Why Pickleball Is Still the Fastest-Growing Sport – PickleballMAX

In 2026, pickleball continues to be the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Actually, this is the fourth consecutive year it has held that title. Over the past 3-4 years, pickleball has grown more than 300%.

So why is pickleball growing so fast—and is this growth here to stay?

How Fast Is Pickleball Growing?

An estimated 19-48 million Americans played pickleball in 2024, a number that has continued to rise year over year.

The industry as a whole keeps growing with the addition of courts, paddles, equipment, and footwear. The global market was $1.9 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to $4.4 billion in 2033.

2026 has brought new sponsors into pickleball. The number 1 women’s player, Anna Leigh Waters, signed an apparel deal with Nike. A signing with a major brand like that brings more eyeballs on pickleball.

Why Is Pickleball Growing So Fast?

There are many reasons pickleball has become a favorite sport for many and why it continues to grow in popularity.

• Easy to Learn – Most beginners can rally within minutes. Also, there are only a few rules that players need to know to begin playing
• Fun and Social – Most people play doubles, which helps a player socialize with more people. Additionally, while waiting for a court, players gather and talk
• Great for All Ages and Fitness Levels – While pickleball can be physical, it is also a game of strategy, so players from youth to seniors can compete together
• Low Cost to Play – Paddles, balls, and court fees cost less than equipment-heavy sports like baseball or hockey
• It’s Addictive – People play for hours. Since games are fast-paced, players can play a few games with different players within an hour
• Professional Tournament Tours – The professional players are bringing attention to the sport. The 2026 PPA Masters was the most-watched pickleball broadcast on CBS with 1.05 million peak viewers, outperforming an NBA and NCAA game at the same time.

Who Is Playing Pickleball?

Pickleball players have changed over the years. What used to be a sport solely for retirees has now become a sport for younger ages in more recent years. Actually, younger players are now one of the fastest-growing demographics.

Pickleball Growth Statistics

• 19 – 48 million players in the U.S.
• 80-120 million players worldwide
• Players aged 25 to 44 are the largest age bracket
• 60.5% of males play, compared to 39.5% of females
• USA Pickleball membership grew to 104,828 members in 2025
• 193 new manufacturers and brands registered with USA Pickleball in 2025
• Pickleball industry valued at over $1.9 billion in 2025
• Thousands of new courts built annually across the U.S.

Economic Impact of Pickleball Growth

Pickleball is no longer just a recreational trend—it’s an economic force. The rapid growth of pickleball has led to:

• Increased demand for public and private courts
• Rapid growth in paddle, ball, and apparel sales
• Expansion of professional tours, sponsorships, and media deals
• New job opportunities for coaches, trainers, and facility operators
• Many parks and recreation departments now prioritize pickleball court construction due to overwhelming demand

Challenges Facing Pickleball’s Rapid Expansion

Despite its popularity, pickleball’s growth has come with some challenges, but these challenges are a small price to pay for the exploding growth of the sport.

• Court shortages – there is still a need for indoor and outdoor facilities
• Conflicts with tennis players – pickleball players can overtake tennis courts. Adding additional lines to courts, or simply always playing on tennis courts can upset tennis players
• Noise complaints from nearby residents – the noise of a plastic pickleball being hit back and forth can be a sweet sound for some, or an obnoxious sound for others

Is Pickleball Just a Trend or Here to Stay?

Pickleball is not just a trend. It’s a movement. It’s becoming a long-term fixture in sports. With all of the courts being built, professional tournaments played, leagues created, and college sports interest, pickleball is here for the long haul.

An Apple Heart and Movement study found that pickleball surpassed tennis in popularity among Apple Watch users for the first time in 2025. That is another metric that shows pickleball has taken over and is here to stay.

The Future of Pickleball

The future of pickleball remains strong. More youth programs and high schools are bringing pickleball into the mix of sports played. Colleges are offering pickleball not only as an intermural sport, but also as leagues. The professional tournament tours are going overseas to promote pickleball in Europe and Asia. Youth players are focusing on pickleball as a professional sport that pays big. Major television networks are showing professional pickleball tours. Indoor facilities are popping up all across the U.S.

Pickleball’s growth is driven by more than hype. With tens of millions of players and triple-digit growth rates, pickleball has proven that it’s here to stay.

About Teresa

Teresa is the idea-maker behind PickleballMAX. Teresa joins Todd to manage and market PickleballMAX. She creates pickleball content and assists with pickleball tournaments. In 2023, she wrote a pickleball devotional book titled Pickleball Is [Not] Life.