Secret Behind Pickleball Popularity: Pickleball is becoming more than just a sport. Across the United States, it is now a way for people to make friends, stay active, and feel part of a community. With 19.8 million players in 2024, it’s now the fastest-growing sport in America for four years in a row.
The sport, which started in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, is now played everywhere — from hotels and parks to churches and resorts. People of all ages are joining in, and it’s changing how many spend their time outside of work and home.
A growing space for connection
For Noelle Mandell, pickleball was a way to find connection after moving from Houston to New Orleans.
“The game itself is super fun — I love playing and learning — but it’s the people who keep me coming back to the court,” said Noelle Mandell. “What I admire most about pickleball is how it brings such eclectic people together. … Once the game starts, all that matters is the play.”
This sense of belonging is what draws many people in. Pickleball is easy to learn and doesn’t need a lot of money or experience to play. It’s turning into what many call a “third space” — a regular place outside of home and work to meet others.
More than just matches
Andy Peeke, a pickleball lead at Life Time in New York City, said the club has become much more than just a place to play. He’s seen it become a full community.
“[The club] has become a fully fledged community hub,” said Andy Peeke. “We’ve got birthday parties, corporate events and sub-groups of players who also play poker, run marathons, organize religious and cultural gatherings. … Members travel together.”
He added: “It’s so much more than just a game.”
Amrita Bhasin, who moved to Portland, Maine, also found friendship through the sport.
“The pickleball league was more social than athletic, and it enabled me to make new friends in a city I had just moved to, which was fun,” said Amrita Bhasin. “[It] gave us a regular recurring space to meet. It feels almost like a social or country club vibe.”
Stephanie McCaffrey started Pickle Pop in Santa Monica, California. Her goal was to build a fun place where people feel welcome, not just compete.
“With Pickle Pop, we didn’t just want to create a place to play — we wanted to build a fun, welcoming vibe where everyone feels included and the experience goes beyond just the game,” said Stephanie McCaffrey.
She explained that her pro sports and finance background helped create a space with style. “The moment you walk in, it feels joyful,” she said. “You can tell right away this isn’t your average pickleball spot.”
Her events — like Sunday Funday and Pride Parties — help new players feel at ease. “Pickleball is such an easy way to connect; it brings people together around a shared interest,” she added.
Pickleball clubs with a twist
David Gutstadt, CEO of Ballers, is opening new sports clubs in places like Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Boston. These spaces include not just courts but also saunas, cold plunges, and places to eat and hang out.
“The social areas bleed into the courts,” said David Gutstadt. “Whether playing a match, grabbing a drink or chatting on the sidelines, the experience is built around connection at every touchpoint.”
At the San Diego Mission Bay Resort, pickleball is now a top feature.
“There is sort of an addiction to people playing pickleball — they just can’t seem to get enough,” said Amanda Freier, the resort’s marketing director. “The great thing is that it’s an easy sport to pick up … even if people haven’t been active in a while.”
She added that one guest even met her boyfriend on the courts. They now visit the resort to celebrate their anniversary.
In Arizona, physical therapist and coach Landon Uetz said he has seen strong friendships grow through the game.
“It has become many players’ identity, and they structure their week around when they are going to be at the courts and who they are going to play with,” said Landon Uetz.
All ages welcome
Pickleball is also popular with teens like 17-year-old Alexis Brady, who plays monthly with family and friends in Malvern, Pennsylvania.
“At our charity event, adults and teens were paired together who didn’t know each other,” said Alexis Brady. “It was a great opportunity to meet new people.”
Many like how easy and affordable it is to start playing. It doesn’t need as much running as tennis and can be played in small spaces.
“You can play with your whole family,” said Stephanie McCaffrey.
Amrita Bhasin even taught her father and brother to play after learning the game in Maine.
David Gutstadt said he’s not surprised the sport is growing.
“Pickleball has become a social ritual and a regular part of people’s wellness routines,” said David Gutstadt. “What started as a fun, approachable way to stay active has evolved into something people of all ages and backgrounds now come back to week after week.”
In New York, Andy Peeke agrees. “If I have something fun that I do on a regular basis, then I’m going to keep doing that — and that fun thing for me is pickleball,” he said.
He recently went to Tanzania with other Life Time members to compete in a tournament.
“We all had a blast and plan on doing it again next year,” said Andy Peeke.
News in Brief: Secret Behind Pickleball Popularity
Pickleball has become America’s fastest-growing sport, drawing over 19.8 million players in 2024. Loved for its easy rules and welcoming feel, it’s now a way to make friends, build community, and stay active. Players of all ages are enjoying its fun mix of sport and social connection.