How Many People Play Pickleball

How many people play pickleball? As someone who’s been watching the pickleball explosion unfold, I can tell you that the numbers are absolutely staggering. Moreover, what we’re seeing isn’t just a trend—it’s a complete transformation of sporting landscape.

In fact, 19.8 million Americans played pickleball in 2024, representing a jaw-dropping 311% increase over three years. Additionally, this makes pickleball the fastest-growing sport in America for four consecutive years running.

Let me paint you the bigger picture first. Currently, nearly 20 million Americans have picked up a paddle, which represents a massive jump from 13.6 million in 2023. Furthermore, globally, we’re looking at over 100 million people worldwide who have experienced this amazing sport.

“The U.S. leads the world with more than 40 million people who have tried pickleball at least once, making it a true American phenomenon that’s spreading globally.”

Interestingly, what started as a backyard game in 1965 has now become a global movement. Meanwhile, countries like Canada, Australia, and several European nations are rapidly building their own pickleball communities.

These participation numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent real opportunities. Specifically, more players means more courts, better equipment options, and stronger local communities. As a result, it’s never been easier to find quality paddles and gear to get started.

Now, let’s dive into the growth trends that are making headlines everywhere. Notably, pickleball grew by 45.8% from 2023 to 2024 in the U.S. alone. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

• Three-year growth: An incredible 311% increase since 2022
• Compound annual growth rate: Far outpaces tennis (5.9%) and golf (2.2%)
• Consistency: Double-digit growth for four consecutive years
• Momentum: No signs of slowing down despite the large base

Furthermore, what makes these numbers even more impressive is that growth is accelerating rather than plateauing. In contrast, most traditional sports are seeing flat or declining participation rates.

Based on feedback from players in the local pickleball community, players consistently mention how easy it is to find games now compared to just two years ago. Additionally, many players said that”the community has exploded in the best way possible” with more diverse age groups joining regularly.

According to Google Trends, interest in pickleball is especially strong in states like Utah, Arizona, Hawaii, Minnesota, and Florida. Among these, Utah leads with the highest number of search keywords related to pickleball. This shows that more people in Utah are curious about the sport, looking for places to play, equipment, and local events.

The rising popularity in these states reflects a nationwide trend, driven by pickleball’s easy-to-learn rules and its appeal to all ages. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, these regions offer growing communities and facilities. For mobile users, this means more local clubs, tournaments, and resources are just a quick search away.

If you’re interested in joining the pickleball craze, checking out local trends can help you find the best spots and connect with fellow enthusiasts near you.

Here’s where things get really interesting. While pickleball traditionally attracted older adults, the demographic landscape is completely shifting. Surprisingly, the largest age cohort in 2024 was 25-34 year-olds with 2.3 million participants.

Age Distribution Breakdown:

Under 18: Over 1 million new players (2022-2024)

25-34: 2.3 million players (largest group)

35-54: Fastest-growing segment

55+: Still strong, but no longer dominant

Moreover, we’re seeing two distinct player categories emerge:

Core Players (8+ sessions/year): Over 6 million dedicated enthusiasts

Casual Players (1-7 sessions/year): 13.6 million recreational participants

Consequently, this demographic shift is driving demand for different types of equipment. Core players often prefer high-performance carbon fiber paddles, while casual players look for affordable, Intermediate paddle, even beginner-friendly options.

Pickleball paddle preferences can vary by region. For example, in Langley, Canada, most players prefer well-known brands like Joola, CRBN, and Selkirk. Other brands have a smaller presence in this area. Meanwhile, in Scarborough, another Canadian city, players still favor these top brands, but many are also open to paddles in the $35–$90 price range, often purchased through e-commerce platforms.

In the Philippines, players tend to value affordable yet high-quality paddles, even if the brand isn’t widely recognized.

These insights reflect just a small sample of what I’ve observed in the global pickleball community.

In 2024 alone, over 18,000 new courts were added, bringing the national total to more than 70,000. This sport has been the fastest-growing in the U.S. for four years in a row.

While there isn’t a public official list of cities ranked by percentage growth, we can look at cities with major new court projects confirmed for 2024-2025. These cities are making big investments to add many new courts:

Cities with Significant New Court Projects (Late 2024 – Mid-2025 Status):

• Tuscaloosa, Alabama: This city is seeing a major expansion. A groundbreaking for 19 new courts at Bowers Park took place in April 2025, with completion expected by winter 2025. Additionally, a new YMCA pickleball facility held its ribbon-cutting ceremony in early June 2025, and two more city-funded courts were under construction downtown earlier this year.   
   
