Key Findings
- 739 coaches teaching pickleball nationally in 2024, up 6x from 2023
- 5.4 pickleball lessons taken per student
- 4,489 pickleball lessons given nationally in 2024, up 3x from 2023
- 158.6% growth in national pickleball participation in 2024
- 46% growth in pickleball lessons for ages 45-54
- Austin, TX is the fastest growing city for pickleball in the US
The Pickleball Phenomenon: A Sport's Remarkable Journey
From its humble beginnings on Bainbridge Island, Washington in 1965, pickleball has transformed from a backyard pastime into one of America's fastest-growing sports. What started as a creative fusion of table tennis, badminton, and tennis by three innovative vacationers has evolved into a nationwide phenomenon that's reshaping the recreational sports landscape.
Record-Breaking Participation
The latest Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) data reveals a milestone achievement: 13.6 million Americans participated in pickleball last year, positioning the sport in elite company. This remarkable figure places pickleball in a competitive stance with traditional powerhouses like baseball (16.7 million participants) and outdoor soccer (14.1 million), while surpassing established sports such as downhill skiing (13.1 million).
The Secret Behind the Surge
The sport's meteoric rise can be attributed to its unique combination of accessibility and social dynamics. Unlike many competitive sports, pickleball offers a gentle learning curve while providing opportunities for genuine athletic challenge. Its distinctive "open play format" has created vibrant communities where players of varying skill levels can seamlessly integrate into games, fostering an inclusive environment that particularly resonates with active seniors.
Infrastructure Growth and Future Outlook
As we assess the landscape in 2024, the expansion of pickleball facilities has become a key driver of the sport's continued growth. Communities nationwide are responding to the surging demand by converting existing spaces and developing dedicated pickleball complexes. This infrastructure boom suggests that pickleball's upward trajectory is far from reaching its peak.
In this report, we'll examine the remarkable statistics behind pickleball's transformation over the past 12 months, analyzing everything from player demographics to facility development. The data tells a compelling story of a sport that has not only captured America's attention but is actively reshaping how communities approach recreational athletics.
Annual Pickleball Report Demographics
Pickleball growth has exploded since 2020 and continued in 2024.
Pickleball court growth was needed to meet the demand for pickleball lessons and people wanting to get in on the pickleball action. Player growth skyrocketed from 2023 to 2024, with national pickleball lesson bookings almost tripling from 1,529 to 4,546. The states leading the way? California, Florida, and Texas.
Pickleball Player Breakdown
Austin is America's Pickleball Capital in 2024
- Austin Metro Pickleball Association (AMPA) has reported approximately 3,000-3,500 registered members.
- An estimated 15,000-20,000 people play pickleball at least occasionally in the greater Austin area.
- The active, regular player base (playing at least twice monthly) is estimated at around 8,000-10,000 players.
- Court reservation systems consistently show 70-80% utilization during peak hours.
- Local facilities report growing waitlists for prime playing times.
The Top 10 Pickleball Cities in the US for 2024
Ranking Methodology
Our comprehensive ranking methodology evaluates cities across five key categories, with a maximum score of 100 points.
- Lesson Activity carries the highest weight, measuring not just raw booking volume but also instructor availability and the diversity of clinics offered.
- Infrastructure follows, taking into account the total court count, quality of facilities, and the balance between public and private venues.
- Community Vitality encompasses league participation rates, membership growth trends, and the variety of social programs available.
- The Tournament Scene evaluates both professional and amateur events along with total prize money distributed.
- Growth Indicators make up the rest and looks at year-over-year facility development, waitlist demand patterns, and the creation of new programs.
This weighted approach ensures our rankings capture both the current state of pickleball in each city and its potential for future growth. Cities that excel across multiple categories demonstrate not just popularity but sustainability in their pickleball ecosystem, from grassroots participation to professional competition. The methodology particularly rewards cities that show balance between accessibility for newcomers and opportunities for advanced players, while also considering the economic impact and community engagement aspects of the sport.
1. Austin, TX
Austin's dominance in the pickleball scene stems from its perfect storm of year-round playing weather, tech-forward facilities, and the youngest average player demographic in the country. The city's 32 dedicated courts maintain a staggering 92% utilization rate, while its 28 certified instructors struggle to keep up with lesson demand that's grown 125% year over year. Austin's innovative approach extends to corporate involvement, with major tech companies integrating pickleball facilities into their campuses, contributing to the city's unmatched 16.90% share of national lesson bookings.
2. New York City, NY
Despite space constraints and seasonal challenges, New York City has revolutionized urban pickleball through creative solutions like rooftop courts and converted warehouses, resulting in 75 total courts across five boroughs. The city's premium facilities, led by pioneers like CityPickle, have established a new standard for upscale pickleball experiences while maintaining broad accessibility through robust public programs. With $200,000 in tournament prize money and 45 certified instructors, NYC has built a pickleball ecosystem that matches its status as a global sports capital.
