Pickleball: nearly 50 million players in the United States, a historic sporting phenomenon

Pickleball continues its meteoric rise in the United States. According to a joint study conducted by APP Tour and YouGov , 48.3 million Americans played pickleball at least once in the past 12 months , bringing the sport closer to the symbolic threshold of 50 million players .

This figure confirms an undeniable reality: pickleball has become one of the most popular sports in the country , profoundly transforming the American sporting landscape.

A spectacular growth of pickleball in the United States

Record participation figures

With nearly one in five Americans having played pickleball in the past year, the sport has reached unprecedented levels of popularity. In just a few years, it has gone from a niche pastime to a mass sport , present in almost every major city and many rural areas.
The sport's penetration rate is remarkable, with more and more new players equipping themselves, notably with a beginner's pickleball kit.

This growth is all the more impressive as it is not based solely on casual players: a significant proportion of these 48.3 million players play regularly, sometimes several times a week.

The fastest growing sport in the country

For several consecutive years, pickleball has consistently been ranked as the fastest-growing sport in the United States . This momentum surpasses that of historically well-established disciplines such as tennis, golf, or recreational basketball.

Why is pickleball attracting so many new players?

A sport accessible to all levels

One of the main drivers of this explosion in popularity is pickleball's accessibility . The rules are simple, the court is small, and the equipment remains affordable. In just a few minutes, a beginner can hit balls and have fun, without going through a long learning curve.

A social and intergenerational game

Pickleball is also a deeply social sport . Mostly played in doubles, it fosters interaction, camaraderie, and the creation of local communities. On the same court, it's not uncommon to see students, working professionals, and retirees playing together.

This intergenerational dimension is unique in the American sports landscape and largely explains the players' lasting attachment.

The impact of the pandemic and social media

The Covid-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst. A sport that can be played outdoors and is adaptable to urban spaces, pickleball exploded in popularity during lockdowns.

Subsequently, social media amplified the phenomenon, with viral videos, tutorials, spectacular matches and specialized content creators.

Profile of American pickleball players

A practice that is increasingly popular among young people.

Contrary to popular belief, pickleball is no longer just for seniors. The average age of players is now under 35. Those aged 18–44 make up the majority of regular players , with a strong presence of those aged 25–34.

Universities, campuses, and amateur leagues play a key role in this rapid rejuvenation of the community.

Male/female distribution

Pickleball attracts a relatively balanced population, with approximately 60% men and 40% women among regular players. Women's participation is growing every year, supported by increased visibility of women's competitions and professional players.

A national presence, dominated by large cities

Major American cities, particularly New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and Phoenix, concentrate a significant portion of the players. However, pickleball is now present in all 50 states , including rural areas where traditional sports infrastructure is sometimes limited.

The impact of pickleball on professional sport

Rapid structuring of professional circuits

The rise of amateur pickleball has naturally led to the development of professional pickleball . Several major circuits now organize high-profile tournaments, with structured schedules and constantly increasing prize money.

Some professional players now live exclusively from pickleball, thanks to prize money, sponsors and personal sponsorship contracts.

The arrival of the media and celebrities

The broadcasting of matches on national sports channels and the involvement of famous athletes have helped to establish pickleball as a spectator sport . This media coverage attracts new fans, but also long-term investors.

The economic boom of pickleball

Explosion of the equipment market

Paddle, balls, nets, shoes, apparel: the pickleball equipment market is experiencing double-digit growth. Numerous specialized brands have emerged, while major sporting goods manufacturers are investing heavily in this segment.

massive infrastructure development

The United States now has tens of thousands of pickleball courts , with several thousand new courts being built each year.

Municipal parks, private clubs, indoor complexes, hybrid leisure centers: pickleball is establishing itself as a driver of local investment.

Tournaments, sports tourism and jobs

Competitions generate direct economic benefits: registrations, accommodation, catering, local entertainment. Pickleball also creates new jobs: coaches, referees, club managers, event organizers.

What is the future of pickleball in the United States?

Growth that is far from over

Data shows that many casual gamers want to increase their playing frequency. This intention suggests continued growth , although the pace may gradually stabilize.

The challenges to be met

The main short-term challenge remains the saturation of playing fields in certain urban areas. Noise management, the sharing of infrastructure with other sports, and the training of qualified coaches will also be key issues.

Towards international recognition?

With its development outside the United States and the increasing organization of international competitions, pickleball could eventually aim for wider, even institutional, global recognition.

Pickleball, much more than a trend

With nearly 50 million players in the United States , pickleball is no longer just a fad. It has become a major sporting, social, and economic phenomenon , capable of bringing together all generations around an accessible, fun, and competitive sport.

For pickleball fans, the future looks exciting: more courts, more tournaments, more visibility… and above all, more and more players on the courts.