As pickleball continues to be America’s fastest-growing sport, the numbers associated with the growth are unbelievable.
The majority of the twenty million players were casual players, defined as those who play 1 to 7 times per year. This segment experienced a 55.6% increase from 2023. The remaining approximately 6.2 million participants were core players, characterized by playing eight or more times per year, representing a 28.2% increase from 2023.
The rest of us (the dedicated crazy ones) play 5 – 7 days a week and multiple times per day.
What in the dink is going on and why is the sport of Pickleball growing so fast?
Pickleball transcends age barriers
Once seen as a retiree sport, it now attracts players of all ages. In 2024 the average age of those playing pickleball was 34.8. With each year passing, the average player age continues to decrease. Tournaments, open play, and leagues now provide groups for all ages. Kids as young as five and people over one hundred can enjoy playing together. This sport strengthens family bonds by allowing members to spend time and create shared experiences together. There is nothing better than seeing family members laughing and playing a sport that is inclusive of everyone.
Pickleball unites people of all ages, proving that sports can bridge generational age gaps.
Pickleball has no skill limitations
Pickleball is a truly inclusive sport, welcoming players of all skill levels and abilities. It’s simple rules and slower-paced gameplay make it accessible for beginners, while its strategic depth and dynamic rallies provide a challenge for seasoned athletes. Pickleball offers something for everyone. Its adaptability means you can play at your own pace, focusing on fun, fitness, or mastery. With no barriers based on skill and where players of varying experience can share the same court and enjoy the game together. It is a sport that truly embodies the idea of “everyone can play.” With its straightforward rules, and smaller court size, inexperienced players can quickly engage and enjoy the game, whether competing at an elevated level or simply having fun with friends.
During Pickleball events like tournaments, leagues, and open play, players are organized by age and skill level. This is what is meant by, “Pickleball has no skill limitations.” By separating players with similar skill levels, it will ensure they feel welcome and confident playing with others in their own skill level group.
Pickleball Fosters Community
We live in a detached society. Remember when friends met at coffee shops or post office lobbies to discuss daily matters and solve world problems? Now, it is all texts, emails, and social media. When was the last time you had a face-to-face conversation with friends?
Getting people off their couches and away from screens to play pickleball can be a challenge. However, once they start playing, conversation flows naturally with laughter, high fives, fist bumps, and excitement. Between each game, new friendships developed, and the issues of the day are debated. Pickleball courts offer friendship, fellowship, fun, and a chance to build social capital while staying active and healthy.
Meaningful solutions can start with real connections on a local scale — whether it is a conversation with your neighbor or a pickup game of pickleball.
Other Pickleball Factors
Pickleball tournaments and leagues are growing, drawing major investors, sponsors, and ex-athletes. Increased prize money, TV coverage, and corporate support are turning pickleball into a serious professional sport with loyal fans. Pickleball is the talk of the town and is mentioned during TV commercials, talk shows and there’s even a movie starring Ben Stiller called “The Dink”.
You have the PPA, APP and MLP (St. Louis Shock Pickleball Team) with many rising stars. Pickleball equipment, clothing lines and Brick and mortar Retail and online stores.
Tennis courts are being converted into pickleball courts, stadiums are being built and chains like “Chicken and Pickle” are showing up everywhere. Pickleball is permeating our very existence.
The age-old question will continue to be, will there be enough courts?
“If you’re ever having a bad day, just remember the world is 4.5 billion years old and you somehow managed to exist at the same time as Pickleball.”
Credits for source data:
Sports & Fitness Industry Association (sfia.org)
Pickleheads (pickleheads.com)