Pickleball Statistics For 2024: Everything To Know About America's Fastest Growing Sport

Remember the first time you heard someone mention pickleball? Maybe you thought it was a joke. Maybe you dismissed it as another pandemic fad that would fade away like sourdough bread starters and virtual happy hours. 

Or perhaps you wondered why anyone would name a sport after a briny cucumber…

Now, this fast-paced paddle sport has exploded into a national phenomenon, with more than 48.3 million Americans joining the movement. That's right — pickleball participation has skyrocketed by 223.5% in just three years.

But these numbers are just the beginning. From Silicon Valley tech executives to retired teachers in Florida, pickleball is transforming how Americans think about sports and community. Even more surprising? The average player isn't who you'd expect.

Quick Stats Snapshot

• 48.3M total players in the US
• 223.5% growth in 3 years
• Average player age: 34.8 years
• 50,003 courts nationwide
• $152.8M paddle market size
• 47 major tournaments in 2023

Total Number of Pickleball Players

The latest research from the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) reveals staggering numbers. A whopping 48.3 million adult Americans – nearly 19% of the total adult population – played pickleball at least once in the past year. 

That's more than the entire population of Spain.

Let's break down these participation numbers:

• 14% of Americans played at least once
• 8.5 million people played eight or more times
• 45% say they plan to play more in the next 6 months

The sport's growth shows no signs of slowing down. Participation has increased by 35% since August 2022, when player numbers reached 36.5 million. 

To put this explosive growth in perspective, pickleball has outpaced the adoption rates of both golf and tennis combined.

Want the most remarkable part? The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) reports an average growth rate of 223.5% over the last three years - numbers that make other "trending" sports look like they're standing still.

Other Key Pickleball Statistics

The pure player numbers only tell part of the story. What's happening behind the scenes is equally impressive.

Infrastructure Growth:

• 50,003 pickleball courts nationwide
• 1,000+ new playing locations added in 2023
• 130 new locations opening every month
• $300M invested in new facilities last year

Community Impact:

• 2,144 USA Pickleball Ambassadors
• 78,766 USA Pickleball members
• 227 certified referees
• 69 community grants awarded
• 92 youth program grants distributed

Equipment & Standards:

• 1,185 new paddle designs approved in 2023
• 92 new ball designs certified
• Updated official rulebook released
• New training materials developed for coaches

Pickleball Players By Age

Forget everything you thought you knew about pickleball's age demographic. While the sport gained early popularity among retirees, today's average player is just 34.8 years old — down significantly from 41 years in 2020.

The fastest-growing segment? Players between 18 and 34 now make up the largest age group, representing 28.8% of all players nationwide. This dramatic shift has transformed local courts into multi-generational gathering spots where college students rally alongside their parents.

Recent statistics show particularly strong growth among young professionals. More than 70% of dedicated players (those playing at least monthly) fall between ages 18 and 44, with the 25-34 age bracket leading the charge at 40% of regular players.

Key age breakdowns:

• Ages 18-24: Fastest-growing segment with 21% annual growth
• Ages 25-34: Largest active player segment
• Ages 35-44: 86% growth since August 2022

This youth movement hasn't pushed out older players — it's simply expanded the sport's reach. Pickleball's unique ability to level the playing field between ages remains one of its strongest selling points, especially for families looking for activities they can enjoy together.

Pickleball Players By Region

The APP's latest research shows pickleball's grip on America isn't evenly distributed. The sport has taken hold in some regions with surprising intensity, creating distinct "pickleball hotspots" across the country.

The South Atlantic region leads the charge with over 1.08 million players. This powerhouse territory, including Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, accounts for nearly a quarter of all pickleball participation nationwide. Meanwhile, the West North Central region (including states like Kansas and Minnesota) showed the fastest growth at 29.8% year-over-year.

Here's where it gets interesting: just ten metropolitan areas account for 45% of all pickleball participation. New York City and Los Angeles alone comprise more than 21% of the country's total players. The numbers tell a compelling story:

• New York: 11.3% of the local population plays (5.5M players)
• Los Angeles: 9.6% of residents have picked up a paddle (4.7M players)
• Dallas-Fort Worth: 5.2% of the population plays (2.5M players)

Middle America isn't sitting on the sidelines, though. States like Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas are emerging as major drivers of the sport's recent explosive growth. 

Even more surprising? Some of the most passionate pickleball communities are sprouting up in unexpected places like Wichita and Knoxville.

5 U.S. Cities With The Most Pickleball Courts

The urban pickleball scene has exploded, with major cities racing to meet the growing demand for court space. New York City leads the pack with 58 places to play, transforming everything from abandoned tennis courts to rooftop spaces into pickleball havens.

Houston claims second place with 51 pickleball locations. The city's innovative approach includes converting underutilized parking lots and creating dedicated pickleball complexes in public parks. Local players particularly love the indoor options that escape the Texas heat.

Seattle, with 48 locations, holds a special place in pickleball history. As the sport's birthplace (invented on nearby Bainbridge Island in 1965), the city continues to honor its legacy by incorporating courts into nearly every neighborhood recreation center.

Atlanta and Denver round out the top five with 44 and 43 locations, respectively. Both cities have embraced the "pickleball-first" design in their newest recreational facilities, moving away from the traditional tennis court conversion model.

Fun fact: Many of these cities now require pickleball courts in new residential developments, similar to how swimming pools became standard amenities decades ago. Some apartment complexes even advertise their pickleball paddle lending programs as a resident perk. 

Pickleball Market Size And Projected Growth

Follow the money, and you'll see why major investors are betting big on America's fastest-growing sport. The pickleball market has become a powerhouse, with the paddle sector alone reaching $152.8 million in 2022.