• Cypress, Texas (Houston area): Pickle Point USA expanded with 11 new indoor courts, which opened in mid-May 2025.   
   
• Cincinnati, Ohio: As part of a large campus upgrade for the Cincinnati Open, 6 new pickleball courts are planned for 2025.   
   
• Nantucket, Massachusetts: Jetties Beach completed a major reconstruction, adding 2 dedicated pickleball courts and 1 shared court. These courts were anticipated to open by Memorial Day Weekend 2025 and are now available.   
   
• Burnsville, Minnesota: The city is actively planning a new complex with 6 to 8 dedicated courts, with studies and concept designs underway as of April 2025, following council direction.   
   
• Seattle, Washington: Funding was secured in 2024 for the design and construction of 8-10 dedicated courts at Magnuson Park, with construction projected for 2026-2027.

Current Pickleball Court Numbers in Major U.S. Cities:

Here are the total court numbers for some major U.S. cities, according to Pickleheads, an official partner of USA Pickleball :  

• Houston, Texas: 362 courts
• Chicago, Illinois: 320 courts
• Cincinnati, Ohio: 309 courts
• San Diego, California: 258 courts
• Seattle, Washington: 249 courts
• New York, New York: 231 courts
• Austin, Texas: 215 courts

Even with all this growth, the demand for pickleball courts still often outpaces the supply in many areas.

The health benefits are often what initially attracts people. Specifically, pickleball offers a low-impact, full-body workout that’s easier on joints than tennis or basketball.

Physical Health Benefits:

🫀 Cardiovascular fitness: Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise

🤸 Flexibility and coordination: Improved balance and reflexes

💪 Muscle strength: Core, legs, and upper body engagement

🦴 Joint-friendly: Lower impact than running or tennis

Mental and Social Wellness:

However, what really sets pickleball apart is its incredible social component. According to local community feedback, players consistently mention how the sport has:

Social Benefits

• Reduced isolation
• Cross-generational friendships
• Inclusive community feeling
• Built-in social interaction

Mental Health

• Stress reduction
• Improved focus
• Confidence building
• Regular routine establishment

Some players even said that it had “completely transformed their social life” and helped them to build lasting friendships across age groups.

The economic numbers behind pickleball are staggering. Currently, the U.S. pickleball market surpassed $1.3 billion in 2022 and projections show it will exceed $2.3 billion by 2028.

Market Growth Drivers:

1. Equipment sales: Paddles, balls, and accessories
2. Court construction: New facilities and conversions
3. Tournament revenue: Professional and amateur competitions
4. Coaching services: Lessons and clinics
5. E-commerce growth: Over 50% of purchases now online

Notably, the e-commerce channel accounts for over half of paddle and ball purchases. This trend has created opportunities for specialized retailers like Paddlesshop to provide high-quality, affordable equipment directly to consumers.

Based on extensive research and player feedback, several key factors are driving this unprecedented growth. Most importantly, the ease of learning makes pickleball accessible to virtually everyone.

Primary Growth Catalysts:

-Accessibility Factors

1. Easy to learn: Basic rules mastered in 30 minutes
2. Affordable gear: Entry-level paddles start at $30-70
3. Small court footprint: Fits in existing tennis courts
4. Multi-generational appeal: Grandparents play with grandkids

– Media and Celebrity Influence

1. Celebrity endorsements: Tom Brady, LeBron James investments
2. Professional leagues: Major League Pickleball (MLP)
3. Media coverage: ESPN and major network broadcasting
4. Social media buzz: TikTok and Instagram content explosion

Additionally, the pandemic effect cannot be understated. With 10% of tennis courts being repurposed for pickleball, infrastructure grew rapidly during a time when people needed safe, outdoor activities.

Indoor/Outdoor Versatility

Moreover, pickleball’s year-round playability gives it a huge advantage over seasonal sports. Whether it’s indoor winter leagues or outdoor summer tournaments, players can maintain consistent activity levels.

The pickleball statistics for 2024 tell an incredible story of growth, community, and opportunity. With 19.8 million Americans already playing and 311% growth over three years, this isn’t just a trend—it’s a sporting revolution.

Whether you’re attracted by the health benefits, the welcoming community, or simply want to try something new, there’s never been a better time to start playing pickleball. The infrastructure is expanding rapidly, equipment is more accessible than ever, and communities everywhere are embracing this amazing sport.