TeachMe.To's Pickleball Data Highlights
Introduction
Pickleball continues to dominate as the fastest-growing sport in America for the third consecutive year. Invented by three vacationers on Bainbridge Island near Seattle in 1965, pickleball combines elements of table tennis, badminton, and tennis.
One of the key reasons for pickleball's soaring popularity is its accessibility. The sport is easy to learn and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, making it particularly popular among seniors. Its "open play format" allows players to mix and match with dozens of others in a session, fostering a social and inclusive atmosphere.
In fact, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), 13.6 million Americans tried pickleball last year. This places pickleball just behind baseball (16.7 million) and outdoor soccer (14.1 million), and slightly ahead of downhill skiing (13.1 million).
Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, the availability of locations to play pickleball is a crucial factor in its continued growth. Fortunately, with more facilities being built nationwide, the sport's popularity is set to rise even further. To illustrate just how much the sport has taken off, let's delve into some of the top pickleball statistics, from player adoption to the rapid increase in court availability. Here is a recap of the sport's growth over the past 12 months.
Annual Pickleball Report Demographics
The pickleball growth explosion continued into this year. When we look at 2024 vs. 2023:
Pickleball Lesson Bookings
Player Growth: Pickleball lesson bookings almost tripled, increasing 197% from 1,529 to 4,546
Court Distribution by State:
- California: 2,253 locations served
- Florida: 1,148 locations served
- Texas: 1,032 locations served
Age Distribution according to TeachMe.To:
- 64% of pickleball players taking lessons are at least 45 years old
- The 55-64 year old age range saw a 6x jump in pickleball adoption, the biggest jump of any age range
Gender Distribution:
- 65% of pickleball players taking lessons are female.
- Women grew significantly faster than men, with a 50% lesson growth rate from 2023.
California, the number one ranked state for pickleball, has seen a growth rate of 64.67%.
Austin earns #1 city for pickleball according to our booking data
Pickleball has seen a dramatic increase in popularity in the last few years — experts predict we'll need 25,000 extra courts around the country to meet demand.
This breakdown highlights the top cities in the U.S. where pickleball is thriving based on the number of coaches in any given city per our data. According to our data at TeachMe.To, here are the most popular cities to play pickleball in the country, with Austin taking the top spot for the most pickleball coaching lessons booked according to TeachMe.To's data.
Ranking | City | Share of Lessons |
|---|---|---|
1 | Austin | 16.90% |
2 | New York City | 15.17% |
3 | Dallas | 10.69% |
4 | San Francisco | 9.31% |
5 | Chicago | 9.31% |
6 | Scottsdale | 9.14% |
7 | Seattle | 8.10% |
8 | Houston | 7.76% |
9 | Miami | 6.90% |
10 | St. Petersburg | 6.72% |
Austin is one of the most popular places to play pickleball in the United States with 98 pickleball coaching lessons booked already in 2024. At time of publishing, there are currently nine pickleball coaches serving the Austin area. Eight of these nine coaches have a five-star rating and one coach has a four-and-a-half-star rating. The combination of great coaching and 51 locations to play pickleball are two major factors in why Austin is ranked number first in the nation.
The second ranked city, New York City, comes in close with 88 pickleball coaching lessons booked and an impressive 16 pickleball coaches serving the area. There are 56 pickleball locations in New York City, with 12 of them specifically located within New York City, and a total of 203 pickleball courts across the city. While New York City is near second in bookings, it is also twice the population of Austin with 1.6 million people residing there.
Dallas is ranked third according to our data and features 117 pickleball courts in the city limits, so it is no surprise that they are the third most popular city according to our rankings. In fact, one company is planning to bring an additional 15 pickleball locations to the Dallas area, so the sport will soon be even more accessible to thousands of people.
San Francisco, Chicago, and Scottsdale are in a virtual tie for the next three spots. San Francisco and Scottsdale have outdoor courts in warmer climates, while Chicago has 70 indoor pickleball courts for players to enjoy.
Rounding out the rest of our list are Seattle, which is located only 10 miles from where pickleball was invented, and three other locations again with a warmer climate: Houston, Miami Beach and St. Petersburg.
Up and coming Pickleball cities
What cities are seeing a rise in demand for the sport? Not surprisingly, these cities are in warmer climates with nicer weather. Here are a few changes worth noting in 2024.
- Miami was not ranked in 2023 and now holds the number one spot in Florida with 13.65% of all pickleball coaching lessons booked.
