Pickleball Growth Hits Record High in 2025: Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, with 19.8 million participants in 2025, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). The sport has grown by 311% over the past three years, attracting players of all ages and skill levels.
Participation Skyrockets Across All Levels
The SFIA report highlights a 45.8% increase in pickleball participation since 2023. The number of amateur players has surged to 13.6 million, a 55.6% rise over two years, while those aiming to go professional now total 6.2 million, up 28.2% from the previous year.
Since the first study of pickleball’s growth in 2019, participation has steadily increased. From 3.46 million players in 2019, the number rose to 13.58 million in 2023 and then jumped to 19.81 million in 2024. The sport’s average annual growth rate of 43.9% outpaces any other recreational sport in the country.
Key Factors Driving the Surge
The report points to several factors fueling pickleball’s rapid rise. The game’s accessibility attracts players of all ages, while simple rules and smaller court sizes make it easy to learn.
As demand has surged, more pickleball courts have been built across the country. Community parks, recreation centers, and private clubs have added courts, and many underutilized tennis courts have been converted to meet growing interest.
The sport is also recognized as a great cardiovascular workout, leading to the construction of dedicated courts in residential communities.
A Rising Professional Sport
While pickleball remains a popular recreational activity, its growth as a professional sport is just as impressive. The backing of business conglomerates, high-profile investors, and sponsors has led to bigger tournaments with large prize pools. Many former tennis players have also joined the professional pickleball circuit.
With a rapidly growing player base, pickleball is reshaping both recreational and professional sports in the United States. Its mix of community engagement and high-level competition could soon make it America’s favorite racquet sport.
News in Brief: Pickleball Growth Hits Record High in 2025
PAickleball participation in the U.S. has soared to 19.8 million in 2025, a 311% increase over the past three years, according to the SFIA. The rise in amateur and professional players has led to more courts and bigger tournaments, pushing pickleball toward becoming America’s top racquet sport.
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