Pickleball continues to grow fast in Washington, even as players face challenges with outdoor courts and rainy weather. The indoor Puyallup Paddle Battle this June and several new indoor centers show how the state is adapting. Washington’s love for pickleball is stronger than ever.
Washington has been a big part of the pickleball story. The sport began on Bainbridge Island near Seattle in 1965. Over the past five years, pickleball has become one of the most played sports in the state. Many people in the Puget Sound region now play the game regularly.
A Fast-Growing Sport
Pickleball was named the fastest-growing sport in the United States for the third year in a row, based on the Sports and Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report. From 2022 to 2023, the number of players grew by 51.8%. Over the last three years, growth has reached 224%. All age groups played more pickleball during this time.
In May 2023, Seattle had the most pickleball courts per 100,000 people in the country. Since then, Louisville, Kentucky, Madison, Wisconsin, and Honolulu, Hawaii, have moved ahead.
Indoor Courts on the Rise
The biggest problem for players in the Puget Sound region is the rain. Most of the courts are outside, which makes playing tough for much of the year. That’s why the indoor Puyallup Paddle Battle is exciting for many.
New indoor pickleball centers are also opening around Seattle. In December, Side Out Pickleball Centers launched the area’s first indoor-only pickleball facility. The company plans to open a larger 26-court center in South Seattle later this year.
Picklr, a pickleball company owned by former National Football League quarterback Drew Brees, recently opened a location in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. It took over the space that once belonged to Theo Chocolate.
In April, Pickleball Kingdom shared plans to open a 40,000-square-foot indoor center in Lynnwood. The new facility will be located at 3115 196th Street SW, where a Bed Bath and Beyond store used to be.
Why It Matters
Pickleball’s fast growth in Washington shows no signs of slowing down. Even with rainy weather, indoor events like the Puyallup Paddle Battle and new centers in Seattle and Lynnwood are helping more people play year-round. The state’s deep connection to the sport continues to shape its future.
News in Brief: Indoor Puyallup Paddle Battle
Pickleball is rising in Washington, where it began in 1965. Though rain limits outdoor play, indoor growth is solving the problem. Seattle and nearby cities are opening new centers, and the upcoming indoor Puyallup Paddle Battle gives fans a new place to play. Interest keeps growing across all age groups.
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