Pickleball has rapid rise in popularity in recent years and is now one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Whether you’re a journalist covering the sport or simply looking for pickleball stats to include in your article, this post is for you.
We’ve compiled a list of essential stats to help you understand the growth of pickleball for amateur players to professional pickleballers. From participation rates to economic impact, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents:
- How Many People Play Pickleball?
- Participation Rates
- Demographics
- Age Ranges of Pickleball Players
- Economic Impact
- Competitive Play
- Health Benefits
- Market Cap Size of Pickleball
- Other Key Pickleball Stats
- Pickleball Courts
How Many People Play Pickleball?
The number of players participating in pickleball has been increasing steadily over the years, as more people discover the joy of playing this fun and accessible sport. According to the latest data, pickleball Is America's fastest-growing sport with around 36.5 million Americans played pickleball in the United States alone, and this number is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Pickleball is also gaining popularity in other parts of the world, with countries like Canada, Spain, and India embracing the sport.
Participation Growth Rate
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball has experienced a significant increase in participation rates over the past few years. In 2016, there were 2.5 million players, and by 2019, that number had grown to 3.3 million.
In the last 3 years, the sport has grown 158.6%. This makes pickleball one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
Pickleball Demographics
The average age of pickleball players is 38 with 6 out of 10 being men. There is also evidence that players 18-34 make up the largest percentage of pickleball players at 28.8% nationwide.
However, 33% of core players are over the age of 65.
Economic Impact
As pickleball grows in popularity, it is also having a significant economic impact. According to a report by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, the sport generates an estimated $1.9 billion in annual economic activity.
This includes everything from equipment sales to travel and tourism associated with pickleball tournaments. It is also forecasted to grow at 7.7% CAGR through 2028.
Competitive Play
Pickleball also has a competitive side, with tournaments and Major leagues taking place around the world. The USAPA National Championships, for example, have been held annually since 2009 and attract some of the top players from around the world.
And for those interested in international play, the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) hosts world championship events in various locations.
Kim
Health Benefits
In addition to being fun, pickleball also offers numerous health benefits. It is a low-impact sport that is easy on the joints, making it an ideal sport for older adults and those with arthritis or other joint-related issues.
Playing pickleball also improves hand-eye coordination, balance, and reflexes and can help improve cardiovascular health.
Market Cap Size of Pickleball
Pickleball's rapid growth has not gone unnoticed by investors, who are now pouring money into the sport. According to a report by Goldman Sachs, the market cap of the pickleball industry is estimated to be around $1.5 billion, and this figure is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
The pickleball paddle market size alone is estimated to be around 254 million by 2028.
This growth is fueled by the increasing popularity of pickleball, as well as the rise of professional tournaments and leagues.
Other Key Pickleball Stats
There are many other interesting statistics related to pickleball that are worth exploring. For example, pickleball is said to be the second most popular racket sport in the world, after tennis.
The sport is also played across a wide range of venues, including public parks, community centers, and private clubs. And pickleball equipment sales have been booming in recent years, with many top brands now offering pickleball paddles, balls, and apparel.
Pickleball Courts
First things first, let's talk about the regulation size of a pickleball court. According to the USA Pickleball Association, a standard court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, with a non-volley zone (commonly referred to as the "kitchen") of 7 feet on each side of the net. This size allows for singles and doubles play and ensures fair gameplay across the board.
Now, let's take a look at how many public pickleball courts are available. While it varies from region to region, the popularity of pickleball has certainly led to an increase in available courts. Most pickleball courts are near tennis courts for what It's worth. There are outdoor pickleball courts and Indoor pickleball courts.
In fact, according to the USA Pickleball Association's court finder website, there are currently over 9,000 public courts in the United States alone! That's a whole lot of pickleball playing potential.
And let's not forget about the international competitive scene. In 2020, the Worldwide Pickleball Federation listed countries including the United States, Canada, Spain, and France among the top participants in their various pickleball tournaments.
Major League Pickleball
For starters, did you know that pickleball was originally invented as a backyard game in 1965? Today, it's evolved into a worldwide phenomenon, with professional leagues and tournaments drawing in thousands of spectators.
One of the top organizations in the sport is the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), which was founded in 2018. The PPA hosts a series of tournaments throughout the year, culminating in the coveted PPA World Championship. The 2021 championship saw over 1,000 participants from 12 countries, battling it out for a grand prize of $250,000.
Players in the major league of pickleball are some of the most skilled and athletic individuals around. The fast-paced nature of the game, combined with its mix of precision and strategy, requires lightning-fast reflexes and a strategic mind. It's not uncommon to see players diving across the court or leaping high into the air to make a play.
The equipment used in major league pickleball is also top-notch. Players use specially designed paddles made from materials like graphite and carbon fiber, while the ball itself is made from lightweight, high-visibility plastic. These materials contribute to the game's lightning-fast pace and explosive power.
Despite being a relatively new sport, pickleball has quickly become one of the most popular games in the world. Its unique mix of athleticism, strategy, and fun makes it a joy to watch and play. So if you haven't already, be sure to check out the exciting world of major league pickleball and watch pickleball professionals go at It on the court!
Kim
Sources: pickleheads, thepickleplayer, SFIA
Pickleball Statistics Conclusion:
In conclusion, pickleball has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a backyard game. Today, it is a popular sport played by millions of people around the world, with a rapidly expanding market cap and impressive growth rates.
Whether you are a pickleball professional player or a newbie looking to try something new, pickleball is a sport that is worth exploring. So forget about ping pong and grab a pickleball paddle, head out to the pickleball court, and see what all the fuss is about!
Your Pickleball Guru,
Ray
Kim
Ray
Ray
Kim