Industry analysts predict even bigger things ahead. The market is expected to grow at a 7.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2028, potentially reaching $253.8 million in paddle sales alone. 

But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Consider these market indicators:

• $300 million invested in new facility development last year
• Major sporting goods retailers reporting 100%+ growth in pickleball equipment sales
• Professional tournaments offering prize pools reaching $9-11 million annually

Big brands are taking notice, too. Traditional tennis companies are pivoting to meet demand, while specialized pickleball manufacturers like Canyon are innovating with new paddle designs. Even athletic wear giants are launching pickleball-specific clothing lines.

The sport's economic impact extends beyond equipment sales. Pickleball tourism is emerging as a significant market force, with destinations like Naples, Florida, and Indian Wells, California, hosting major tournaments that draw thousands of visitors and millions in local revenue.

Number of Professional Pickleball Tournaments

Professional pickleball has evolved far beyond casual weekend tournaments. In 2023, the sport saw 47 major professional tournaments across the country, with three major leagues leading the charge: the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), Major League Pickleball (MLP), and the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP).

These aren't small-time events anymore. The combined prize pool for 2023 tournaments reached $9-11 million, attracting elite athletes from other sports. Former tennis pros, table tennis champions, and even NBA athletes are switching to professional pickleball.

Television coverage has exploded, too. The 2023 National Championships drew over 2.6 million viewers across ESPN, Tennis Channel, and PickleballTV. The tournament attracted 3,500 registered players and 50,000 spectators, with peak attendance hitting 9,500 fans in a single day.

What makes these tournaments unique is their accessibility. Unlike many professional sports, pickleball tournaments feature amateur brackets alongside professional divisions. 

Statistics On Professional Pickleball Players

The professional pickleball scene is experiencing a revolution of its own. The average pro player now earns around $50,000 annually from tournament winnings alone — and that's before counting sponsorship deals, coaching fees, and exhibition matches.

Top players are reaching celebrity status in the sport. Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters dominate the rankings across multiple divisions, with both players holding top spots in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. 

Their success has helped establish professional pickleball as a viable career path for young athletes.

The PPA Tour rankings reveal interesting patterns:

Singles Competition:

• Men's top earner: $124,000 in 2023
• Women's top earner: $118,000 in 2023
• Average prize money per tournament: $25,000-$75,000

But it's not just about prize money anymore. Professional players are building personal brands, launching signature paddle lines, and creating training academies. Some pros report annual earnings exceeding $250,000 when including all revenue streams.

Other Fun Pickleball Facts

Ever wonder where pickleball got its quirky name? The origin story depends on who you ask. Some say it was named after the inventor's dog, Pickles. 

Others claim it references the "pickle boat" in crew rowing, where leftover rowers would compete together — much like how pickleball combines elements of different sports.

Speaking of surprising facts, pickleball is now the official state sport of Washington, where it was invented in 1965. Those three dads who created the game on Bainbridge Island probably never imagined their backyard invention would become America's fastest-growing sport.

Here are some other fascinating tidbits:

• The "kitchen" (non-volley zone) extends 7 feet from each side of the net
• A regulation pickleball weighs between .78 and .935 ounces
• The sport is played in all 50 states and over 70 countries
• More Americans now play pickleball than tennis and racquetball combined

The sport even has its own magazine, with eight issues published annually. And for those wondering about equipment durability — while most players replace their paddles every 6-12 months, some Canyon models have been known to last well beyond that with proper care.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What equipment do I need to start playing pickleball?

The basics include a paddle, balls, and comfortable athletic shoes. While you can find paddles at various prices, we recommend starting with a quality mid-range option like Canyon's beginner-friendly models. They offer the perfect balance of control and power for new players without breaking the bank.

 

How much does it cost to get started in pickleball?

Entry costs are surprisingly affordable. Most public courts are free or charge minimal fees ($5-10). A good starter paddle from Canyon runs $50, balls cost about $10-15 for a pack of three, and you probably already own suitable athletic wear.

All in, you can get everything you need to play with a friend for under $100.

 

What's the best pickleball paddle for beginners?

Look for a mid-weight paddle (7.3-8.4 oz) with a medium-sized grip. Canyon's starter series is particularly popular among beginners because they're engineered for forgiveness while maintaining good ball control. Just starting out with pickleball and need to learn more? This article has everything you need.  

How long does it take to learn pickleball?

Most people can learn the basic rules and start playing games within an hour or two. Mastering the sport takes longer, but that's part of the fun! The learning curve is gentler than tennis, making it perfect for players of all athletic backgrounds.

Is pickleball a good workout?

Absolutely! An hour of recreational play can burn 250-400 calories. The sport combines cardio with strength and agility training while being easier on your joints than many other racquet sports. This makes pickleball a great way to burn calories.

What age is best to start playing pickleball?

There's no perfect age to start! While the average player is 34.8 years old, people of all ages enjoy the sport. The youngest professional players started in their teens, while many active players are well into their 70s and 80s.

Game, Set, Stats: The Future of Pickleball

The numbers don't lie - pickleball isn't just having a moment; it's creating a movement. With 48.3 million players and counting, this sport has transcended its humble beginnings to become a cultural phenomenon.

But perhaps the most exciting statistics are the ones yet to be written. New courts are breaking ground daily, professional prize purses are growing exponentially, and innovative equipment manufacturers like Canyon continue to push the boundaries of paddle technology.

What makes pickleball truly special isn't just its explosive growth or impressive participation numbers. It's the community that forms around those 44x20-foot courts. It's the friendships forged between players of different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. 

It's the accessibility of a sport that welcomes everyone from curious beginners to competitive athletes.

So whether you're analyzing the market projections or simply counting the number of players at your local courts, one thing is clear: pickleball's future is as bright as its present is impressive. 

The only remaining question is: when will we see you on the courts?