Pickleball
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Pickleball: A Game for All Generations and America’s Fastest-Growing Sport
For the third consecutive year, pickleball has been crowned the fastest-growing sport in the United States. The 2024 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report by SFIA highlights the sport’s phenomenal expansion, with participation jumping by 51.8% from 2022 to 2023 and an incredible 223.5% over the past three years. Now, Pickleball is played by roughly 13.6 million Americans aged six and up.
Breaking Stereotypes: Pickleball’s Appeal Across Ages
Once dismissed as a pastime for retirees, pickleball has proven to be a sport for everyone. In 2023, the largest player demographic was adults aged 25-34, with 2.3 million participants—an age group typically associated with traditional team sports like basketball and soccer.
The sport’s growing popularity among younger players is equally striking. More than 1 million new participants under the age of 18 joined the ranks last year, ensuring a bright future for pickleball. Notably, every age bracket saw year-over-year increases, reinforcing the sport’s broad appeal. For example, participation among those aged 6-12 increased from 1.1 million in 2022 to 1.6 million in 2023, while those aged 65+ saw a significant rise from 1.7 million to 2.1 million.
What truly sets pickleball apart is its ability to bring together players from different generations. On courts across the country, grandparents play alongside grandchildren, and families discover a fun, active way to spend time together. This intergenerational connection makes pickleball much more than just a sport—it’s a social phenomenon.
Deepening Engagement: The Rise of Dedicated Players
Pickleball’s growth isn’t just about attracting more participants; it’s about cultivating a passionate and deeply engaged community. The number of core players who play regularly and demonstrate a solid commitment to the sport has skyrocketed, doubling with an impressive 111% increase between 2022 and 2023. These players aren’t just casual enthusiasts but the backbone of pickleball’s rapid rise, participating in leagues, tournaments, and regular social play sessions. This trend signals a profound cultural shift as more people transition from trying pickleball as a casual hobby to making it an integral part of their weekly routine.
The leap from casual to committed engagement is a hallmark of sustainability in sports, and pickleball is proving to have the staying power that few emerging sports achieve. CORE players are not only fueling demand for more courts and facilities but also driving the creation of local communities centered around the sport. The camaraderie and sense of belonging fostered on the court have turned pickleball into a lifestyle for many, further solidifying its position as a transformative force in recreational sports. This heightened level of dedication among players underscores the universal appeal of pickleball and its ability to create lasting connections, both on and off the court.
Tackling Infrastructure Challenges
With rapid growth comes growing pains, and pickleball is no exception. Despite a 55% increase in dedicated facilities and a 23% rise in total courts over the past year, the demand for playing spaces still outpaces supply. Urban areas, in particular, face significant shortages. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have doubled their per-capita court availability but still fall 92% below the national average.
The SFIA estimates that $855 million is needed to construct 24,500 new courts over the next five to seven years to bridge this gap. Without this investment, the sport’s growth could face roadblocks, especially in high-demand regions where players struggle to find courts.
Sustaining Momentum for the Long Haul
Pickleball’s sustained rise sets it apart from sports that experience only fleeting popularity. Its diverse player base and the rapid conversion of casual players to core participants suggest a sport with staying power. However, maintaining this momentum will require addressing player turnover—3.4 million participants left the sport in 2023—and creating more opportunities for engagement.
Indoor facilities also present a crucial area for growth. While outdoor courts make up 67% of the total, demand for indoor spaces is rising in regions with seasonal weather limitations. The expansion of multi-court "large-scale centers"—such as Naples Pickleball Center in Naples, FL, which boasts 64 courts—demonstrates the potential for large-scale venues to meet player needs.
The Legacy of Pickleball’s Growth
Pickleball’s explosive rise is a testament to its accessibility, versatility, and ability to foster community. It has created a social revolution, allowing people of all ages and abilities to come together on the court. Families can bond through a shared activity, friends reconnect through friendly competition, and entire communities are built around this accessible sport. Whether it’s grandparents teaching their grandchildren how to play, coworkers challenging each other during lunch breaks, or neighbors organizing weekend tournaments, pickleball’s impact extends beyond physical fitness—it strengthens relationships and fosters a sense of belonging. Its unique fun, fitness, and social connection combination has turned it into more than just a game. As the sport continues to evolve, its enduring appeal ensures it will remain a beloved activity for generations to come.
