The Rise of Pickleball: Why is Pickleball Popular All of a Sudden?

Pickleball is a paddle sport with aspects that resemble those of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a smaller court with a lower net and a paddle in between the size of a table tennis paddle and a tennis racket. However, the unprecedented rise of pickleball, when the world needed it most, is perhaps the most surprising thing about the sport.

By now, you’ve probably heard of the hot “new” paddle sport or seen the strange court formation and diverse range of players participating and enjoying themselves. But what is Pickleball, where did it come from and why is it taking the world by storm? This article will attempt to answer the million-dollar question: Why is pickleball so popular suddenly?

Why is Pickleball So Popular Suddenly?

In general, the growing popularity of the sport can be attributed to its short learning curve, appeal to virtually all ages, suitability to all fitness levels, and, of course, low startup costs.

The smaller court size, lower net, and perforated pickleball make the game easier for beginners. And many public parks and community centres now offer pickleball courts, making access easier for players. The underhand serve and the "non-volley zone" near the net keep rallies going longer and add a strategic element to make the game more fun.

But that’s not the only reason pickleball has grown exponentially in such a short time. Let’s think about it: Why would a game originally invented in 1965 gain prominence almost 60 years later?

The Growth of Pickleball: Statistics and Trends in 2024

The first formal pickleball tournament was held in Tukwila, Washington in 1976. USA Pickleball, or USAP, was formed in 1984 and, by 1990, pickleball was being played in all 50 states. Although it was nothing like what we see today, and the first official U.S. Pickleball National Championship wasn’t held until 2009.

In the US, Pickleball reached over 3 million players in 2017, 4 million players in 2020, and now sits at over 13.6 million players as of 2023. The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) latest estimates state that there are nearly 50 million pickleball players worldwide.

Pickleball Growth Statistics 2024

Believe it or not, the growth of pickleball​ was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ironically, the pandemic drove a 21-percent jump in participation in 2020 as people looked for alternative ways to stay active outdoors. Since 2020, general sports and fitness activity has increased as many of us have begun to pursue and value active lifestyles post-pandemic.

The pickleball growth statistics 2023 report by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), contends that pickleball grew 223.5% over three years in the USA as of February 2024. 

Pickleball courts are also much smaller than tennis courts. Four standard pickleball courts can fit on a regulation-size tennis court. This allows players without a court nearby to create temporary pickleball courts on existing tennis or basketball courts. 

Who is Playing Pickleball?

In short, everyone! Pickleball’s most redeeming quality is its suitability to all age groups and skill levels. Due to its easy-to-learn nature and the low physical impact of play, Pickleball’s appeal spans generations, including seniors and children alike. 

The average age of a pickleball player is 34.8 years old, which is younger than previously thought. Virtually anyone can pick up a paddle and play. The lack of a learning curve and simple rules means that players can start having fun and rallying right away.

What Makes Pickleball So Appealing to New Players?

Pickleball is appealing because it is a low-impact, low-learning curve game that is fun and simple, while still challenging and engaging. Pickleball is rare in that it is accessible for older adults who might find tennis too strenuous and young children who may lack the patience or fine motor skills for more complex sports.

The smaller court size and slower perforated ball speed reduce the risk of injury and make it safer for players of all ages. It is not just a children’s game but an actual sport that can be taken as seriously as you wish to take it.  

Pickleball is also growing in popularity outside the United States, with a professional league already operating in Australia and another league currently under development for the 2025/26 season in India.

When Did Pickleball Come to Australia?

Pickleball has now been played for around eight years in Australia. However, its growth as a popular sport in Australian communities has soared in the last four years, with the membership numbers of Pickleball Australia increasing exponentially.

Pickleball Australia launched in 2020 to create more playing opportunities across seven states and territories. In 2023, membership increased by 99.7%, growing from just over 4,000 at the beginning of the year to more than 8,000 by December.

The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) reports that 25,000 thousand people have played pickleball in Australia in 2023 and the number is rapidly rising. By 12 March 2024, there were 10,447 members of the Pickleball Australia organisation.

Based in Melbourne, the National Pickleball League (NPL) oversees the country’s professional pickleball league and hosted the inaugural Australian Pickleball Championships in Marrickville in 2018. Going forward, this organisation will play a key role in shaping the future of pickleball in Australia.

Where is Pickleball Most Popular Globally?

If you were to ask your trusty search engine, what country is pickleball most popular in? You would probably return results saying that pickleball is a North American invention and trend that has more recently expanded its footprint to Australia, Europe, and other continents. 

What’s astonishing is just how far pickleball has reached and is continuing to reach. The top 10 countries (by number of pickleball players) include the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Vietnam, Philippines, Mexico, and China.

The Future of Pickleball: Is the Sport Here to Stay?

Future projections include way more pickleball courts, players, equipment, and sponsors. Potential Olympic recognition and inclusion show that the sky really is the limit for the sport of pickleball.

However, many pickleball players have started repurposing tennis courts to meet the growing demand for the sport. This has sparked some backlash and concerns from tennis enthusiasts. They argue that the noise from pickleball, different playing styles, and the loss of available tennis courts negatively impact tennis.

Aside from this small criticism, it may be officially safe to say that pickleball is here to stay! While only time will tell, it’s clear that pickleball’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down and there’s little doubt that pickleball has secured its place for the long term.

Explore the Pickleball Trend with DreamCourts

Pickleball is an unlikely hero in a sports world dominated by tradition. It’s meteoric rise during a time of collective uncertainty and it’s bringing together of communities during social distancing is nothing short of amazing.

Pickleball’s ascension to the forefront of global sports has been akin to a Cinderella story. Much more than a trend, Pickleball represents a universal sport where all are included and invited to play together.

Explore DreamCourts for all your pickleball court solutions. Contact us to discuss high-quality court options and how we can design your Dream pickleball court. We cannot wait to help you create your happily ever after.