Pickleball’s Global Rise: Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports, has seen significant growth in the United States and Australia. The United States has led the charge with millions of players, while Australia is catching up quickly.
Pickleball Growth in the United States
The United States has been the epicenter of pickleball’s rise. Between 2020 and 2023, pickleball participation grew by an impressive 223.5%, reaching 13.6 million players in 2023, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. The sport has become the fastest-growing sport in the country for three consecutive years.
Several factors have contributed to pickleball’s rapid growth in the U.S.:
- Pickleball Courts: More than 44,000 courts have been built across the nation to accommodate the growing demand for the sport.
- Age Demographics: Initially popular among players aged 55 and older, pickleball now attracts younger players. The age group 25-34 years represents 2.3 million of these participants.
- Professional Tournaments: The growth of professional leagues like Major League Pickleball (MLP) and celebrity investments, including those from LeBron James and Tom Brady, have significantly fueled national interest.
- Low Barrier to Entry: Pickleball is easy to learn and accessible to all ages, making it a social, community-friendly sport.
Pickleball Growth in Australia
While pickleball in Australia is still relatively new, the sport is experiencing rapid expansion. In 2023, only 20,000 Australians were playing pickleball, but by 2024, that number soared to 90,000 players.
Key factors driving pickleball’s growth in Australia include:
- Clubs and Venues: Over 255 pickleball clubs are now registered, and thousands of new courts are under development across the country.
- Media Attention: News outlets have sparked public interest in the sport.
- Demographics: The average age of Australian players is 58, making pickleball an attractive alternative to tennis for older individuals.
- Urban Expansion: Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are seeing a surge in court development to meet the growing demand.
Key Differences Between Pickleball in the U.S. and Australia
While both countries are experiencing growth in pickleball participation, there are notable differences between the U.S. and Australia. The United States currently has over 13.6 million players, whereas Australia’s player base has reached over 90,000.
The U.S. has seen a 223.5% growth in participation from 2020 to 2023, while Australia experienced an even higher growth rate of about 400% from 2023 to 2024. The U.S. has a much younger player demographic, with the largest age group being 25-34 years, while Australian players are primarily 50+ years old.
The number of pickleball courts in the U.S. far exceeds Australia’s current offerings. However, Australia is catching up, with thousands of new courts being built to meet the increasing demand.
Professional leagues like Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the APP Tour dominate the U.S. scene, while Australia’s professional scene is still emerging. Media coverage and celebrity sponsorships in the U.S. have significantly boosted the sport’s visibility, and Australia is starting to experience similar sponsorship growth.
Future of Pickleball in the U.S. and Australia
In the United States, pickleball’s professional scene will continue to expand, with more tournaments and sponsorships fueling its mainstream appeal. Additionally, new dedicated pickleball facilities are being built at a fast pace. The sport is set to remain a fixture in the U.S. sports landscape, and the growth is expected to continue in the coming years.
In Australia, the sport is still in its early stages but has enormous growth potential. With more clubs forming and cities investing in new courts, participation is expected to exceed 150,000 players by 2025. Additionally, the integration of pickleball into schools and local sports programs will help accelerate its rise in popularity.
Pickleball’s rapid growth in the United States and Australia shows that it is a sport with universal appeal. Whether in the U.S., where professional leagues and widespread participation are rising, or in Australia, where the sport is expanding rapidly, it is clear that pickleball has a bright future in both countries.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Global Rise
Pickleball is rising in the U.S. and Australia, with the U.S. leading with 13.6 million players and more than 44,000 courts. Australia has seen impressive growth, increasing from 20,000 to 90,000 players in just one year. Both countries are rapidly developing the sport, with professional tournaments gaining momentum.
ALSO READ: Vaughan’s Best Pickleball Training and League for Women Kicks Off This March!