- St. Petersburg saw an increase of 430% in coaching lessons booked from 2023 to 2024.
- Fort Lauderdale saw an increase of 335% in coaching lessons booked from 2023 to 2024.
- San Francisco has made a stunning leap from unranked in 2023 to seizing the number one spot in California, boasting an impressive 11.89% share!
Most Popular Pickleball States
When we look at the total popularity of pickleball coaching lessons booked within states, we see a shift in rankings. It's no surprise that the top three rankings are in warmer states known for having nice weather. But once we look at the other rankings, we see that pickleball is popular in some areas that are not as well-known for sunny weather. Four states, New Jersey, New York, Illinois and Pennsylvania are almost tied for the same amount of pickleball coaching lessons.
Rank | State | Share of Lessons |
|---|---|---|
So, how do these numbers compare with the rankings from 2023? California, Florida, and Texas have seen a percent increase when compared to last year. Most notable is in California as the sport has truly spread into new parts of the state.
Let's take a closer look at the top cities in the number one state of California. San Francisco leads the way, with its iconic Golden Gate Park and the Presidio offering stunning settings for pickleball enthusiasts. The city's blend of natural beauty and urban vibrancy makes it a top choice for players.
San Diego follows closely, known for its perfect weather year-round and numerous outdoor courts in places like Balboa Park and Mission Bay Park. The city's beachside culture and active lifestyle attract a diverse range of pickleball players.
Los Angeles also shows significant interest in pickleball. With its vast network of parks and recreational centers, including Griffith Park and Venice Beach, LA provides ample opportunities for both casual and competitive play. The city's emphasis on health and fitness aligns perfectly with the sport's growing popularity.
Irvine, with its meticulously maintained parks and community centers, such as the Great Park and Heritage Community Park, supports a thriving pickleball scene. The city's family-friendly atmosphere and commitment to recreational activities make it a favorite among residents.
Marina del Rey, known for its beautiful marina and waterfront parks, offers a unique pickleball experience. The combination of scenic views and excellent facilities, like Burton Chace Park, draws players looking for both relaxation and sport. This diverse range of locations across California highlights a fairly equal distribution of interest in the sport, showcasing the state's overall enthusiasm for pickleball.
Top Pickleball Coaches Breakdown
Our top 20 pickleball coaches have significantly impacted the sport and their communities. Their impressive earnings this year reflect the high demand for quality pickleball instruction.
Leading the list is a coach from Austin, known for their strategic approach and engaging style, building a loyal client base and boosting Austin's pickleball scene.
In New York City, a top-earning coach with a professional tennis background offers tailored lessons in iconic NYC locations, attracting a diverse group of players.
San Francisco's standout coach fosters a supportive learning environment with innovative drills, resulting in high demand for their services.
Coaches from Dallas, Miami Beach, and Seattle also made the list, showcasing the widespread enthusiasm for pickleball. These coaches have created effective training programs that resonate with their communities.
The Pickleball Revolution is Just Getting Started: Bold Predictions for 2025 and Beyond
For Coaches: The demand for skilled pickleball coaches is set to explode in 2025, creating a golden opportunity for those who act fast. Coaches who tap into emerging hotspots—where player numbers are skyrocketing but trained instructors are scarce—stand to build thriving businesses. Expect new opportunities for specialized coaching, including clinics for competitive play, youth programs, and even corporate team-building sessions.
For Equipment Manufacturers: Get ready for a shake-up in the market as pickleball continues its meteoric rise. Equipment companies have a unique chance to innovate, introducing tech-enhanced paddles with performance tracking, stylish apparel lines, and eco-friendly gear. The luxury market is also poised for a breakthrough—think designer paddles, personalized gear, and exclusive club memberships. With players now spending over $300 annually on lessons alone, the appetite for high-quality, tailored products is hotter than ever.
For Sports Facilities: Pickleball’s explosive growth is turning facility development into a high-stakes game. Savvy investors and facility managers will capitalize on this by transforming underused spaces into pickleball hubs, complete with smart courts, private coaching zones, and social lounges. Expect to see dedicated pickleball arenas that rival tennis clubs, offering memberships, tournaments, and events that make the sport a lifestyle. The future of pickleball is not just in playing—it’s in the full, immersive experience.
These aren’t just predictions—they’re a call to action. The question isn’t if pickleball will dominate but how fast you’ll move to catch the wave.
