Pickleball Participation Hits Record High in 2025

Pickleball’s growth shows no signs of slowing down. New participation data confirms what anyone who’s tried to book a court already knows — the sport is booming.

The Numbers

According to the latest industry reports, over 50 million Americans played pickleball at least once in the past twelve months. That’s up from roughly 36 million in 2023 and just 5 million in 2020.

The growth is being driven by several factors:

• New dedicated facilities — Hundreds of pickleball-specific venues have opened nationwide, making courts easier to find.
• Youth programs — Schools and recreation departments have added pickleball to PE curricula.
• Professional tours — The PPA and MLP have brought the sport to mainstream sports media.

Who’s Playing?

While pickleball’s reputation as a retiree sport persists, the demographics tell a different story. The fastest-growing age group is 25-34, and the sport now skews nearly 50/50 male-female.

What It Means for Players

More players means more courts, better gear, and stronger communities. It also means busier courts during peak hours. If you’re struggling to find court time, consider playing during off-peak hours or joining a local league that reserves dedicated court time.

The sport’s growth also means the competitive landscape is evolving rapidly. Players who were dominant at the 4.0 level two years ago are finding the field much deeper now.

Looking Ahead

With pickleball being considered for inclusion in future Olympic Games and continued investment from major sports brands, the trajectory remains firmly upward. Whether you’ve been playing for years or just picked up a paddle, there’s never been a better time to be in the pickleball community.