The Unstoppable Rise of Pickleball in America
If you’re looking to understand why pickleball is being called the fastest-growing sport in the United States, the latest data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) offers a clear and compelling story.
In just five years, pickleball has surged from a niche pastime to a national phenomenon. In 2019, an estimated 3.5 million Americans played the sport. Fast forward to today, and that number has skyrocketed to nearly 20 million. That’s 16 million new players—meaning around 5% of the entire U.S. population has picked up a paddle and joined in.
This explosive growth isn’t limited to casual weekend players. Both core and casual participants are fueling the trend, and infrastructure across the country is scrambling to meet demand. There are now over 70,000 courts nationwide—a 50% increase in just the past year. States like Florida, Arizona, and California are leading the charge, building megafacilities to accommodate the boom.
Professional pickleball is also scaling rapidly. Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the PPA Tour, now unified under the United Pickleball Association, feature a growing roster of over 150 athletes. Sponsorships are up 40% annually, and fan engagement is thriving—with YouTube viewership up 32% last year alone.
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As the sport continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that pickleball is more than just a trend—it’s becoming a fixture of American athletic culture.
Mark your calendars: MLP’s new season kicks off on April 24 and will be broadcast on PickleballTV.
Data Source: Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)
