Pickleball’s Explosive Growth: For the third consecutive year, pickleball has been recognized as America’s fastest-growing sport. According to the 2024 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the number of participants surged by 51.8% from 2022 to 2023, and an incredible 223.5% over the past three years.
Explosive Growth in Participation
This growth has brought the total number of players to approximately 13.6 million Americans aged six and older, nearly matching outdoor soccer’s 14.1 million participants. The report highlights that the number of “CORE” players—defined as highly engaged, repeat participants—grew by an astonishing 111% year-over-year. This shift indicates a movement from casual play to committed participation, establishing a solid foundation for the sport.
Changing Demographics
Traditionally seen as a game for retirees, pickleball’s demographic has shifted significantly. In 2023, the largest age group of players was 25 to 34 years old, with 2.3 million players. This age group typically dominates traditional team sports. Additionally, over 1 million new players under 18 have joined, showcasing the sport’s growing appeal among youth.
The increase in players across all age groups dispels the myth that pickleball is only for older adults. This wide demographic range reflects the sport’s versatility and accessibility.
Challenges in Infrastructure
Despite the impressive growth in participation, there is a stark infrastructure deficit. The number of dedicated pickleball facilities has increased by 55%, with total courts growing by 23% year-over-year. However, urban areas still face a shortage of dedicated courts. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have made progress but remain significantly below the national average for court density.
According to the SFIA report, an estimated $855 million is needed to fund 24,500 new courts over the next five to seven years. This investment is crucial to prevent bottlenecks in the sport’s growth, particularly in areas where demand for courts outpaces supply.
Sustaining Player Engagement
While pickleball has a strong and diverse player base, maintaining momentum is crucial. The sport’s ability to retain players is under scrutiny, as participant churn reached 3.4 million in 2023. Converting casual players into CORE participants will be essential to sustaining growth.
The rising demand for indoor facilities is also notable, especially in regions where weather limits outdoor play. Currently, 67% of courts are outdoor, but indoor facilities have lagged behind with a growth rate of only 14%. Multi-court facilities, like the 32-court Rhythm & Rally in Macon, GA, set a new standard for accommodating growing player numbers.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Explosive Growth
Pickleball has been named America’s fastest-growing sport for the third consecutive year, with participation surging 51.8% from 2022 to 2023, totaling approximately 13.6 million players. The sport’s demographic is shifting, attracting younger players, but infrastructure lags behind, with a need for 24,500 new courts and an estimated $855 million in funding to support continued growth and player engagement.
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