Pickleball isn’t a fad. It’s the most explosive recreational sport in North America—crossing 13M players in the U.S., surging in Canada, and spawning pro leagues, celebrity teams and smart-court tech. This visual brief shows who plays, where it’s growing and how big the business has become.
What the numbers say (2025)
U.S. Players: 2019 → 2025
Source: USA Pickleball & SFIA participation briefs (2019–2024), 2025 projected.
Who plays? (age & gender snapshot)
Age Groups
Gender
Demographics from SFIA 2024–25 & USA Pickleball member surveys; averages vary by region.
U.S. Hotspots by New Courts (Top 5)
Indicative distribution compiled from municipal parks releases & venue databases (Pickleheads, Life Time, PPA venues).
The Business of Pickleball
Market sizing from Grand View Research / IBISWorld; media & events from Sports Business Journal coverage.
Why it sticks: health + social + media
- Low barrier, high fun: learn in 30 minutes; mixed-age friendly; easy to find partners.
- Health perks: 400–600 calories/hour, low joint impact; supports heart health & coordination.
- Celebrity + broadcast fuel: investments by LeBron James, Tom Brady, Kim Clijsters; PPA/MLP events on major networks.
- Smart courts & AI coaching: sensors, video review and training apps bring analytics to casual players.
Beyond the U.S.: the global bounce
Canada
~1M players; participation +40% YoY; strong hubs in BC, Alberta, Ontario and the Maritimes.
UK
30k+ active players & league growth via Pickleball England; school adoption expanding.
India & Japan
New national events in 2025; corporate rec centres and tech campuses add courts.
Olympic buzz
IFP/World Pickleball Federation growing governance; long-term push for Olympic inclusion (2032 and beyond).
Ready to play?
- Search “pickleball courts near me” or check your city’s parks portal.
- Starter kit: paddle + two balls ≈ $30–$60; sneakers with lateral support.
- Find a beginner clinic; learn rules like the non-volley zone (“kitchen”).
Sources (official & industry)
- USA Pickleball – participation briefs & rules
- SFIA – Sports & Fitness Industry Association reports (participation)
- Grand View Research / IBISWorld – market sizing
- Sports Business Journal – media rights & league investment
- Pickleball England – UK participation
Figures reflect latest public releases through 2024 with 2025 projections where noted; local numbers vary.