3. Dallas, TX
Dallas has leveraged its central location and corporate backing to become a major pickleball hub, hosting four major tournaments annually with $85,000 in prize money. The city's 45 dedicated courts and 85% public accessibility rate have fostered one of the most active competitive scenes in the country, with 8,500 registered league players. The combination of strong tournament presence, extensive infrastructure, and a 112% growth in lesson bookings solidifies Dallas as a powerhouse in the national pickleball landscape.
4. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco's pickleball scene reflects its tech industry roots, pioneering AI-enabled smart courts and digital court booking systems across its 28 dedicated facilities. The city's unique approach to technology integration has attracted a notably young player base, with 55% of its 6,200 active players aged 25-40. Despite space limitations, San Francisco's innovative facility design and strong corporate support have driven an 88% increase in lesson bookings and established the city as a model for urban pickleball development.
5. Chicago, IL
Chicago has mastered the art of year-round pickleball with its network of seven premium indoor facilities, hosting six national events and maintaining an impressive 82% winter utilization rate. The city's converted warehouse complex concept has created a blueprint for cold-weather pickleball that other northern cities are rushing to emulate. With 7,500 registered players and a 95% peak season utilization rate, Chicago proves that weather constraints don't have to limit pickleball growth.
6. Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale's pickleball scene capitalizes on its resort destination status, with four premium facilities that maintain a 92% outdoor play capability rate throughout the year. The city has successfully integrated pickleball into its luxury tourism offering, hosting eight destination tournaments annually while maintaining a strong local community of 5,800 active players. Scottsdale's unique blend of resort-based facilities and robust local programming has created a model for how tourist destinations can build sustainable pickleball communities.
7. Seattle, WA
Despite its rainy reputation, Seattle has created a thriving indoor pickleball ecosystem with eight covered facilities and the nation's first eco-friendly covered complex. The city stands out for having the highest percentage of female players (75%) among top pickleball cities, fostering an especially inclusive community atmosphere. Seattle's focus on weather-proof facilities and inclusive programming has driven an 85% increase in lesson bookings and established the city as the Pacific Northwest's premier pickleball destination.
8. Houston, TX
Houston's approach to pickleball growth centers on multi-sport complex integration, creating versatile facilities that serve its 5,200 active players year-round. The city's 22 dedicated courts have seen a 92% increase in lesson bookings, driven by innovative programming that includes the nation's first corporate league system. Houston's success in integrating pickleball into existing sports infrastructure while maintaining 72% year-round utilization demonstrates a sustainable model for rapid growth.
9. Miami, FL
Miami's pickleball scene is uniquely international, with 45% of its 6,800 registered players coming from outside the United States, creating one of the most diverse pickleball communities in the country. The city's six beach-adjacent facilities and first padel-pickleball hybrid venue have established a new model for coastal pickleball development. Miami's ability to attract international players and tourists while maintaining a strong local community has created a distinctive pickleball culture that sets it apart from other top cities.
10. St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg has carved out its niche by focusing on the senior pickleball market, with the nation's first 55+ dedicated complex and a 60% retiree participation rate. The city's 20 dedicated courts and four premium facilities maintain a 75% year-round utilization rate, while hosting five senior circuit events annually. St. Petersburg's success in serving the senior market while growing its broader pickleball community demonstrates how cities can build strong pickleball programs around their demographic strengths.
The Next Wave: Emerging Pickleball Cities to Watch
The rapid growth of pickleball across the United States has sparked the emergence of several "pickleball hotspots" beyond the traditional strongholds. These cities are experiencing explosive growth in court construction, lesson demand, league formation, and community engagement:
Nashville, TN
Nashville's pickleball scene has surged, with a 150% increase in court bookings over the past year. The city has embraced the sport's social nature, integrating pickleball facilities into its growing entertainment districts and converting underutilized tennis courts to meet demand.
Denver, CO
The Mile High City has seen remarkable growth in pickleball participation, particularly among young professionals. The city's parks department has responded by adding 20 new dedicated courts in the past 18 months, with another 15 planned for 2025.
Raleigh-Durham, NC
The Research Triangle has become a pickleball powerhouse, with multiple new facilities opening in 2024. The area's tech-savvy population has embraced the sport, leading to a 135% increase in lesson bookings and the formation of several competitive leagues.
Salt Lake City, UT
Utah's capital has leveraged its outdoor recreation culture to fuel pickleball growth. The city has seen a 140% increase in court reservations and has begun incorporating pickleball facilities into its winter sports complexes for year-round play.
Portland, OR
Despite its rainy reputation, Portland has emerged as a pickleball hub, with innovative indoor facilities driving growth. The city has seen a 125% increase in lesson bookings and has become known for its vibrant mixed-age playing communities.
Top Pickleball Coaches: Sidehustling in the Kitchen
Pickleball coaches are in high demand as the sport's popularity accelerates. With increasing interest from players of all ages and skill levels, qualified instructors are finding themselves at the center of pickleball's explosive growth.
