Where Is Pickleball Most Popular In The World? Latest Statistics of 2024
With every passing day and increasing the popularity of pickleball, every pickleball lover wishes to know where is pickleball most popular in the world and how it is growing day by day. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States, and it reached 70000 members in February 2023, as reported by USA Pickleball.
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) issued an interesting report(2023). This report announced that pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America. Pickleball as a game, is still growing at a fast pace. This is 3rd year in a row that pickleball has held this title. The SFIA tracks 124 different sports and activities to check growth rates.
Total Number of Pickleball Players
The APP, Pickleball Participation Report, 36.5 million pickleball players in the USA. The SFIA has conducted a thorough analysis to check the number of players in the US. They have varying player thresholds, explaining the difference, but growth is key!
Pickleball Demographics: Players by Age
Pickleball players’ average age dropped from 41 in 2020 to 38.1 in 2021. It is a clear sign of shifting toward younger participants.
SFIA’s report shows that the 18-24 age group is the most popular among pickleball players.
Pickleball Demographics: Players by Gender
In 2021, 60.5% of pickleball players were men, and 39.5% were women. Women pickleball players increased by 17.6%, while men increased by 13.0%.
This indicates that the number of women players grew slightly faster than men in 2021.
Pickleball Players by Region
Most pickleball players, 1087,000, belong to the South Atlantic region in the US. This region comprises Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and DC.
- South Atlantic – 1,087,000 players (FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, WV, DC)
- East North Central – 801,000 players (WI, MI, IL, OH, IN)
- Pacific – 780,000 players (CA, OR, WA)
- Mid-Atlantic – 675,000 players (NJ, NY, PA, WV)
These four regions contribute to 69% of all players. The highest-growth region is West North Central(IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD) at almost 30% year over year (245000-318000). The East South Central region (AL, KY, MS, TN) has the lowest pickleball player growth at 0.9% of the total population. Another interesting fact is that 61% of players live east of the Mississippi River.
Total Number of Pickleball Courts (by State)
In 2023, we had a whopping 10,724 places across the US where people could enjoy playing pickleball. And get this: every month, 130 new spots pop up! The number of courts shot up by 15.6% from the previous year, hitting 44,094 in 2022.
Naples, Florida, is the top pickleball spot, and Washington state calls it their official sport. California has 794 places to play, Florida has 770, and Texas has 519.
These are the top 10 states ranked by the number of pickleball locations:
- California: 794
- Florida: 770
- Texas: 519
- North Carolina: 421
- New York: 400
- Illinois: 396
- Michigan: 377
- Pennsylvania: 357
- Washington: 348
- Ohio: 337
Total Number of Pickleball Courts (by City)
New York has the most pickleball locations in the U.S., with 58 spots. Houston follows with 51, and Seattle, WA, has 48 locations.
These are the top 10 cities by the number of pickleball locations:
| 1. New York, NY | 58 |
| 2. Houston, TX | 51 |
| 3. Seattle, WA | 48 |
| 4. Atlanta, GA | 44 |
| 5. Denver, CO | 43 |
| 6. Chicago, IL | 43 |
| 7. Las Vegas, NV | 41 |
| 8. Cincinnati, OH | 41 |
| 9. Austin, TX | 40 |
| 10. San Diego, CA | 39 |
Pickleball Market Statistics
Pickleball’s popularity surged, reaching a $152.8 million market size in 2022. Some pickleball paddles now cost over $200. The pickleball paddle market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% until 2028. Experts expect it to reach $253.8 million by 2028.
Professional Pickleball Events
In 2023, the US will host 47 major professional pickleball tournaments. This includes events from the top 3 leagues and tours as well.
- Major League Pickleball (MLP)
- Professional Pickleball Association (PPA)
- Association of Pickleball Players (APP)
The prize money for these events ranges from $9 to $11 million.
Ever Increasing Interest in pickleball
Interest in pickleball has surged by 550% over the last 5 years, as indicated by Google Trends.
