Pickleball Expansion
Pickleball’s home is in the US. Over the past few years the sport has seen remarkable growth across the country, with 8.9 million players participating in the sport by the end of 2022. This marks a significant increase from previous years, showcasing an 85.7% growth rate from 2021 to 2022. The sport's popularity has been particularly notable in the South Atlantic Region, which includes states like Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, accounting for 22.6% of all players in the U.S. Meanwhile, the West North Central Region, encompassing Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, experienced the fastest growth in pickleball players at a 29.8% year-over-year increase in 2022.
The demographics of pickleball players reveal a diverse age range, with individuals aged 55 and up constituting the largest bracket of players. However, the average age of pickleball players has been decreasing, indicating growing popularity among younger participants. As of 2021, the average age was 38.1 years, down from 41.0 years in 2020.
In terms of facilities, there are over 10,320 places to play pickleball across the U.S., with California, Florida, and Texas leading in the number of locations. This widespread availability of courts contributes to the sport's accessibility and growth.
The pickleball market is also expanding, with the paddle market estimated at $152.8 million in 2022 and expected to grow at a 7.7% compound annual growth rate through 2028. This financial growth underscores the sport's increasing economic significance and its potential for further expansion.
The global spread of pickleball is evident, with countries like China, India, and Uganda showing increasing interest and adoption of the sport. In China, the popularity of pickleball is growing, with social media posts receiving millions of views and collaborations between shopping malls and local clubs promoting the sport. India has also become a prominent player in the pickleball community, with Indian competitors medaling at the 2023 Asia Pickleball Open and hosting significant tournaments like the Women's Pickleball Cup in Bangalore. Efforts are underway to build the first official pickleball courts in Uganda, which is known as the pickleball capital of the country, to provide proper facilities for the sport's growing number of enthusiasts.
These developments indicate a significant shift toward cultural acceptance and enthusiasm for pickleball outside the United States, marking 2023 as a pivotal year for pickleball's global expansion. The sport's appeal across diverse countries highlights its potential for further international growth and its ability to bring communities together through sportsmanship and competition.
