Pickleball’s Rapid Growth Across U.S.: Pickleball, once a recreational activity for middle-aged Americans, has evolved into the fastest-growing sport in the country. With its surge in popularity, the sport is now demanding significant investment to meet the increasing number of participants and growing interest across the United States.
Industry Faces Massive Infrastructure Demands
The pickleball industry is projected to need $855 million to fund the construction of 24,500 new courts over the next five to seven years. This effort aims to accommodate the overwhelming demand generated by millions of players nationwide. Despite recent expansions in facilities and rapid urban growth, the U.S. is still lagging behind, with cities missing the mark by 92% from the national court density average.
- 55% increase in pickleball facilities across the U.S.
- 92% shortfall in court density from the national average.
- $855 million required to build 24,500 new courts.
Growth Rates Highlight Demand
According to the 2024 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the sport’s popularity has seen staggering growth. Between 2022 and 2023, participation rose by 51.8%, and over the past three years, it surged by an astounding 223.5%. As of 2023, pickleball participation has reached 13.6 million Americans aged six and older—on par with football in terms of national participation.
The sport is increasingly attracting professional players. With an 111% increase in professional players every year, pickleball is quickly transforming from a casual activity into a serious competitive sport.
A Changing Demographic
The age group with the highest participation last year was 25-34, a demographic traditionally dominated by other team sports such as American football and baseball. This shift signals that pickleball is not only attracting older generations but also younger athletes looking for a dynamic and growing sport.
- 111% growth in professional players annually.
- 2.3 million players in the 25-34 age group.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Rapid Growth Across U.S.
Pickleball’s rapid growth in the U.S. is pushing the industry to seek $855 million to fund the construction of 24,500 new pickleball courts over the next five to seven years. Participation in the sport rose by 51.8% from 2022 to 2023, with 13.6 million Americans now playing. The sport is rapidly shifting from a leisure activity to a professional pursuit, as shown by a 111% increase in professional players annually.
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