The Fast-Growing Pickleball Scene in Nevada

Pickleball has been rapidly growing in popularity across the United States with over the sport reaching 13.6 million players in 2023. In Nevada, the sport has taken root particularly strongly in certain cities, according to recent data on coaches and lessons booked. This data highlights the regional differences in the adoption and growth of pickleball within the state, with Las Vegas, Paradise, and Henderson leading the charge.

Las Vegas

​Las Vegas, while famous for its vibrant nightlife and bustling entertainment scene, is also a hotspot for pickleball. According to TeachMe.To's data, Las Vegas boasts the highest percentage of coaches at 62.96% and pickleball coaching lessons at 65.00%. This dominance indicates a well-established pickleball community supported by a robust infrastructure of facilities and trainers. The city of Las Vegas has announced plans to add a regional pickleball complex to the Wayne Bunker Park in Northwest Las Vegas. The city’s website indicates this pickleball complex will add 25 new courts, and construction on the facility is
scheduled to begin in 2025.

There are also a variety of major pickleball tournaments to take place in Las Vegas. The Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a six-day pro tournament that recently took place at the 105,000-square-foot Royal Ballroom. This event featured the world's best professional pickleball players, including Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, Jack Sock and Genie Bouchard. In addition to that event, Las Vegas is also hosting the first Professional Pickleball Association Tour Las Vegas Pickleball Cup Aug. 27th to Sept. 1st.

Paradise

​The city of Paradise has carved out a significant niche for itself in the pickleball scene. Our data shows that Paradise accounts for 22.22% of coaches and 29.00% of lessons booked. The growth of pickleball in Paradise can be seen as part of a broader trend of increasing interest in diverse recreational activities. The community has embraced pickleball for its accessibility and the social opportunities it provides. 

Local parks and recreation departments have responded by increasing the availability of courts and organizing regular events and leagues.

Henderson

​Henderson, located just southeast of Las Vegas, ranks third in Nevada for pickleball in the state with 14.81% of coaches and 6.00% of lessons booked. While these figures are lower compared to Las Vegas and Paradise, they reflect a growing interest and potential for expansion. The city of Henderson recently announced plans to open a 180,000-square-foot indoor sports and family entertainment complex that will have basketball courts that can convert to pickleball uses.

Henderson’s pickleball community is still in its developmental stages, but the city has been making strides in promoting the sport. In fact, a new facility is coming to Henderson for pickleball players. A new location, called The Picklr, will open its first valley location later this year in a 28,000 square foot facility with indoor courts, a pro shop, a private event space, league play, tournaments, and open play.

Another interesting location is opening in Henderson this year: Chicken N Pickle. The facility will feature air conditioned courts, a restaurant and sports bar in Henderson. The company said it is looking to open this location in “late 2024.” Chicken N Pickle’s backers include Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

The Future of Pickleball in Nevada

As pickleball continues to gain popularity, it is likely that more cities in Nevada will continue to invest in the sport, creating new opportunities for residents to engage in this fun and dynamic activity. The current trends suggest that pickleball is more than a passing fad; it is a sport that has firmly rooted itself in the recreational landscape of Nevada and will continue to grow in the future.