Credit: Google Trends
Pickleball Pro Players
Here are the top pickleball pro player in rankings according to PPA. The top 5 men’s pickleball singles players in March 2024 are:
Top 5 Ranked Players – Men’s Singles
No.1
Ben John
(Joola)
13,900
No.2
Federico Staksrud
(Joola/Thorlo) 13,350
No.3
Tyson McGuffin
(Selkirk)
10,150
No.4
Connor Garnett
(ProXR)
9400
No.5
Christian Alshon
(Diadem)
6400
Top 5 Ranked Players – Women’s Singles
No.1
Anna Leigh Waters
(Paddletek/Fila)
18,700
No.2
Catherine Parenteau
(Selkirk/Skechers)
12,700
No.3
Mary Brascia
(Selkirk)
7600
No.4
Lea Jansen
(Joola)
6400
No.5
Lauren Stratman
(Selkirk)
4100
Where was Pickleball Invented?
Pickleball was invented in the backyard of a house just outside Seattle on Bainbridge Island in 1965 by 3 dads, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum from Washington State thinking of a game that is suitable for all ages and skill levels could play.
Pickleball is a fantastic activity that offers both enjoyment and exercise. This sport is very simple and easy to play, you can play it indoors or outdoors. Regardless of your skill level, whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, pickleball is widely popular and enjoyed by all age groups.
Pickleball Growth Statistics of USA-2023
Florida is a top pickleball state in the US. It has the highest growth rate in court numbers, up 236% per capita. South Carolina closely follows with a 222% increase. Naples, a city in Florida, has a rich history and is a hotspot for pickleball talent.
Naples has been central to pickleball since its start. It hosted early tournaments that drew famous players. Today, Naples is filled with pickleball courts, and people play at all hours.
How Popular Is Pickleball in the United States?
Pickleball has become super popular in the US lately. Lots of older folks and retirees love it. It’s easy to learn, courts are everywhere, and it’s a great way to socialize. People of all ages and skill levels can play, so it’s catching on nationwide!
Pickleball is popular because it’s a great workout. It’s fun and social, perfect for hanging out with friends and family. The sport offers a low-impact workout suitable for all ages. It’s gentle on the body and has a low risk of injury.
Pickleball Popularity by Country
Pickleball is gaining immense popularity across the globe, with a multitude of tournaments, events, and friendly games being held in countries like the USA, Canada, Spain, India, France, England, Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Singapore, Scotland, Poland, Denmark, Japan, Turkey, Costa Rica, Belgium, South Africa, New Zealand, and Norway.
It is widely known as a beloved sport in the World, Pickleball’s following extends far and wide, captivating players from diverse corners of the world.
Why Do Older People Like Pickleball So Much?
Older people like pickleball because it is a low-impact activity, that keeps them busy and healthy. They remained active and sharp even above 55-60 years of age. Research has found that seniors who play pickleball for one hour, three times a week, have seen improvements in their blood pressure and overall fitness. Pickleball injuries are rare and usually only occur in players who engage in intense gameplay.
Pickleball Courts by State(USA)
Courts in California- 794 (1st)
Courts in Florida- 770 (2nd)
Courts in Texas- 519 (3rd)
Where Is Pickleball Most Popular In The World and Why Is Pickleball So Popular?
Pickleball has skyrocketed in popularity because it boasts the perfect blend of simplicity and comprehensiveness, making it a hit among all kinds of people. This delightful game is a magnet, drawing individuals together and creating an electric atmosphere of social interaction and enjoyment.
What sets pickleball apart is its remarkable gentleness on the body, ensuring that players of diverse abilities can revel in the excitement without fear of excessive strain. Additionally, the versatility of pickleball knows no bounds—it can be played on various surfaces, allowing players to explore new environments, and can be tailored to accommodate different skill levels, guaranteeing an exciting experience for all.
More courts are being built, and seniors particularly enjoy it. Media coverage has helped spread its popularity even more. Overall, pickleball is loved by many because it’s simple, comprehensive, and brings joy to people of all ages.
Is Pickleball More Popular Than Tennis?
It’s a burning question, but it is right that pickleball is now more popular than tennis. In 2022, more than 23.6 million people played tennis in the United States. However, according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, the number of people who played pickleball was even higher, with about 36.5 million players.
This shows that pickleball is more popular than tennis, with a difference of around 12.9 million players.
Conclusion-Where is Pickleball Most Popular in the World?
Pickleball enjoys immense popularity in Florida, the United States, Canada, and Australia, but its fame is spreading to other corners of the globe. This delightful sport provides both amusement and excitement, catering to individuals of all ages and varying levels of expertise.
I hope this article has answered your question: Where is pickleball most popular in the world? This sport has a bright future; you will find it in the Olympics in the upcoming days. All credit goes to those working day and night to promote this wonderful family sport.
