America’s Pickleball Capitals: New research by vehicle rental company SIXT has named the five most pickleball-obsessed cities in the United States. The study ranked cities based on the number of pickleball courts, sports stores, and online searches related to the sport. The top cities include Cincinnati, Mesa, Austin, Charlotte, and Seattle.
Cincinnati, Ohio, Leads the Pack
Cincinnati, Ohio, is ranked as the top city in the U.S. for pickleball players. It has 295 courts and 86 sports stores that support the game. The city also has the highest number of online searches related to pickleball. Tampa native Rachel Rohrabacher, a professional player, now lives in Cincinnati and enjoys the city’s strong pickleball culture.
Mesa, Arizona, Is a Close Second
Mesa, Arizona comes in second place with 257 pickleball courts and 74 sports stores. It has become a major spot for pickleball fans. Craig Johnson, a well-known pickleball player from Mesa, made history by breaking the longest dink rally in Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) history in a match against Ben Johns.
Austin, Texas Ranks Third
Austin, Texas takes third place with 216 courts and 164 sports stores. It is also the current home of Ben Johns, one of the greatest pickleball players in the world. Lauren “Lo” May, a social media pickleball star, also lives in Austin, adding to the city’s growing popularity in the sport.
Charlotte, North Carolina in the Top Five
Charlotte, North Carolina is next on the list with 227 courts and 74 sports stores. The city is home to PPA Tour players Edward Perez and Chris Patrick. Charlotte’s pickleball community continues to grow, offering many places to play and buy gear.
Seattle, Washington Completes the List
Seattle, Washington rounds out the top five with 167 courts and 94 sports stores. The city has a strong pickleball community. Kyle Whatnall, a professional player and coach who moved from California, is now part of Seattle’s active scene.
Pickleball’s Rising Popularity
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. Cities like Cincinnati and Mesa are becoming major centers for the game. The growing number of courts and stores shows how popular the sport has become. As more people get involved, these cities will likely see even more growth in the pickleball community.
News in Brief: America’s Pickleball Capitals
A new study by SIXT names Cincinnati, Mesa, Austin, Charlotte, and Seattle as the most pickleball-obsessed cities in the U.S. Rankings were based on courts, stores, and online searches. Famous players like Ben Johns and Rachel Rohrabacher live in these cities, boosting their pickleball reputations.