Report: Pickleball Participation Surges to Nearly 20 Million in 2024

For the fourth consecutive year, pickleball remains America’s fastest-growing sport, and the numbers behind its continued rise are nothing short of historic.

According to the newly released Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) 2025 Topline Participation Report, pickleball now boasts 19.8 million participants in the U.S.—a 45.8% increase from 2023 and a staggering 311% growth over the past three years.

Let's look at the pickleball's proliferation a bit closer—including the "why" behind the sport's meteoric popularity and some potential roadblocks that could impede future growth.

Breaking Down the Numbers

SFIA’s latest data confirms that both casual and core participation in pickleball are surging:

• 13.6 million casual players (1-7 times per year), a 55.6% increase from 2023.
• 6.2 million core players (8+ times per year), a 28.2% increase from 2023.

For perspective, let’s look at pickleball’s five-year trajectory:

• 2019: 3.46 million players
• 2020: 4.20 million players
• 2021: 4.82 million players
• 2022: 8.95 million players
• 2023: 13.58 million players
• 2024: 19.81 million players

This represents an average annual growth rate of 43.9%—far outpacing any other recreational sport in America.

Why Is Pickleball Growing So Fast?

1. A Sport for All Ages and Skill Levels

Once perceived as a retiree-friendly pastime, pickleball has exploded in popularity across all age groups.

Its low barrier to entry, simple rules, and smaller court size allow new players to quickly engage and enjoy the game—whether they’re competing at a high level or just having fun with friends.

Pickleball is also one of the few sports where beginners can play alongside experienced players, making it a socially engaging and inclusive activity.

2. Infrastructure Boom: The Demand for Courts

The demand for dedicated pickleball facilities is at an all-time high.

As community parks, recreation centers, and even private clubs struggle to keep up, cities nationwide are converting underutilized tennis courts into pickleball courts.

Major investments in pickleball infrastructure—including standalone pickleball facilities and residential communities building courts into their designs—reflect the sport’s shift from a niche activity to a mainstream staple.

3. The Competitive and Professional Scene is Heating Up

Beyond recreational play, pickleball is rapidly gaining traction at the professional level.

Tournaments and leagues continue to expand, attracting high-profile investors, sponsors, and former pro athletes from other sports. With more prize money, TV coverage, and corporate backing, pickleball is evolving into a legitimate professional sport with a dedicated fan base.

What’s Next for Pickleball?

Industry analysts predict that pickleball’s growth will continue at a strong pace in 2025 and beyond, though perhaps not as explosively as in previous years.

The next challenge isn’t convincing more people to play—they're clearly hooked already—it’s building enough infrastructure to support the demand.

With millions of new players stepping onto the court each year, the future of the sport is bright.