The Explosive Growth of Pickleball: America's Fastest-Growing Sport Expands Its Reach

Pickleball's Meteoric Rise

America's fastest-growing sport, pickleball, has rapidly expanded its presence across the nation. According to a recent report by the Trust for Public Land, the number of outdoor public park pickleball courts in major U.S. cities has skyrocketed by an astonishing 650% over the past seven years. This surge reflects the sport's burgeoning popularity and its adoption by parks and recreation departments nationwide. In 2017, fewer than half of the largest U.S. cities had formalized pickleball courts. Today, more than 3,000 courts span 100 of the most populated cities, making pickleball a common sight in urban parks.

Pickleball Courts: A Booming Business

The "pock" of pickleball isn't confined to public parks. The sport has also become big business, with franchises, country clubs, and fitness centers eagerly constructing and converting spaces to accommodate pickleball enthusiasts. Will Klein, associate director of parks research at Trust for Public Land, emphasized the unprecedented growth, stating, “There’s nothing that comes anywhere close to that growth among major park trends.” Unlike playgrounds, ball fields, or basketball courts, pickleball courts have seen off-the-charts expansion.

Leading Cities and Public Access

Cities like Louisville, Kentucky; Madison, Wisconsin; and Honolulu boast the highest number of courts per capita, highlighting the widespread appeal of the sport. Public parks have embraced pickleball, attracting players of all ages and backgrounds. One notable success story is City Pickle in New York City. Founded in 2022 by Erica Desai and Mary Cannon, City Pickle operates 14 courts in Central Park’s Wollman Rink. With court access starting at just $5 per hour during off-peak times, the organization hosts hundreds of events annually and has over 74,000 people booking court time through their app. City Pickle has since expanded to multiple locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island City.

Growing Competition and Market Saturation

Despite the sport's growth, founders like Desai and Cannon remain vigilant about market saturation. “At some point, there will become an oversaturation in suburban markets,” Desai noted, emphasizing the importance of strategic location choices.

Expanding Indoor Facilities

Pickleball Kingdom, the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility, recently announced plans to open more than 25 new locations nationwide. Founded in 2022, Pickleball Kingdom has grown to over 100 clubs through franchising. Ace Rodrigues, founder and CEO, expressed excitement about meeting the increasing demand for indoor pickleball facilities.

Integration into Fitness Clubs

Fitness clubs across the country are also integrating pickleball courts into their offerings. Life Time, an "athletic country club," currently features nearly 700 pickleball courts across its 170 U.S. locations. The company plans to convert a former Bed Bath & Beyond location in Annapolis, Maryland, into a Life Time facility with 11 indoor pickleball courts. Life Time founder and CEO Bahram Akradi highlighted the sport's significant role in the company's recent growth, estimating an investment of about $60 million in new and converted courts. "If you look at our growth chart, it’s like Covid never happened," Akradi said, referencing the sport's popularity despite the pandemic-era decline in gym attendance.

Pickleball in Private Clubs

Invited Clubs, the largest owner and operator of private golf clubs, has also embraced pickleball. CEO David Pillsbury, who barely knew about the sport three years ago, now oversees just under 500 courts. Invited Clubs hosts tournaments and plans to continue investing in pickleball, viewing it as a vital part of their offerings. "Pickleball is a bustling micro-community," Pillsbury said. "We are in the business of curating and facilitating micro-communities, because they’re sticky and they create members who we are able to retain."

Financial Commitment to Pickleball

Over the past three years, Invited Clubs has invested between $10 million and $12 million in pickleball, underscoring the sport’s profitability and community-building potential. As more businesses recognize the value of adding pickleball to their facilities, the sport's footprint is set to continue its rapid expansion.

Conclusion

Pickleball’s explosive growth is a testament to its widespread appeal and versatility. From public parks to private clubs, and fitness centers, the sport is capturing the hearts of Americans across the country. With continued investment and strategic expansion, pickleball is poised to solidify its place as a staple of American recreational activities. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, there's never been a better time to pick up a paddle and join the pickleball revolution.