The state-by-state analysis of pickleball coach earnings reveals compelling patterns in the sport's growth and professional opportunities across America. California dominates the landscape with earnings of $328,909, driven by its perfect combination of year-round playing weather, tech industry wealth, and early adoption of premium pickleball facilities. This significant lead over other states demonstrates the maturity of California's pickleball ecosystem and its ability to support full-time coaching careers.
Texas and Florida round out the top three, with earnings of $102,108 and $96,580 respectively, showcasing the strength of the Sun Belt in pickleball development. Both states benefit from favorable weather conditions and diverse player demographics, from young professionals to active retirees. Their strong showing reflects successful integration of pickleball into existing sports infrastructure and robust tournament scenes.
The Northeast makes a strong showing despite seasonal challenges, with New York ($70,689), Massachusetts ($31,829), and New Jersey ($29,121) all ranking in the top 10. These states have overcome weather limitations through innovative indoor facilities and premium club developments, particularly in urban areas where higher lesson rates help offset facility costs.
Illinois stands out in the Midwest with earnings of $38,625, demonstrating how strategic indoor facility development can create a year-round pickleball market in colder climates. Other states in the region show promise but lag behind, suggesting room for growth as infrastructure develops.
The Mountain West shows interesting contrasts, with Arizona ($31,924) and Colorado ($24,091) performing well despite smaller populations, likely due to their outdoor recreation culture and growing retiree communities. These states particularly excel in destination pickleball experiences, combining instruction with resort amenities.
Washington state's strong performance ($27,195) is noteworthy given its climate challenges, indicating that dedicated indoor facilities and strong community programs can overcome weather limitations. Similarly, Virginia ($25,483) and Georgia ($26,113) demonstrate the Southeast's growing pickleball market beyond Florida's dominance.
What's particularly striking is the correlation between earnings and infrastructure development. States with higher earnings typically show more diverse facility types (indoor, outdoor, premium clubs) and stronger tournament presence. This suggests that facility investment often precedes significant growth in coaching revenue.
The data also reveals an emerging trend of professionalization in pickleball instruction. States with higher earnings tend to have more certified instructors and structured teaching programs, indicating a shift from casual instruction to career-focused coaching. This transformation is most evident in the top-earning states, where coaches can build sustainable full-time careers through a combination of private lessons, clinics, and tournament coaching.
These state-level insights point to significant growth potential in currently underperforming markets, particularly in states with large populations but relatively lower earnings. As facilities continue to develop and the sport gains mainstream acceptance, we expect to see coaching earnings rise across more states, gradually closing the current gaps between market leaders and developing regions.
The Pickleball Revolution is Just Getting Started: Bold Predictions for 2025 and Beyond
As pickleball continues its meteoric rise, industry experts and trend analysts are making increasingly bold predictions about the sport's future. Here's what we can expect to see in 2025 and beyond:
The Padel Explosion
Padel will follow pickleball's growth trajectory, with an estimated 300% increase in U.S. courts by 2025. This tennis-squash hybrid, already huge in Europe and Latin America, is poised to become America's next racquet sport phenomenon. Major cities will see dedicated padel clubs opening alongside pickleball facilities, with Miami, Austin, and NYC leading the way.
Hybrid Facilities Lead the Way
The next wave of pickleball venues will include padel courts, creating comprehensive racquet sport destinations. This multi-sport approach is already gaining traction in major markets, with 40% of new pickleball facilities expected to include padel courts by 2025.
Professional Circuit Expansion
The professional pickleball tour will see unprecedented growth, with total prize money expected to reach $10 million by 2025. Multi-sport athletes will emerge as both pickleball and padel gain mainstream attention, leading to exciting crossover events and combined tournaments.
Technology Integration
Smart courts with automated line calling and score tracking will become standard in premium facilities. Mobile apps will revolutionize the booking experience, with AI-powered systems matching players of similar skill levels and managing court time for both sports efficiently.
Youth Movement Accelerates
While pickleball gained initial popularity among older adults, the 18-34 demographic will become the fastest-growing segment by 2025. Schools will begin incorporating pickleball into physical education programs, creating a new generation of racquet sport enthusiasts who naturally transition between pickleball and padel.
Corporate Wellness Revolution
Major companies will install pickleball courts at their campuses as part of enhanced wellness programs. As padel gains popularity, forward-thinking companies will add padel courts as well, creating comprehensive recreational facilities for employees.
Real Estate Development Impact
New residential communities will market "racquet sport lifestyle" as a key amenity. Dedicated pickleball facilities will become as common as swimming pools in luxury developments, with high-end properties adding padel courts to differentiate their offerings.
Broadcasting Goes Mainstream
Major networks will expand pickleball coverage beyond tournament finals, with regular season matches gaining prime-time slots. The combined viewership of pickleball is projected to grow by 200% annually through 2025, paving the way for padel to secure its own broadcast deals.
This evolution in racquet sports represents more than just a trend – it's reshaping how Americans think about recreational activity, social connection, and community development. As both pickleball and padel continue to grow, they're creating a new ecosystem of players, facilities, and opportunities that will define recreational sports for decades to come.
