North America, pickleball is also gaining traction internationally, with countries around the world adopting the sport.
- How many people play pickleball in 2024?
The 2023 APP Tour's report on pickleball engagement indicates that the United States boasts a player base of 36.5 million.
Separately, the SFIA conducted an independent assessment to calculate the player count in the US. It's important to recognize that their criteria for defining players may vary, leading to differences in the figures. The key highlight, however, is the significant upward trend in participation.
- Where is pickleball the most popular?
Pickleball is most popular in the United States, where it has seen exponential growth in recent years. This popularity can be attributed to several factors:
Widespread Player Base: The United States has millions of pickleball players, with estimates reaching over 36 million in recent years.
Abundance of Facilities: There are thousands of places to play pickleball across the U.S., with new courts and facilities being added regularly.
Organizational Support: The sport is backed by organizations like the USA Pickleball Association, which promotes the game, sanctions tournaments, and provides player ratings.
Tournaments and Leagues: The U.S. hosts numerous pickleball tournaments, including national championships with significant participation and media coverage.
Community Engagement: Pickleball has been embraced by communities across the U.S., popular in both recreational settings and competitive leagues.
Media Attention: The sport has received considerable media attention in the U.S., featuring in major news outlets and television shows.
- What's the typical age range for pickleball enthusiasts?
As of recent statistics, the typical age of someone who plays pickleball is 38.1, a decrease from the previous average of 41 years. This indicates a growing trend of younger individuals taking up the sport.
- What is the average age of pro pickleball players
The average age of professional pickleball players can vary widely, as the sport accommodates a broad range of ages at the professional level. Unlike some other sports where peak performance is often limited to younger athletes, professional pickleball sees a mix of younger players in their 20s and 30s as well as seasoned competitors who may be in their 40s or older.
While specific average age data for professional pickleball players is not commonly reported, the sport is notable for its inclusivity and the ability of players of various ages to compete at high levels. This diversity is one of the unique aspects of pickleball, making it appealing to a wide range of athletes.
For the most current and specific information regarding the demographics of professional pickleball players, it would be best to consult recent statistics from organizations such as the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) or the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), which may provide more detailed insights into the age ranges of top-level players.
- How extensive is pickleball's player base in the USA? How many pickleball players in the US?
By the close of 2022, the number of people playing pickleball in the United States had risen to 8.9 million. This reflects a significant increase of approximately 4.1 million players compared to the count in 2021.
- When did pickleball start gaining significant popularity?
The provided graph illustrates that pickleball's popularity began escalating around 2014, with a notable spike during the pandemic years. The period of 2020-21 witnessed a remarkable 39.3% growth, which was further surpassed by a growth of 85.7% in 2022.
- What is the income range for professional pickleball players?
On average, a professional player in the pickleball circuit earns about $50,000 annually. However, this figure can vary greatly depending on sponsorships and endorsements. With the sport's surging popularity, it's anticipated that these earnings will increase substantially in the coming years.
While the U.S. is the epicenter of pickleball's popularity, the sport is also gaining traction internationally, with countries in Europe, Asia, and other regions of the Americas increasingly adopting it.
- How to find pickleball players?
Finding pickleball players to connect with, whether you're a beginner looking for fellow enthusiasts or a more experienced player seeking competitive partners, can be accomplished through various methods. Sign up to our pick-up app to be the first to know!
- What is the pickleball market size?
The global pickleball market has shown significant growth and is expected to continue expanding. Here are the key statistics and projections:
Market Size in 2022: The global pickleball market was valued at USD 1322.91 million in 2022.
Projected Growth: The market is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.19%.
Future Market Size: By 2032, the global pickleball market is expected to be worth around USD 3,859.0 million, growing from USD 1,322.90 million in 2022. This represents a CAGR of 11.30% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032.
- How many people do you need to play pickleball?
To play a game of pickleball, you need either two or four people. The game can be played in two formats:
Singles: This format involves two players, one on each side of the net. It's a one-on-one match.
Doubles: This is the more popular format and involves four players, forming two teams of two. Each team occupies one side of the net.
Both singles and doubles follow the same basic rules of pickleball, with slight variations in strategy and court positioning. The flexibility in the number of players makes pickleball a versatile sport suitable for different group sizes.
- Why is pickleball so popular all of a sudden?
Pickleball's sudden popularity surge is due to its easy-to-learn nature, making it accessible to a wide age range. The sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, offering a fun and social experience. Its growth is also fueled by the increasing availability of pickleball courts and facilities. The COVID-19 pandemic further boosted its popularity as people sought safe, outdoor, socially-distanced activities. Media coverage and celebrity endorsements have raised its profile significantly. Additionally, pickleball's low-impact nature makes it attractive to those seeking physical activity without high injury risk. The sport's community-focused environment fosters a welcoming atmosphere for new players.
- Is pickleball a professional sport?
Yes, pickleball is considered a professional sport. Over the past few years, it has evolved from a recreational pastime to a sport with organized professional levels.
- Is pickleball a fad?
Pickleball's rise in popularity goes beyond a passing fad. It has seen a consistent increase in player numbers, indicating enduring interest. The sport's appeal across various age groups and skill levels adds to its sustainability. Investments in infrastructure, such as new courts, reflect a commitment to its growth. Organizational support from bodies like USA Pickleball provides structured governance. The emergence of professional leagues and tournaments lends further legitimacy. Additionally, its expanding global presence suggests a broader, lasting appeal.
- Is pickleball the fastest growing sport?
Pickleball is widely recognized as one of the fastest-growing sports, particularly in the United States. While pickleball's growth is particularly notable in the U.S., the sport is also gaining popularity internationally, suggesting a broader trend of increasing interest and participation in pickleball globally.
So what’s next?
- Understanding the Basics of Pickleball: Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net. Players use paddles, which are larger than ping-pong paddles, to hit a perforated plastic ball over the net. The rules are simple and easy for beginners to learn, making it accessible for all ages and skill levels.
- Equipment Needed: To start playing pickleball, you need a few basic items: a pickleball paddle and a pickleball ball.
- Finding a Place to Play: With the growing popularity of pickleball, finding a court is easier than ever. Many local parks, community centers, and sports clubs have dedicated pickleball courts. Websites like USA Pickleball Association provide a directory of places to play.
- Learning the Rules: Pickleball has a specific set of rules, but they are easy to grasp:
- Improving Your Skills: While pickleball is easy to start, mastering it takes practice.
- Joining a Community: One of the best aspects of pickleball is its vibrant community. Consider joining local clubs or online forums to meet other players, learn tips, and participate in local events or tournaments.
