Pickleball Stats at a Glance
- US Players: 19.8 million in 2024 – up 311% since 2021
- Average Age: 34.8 years
- UK Players: 35,000+ (up from ~15,000 in 2023)
- Gender Split: 60% men / 40% women – but women are catching up
- Global Market Value: £1.1 billion (2023), expected to triple by 2033
- Courts in US: 68,000+ – still not enough
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Registered UK Venues: 449 (58% growth YoY)
Participation & Demographics
Pickleball has officially gone mainstream. The U.S. saw its player base skyrocket from 4.8 million in 2021 to nearly 20 million in 2024 – solidifying its place as America’s fastest-growing sport for four years running.
And it's no longer just a retirees’ game. The largest age bracket is now 25–34, and over 1 million children took up the paddle last year. The average age? A surprisingly sprightly 34.8.
Meanwhile, the gender gap is narrowing. In 2017, men dominated 75% of the player base. In 2023, women made up 40%, with mixed doubles emerging as a crowd favourite.
The UK is catching fire too, doubling participation in one year and recording a 65% spike in club memberships. England alone now has 449 active venues.
Pickleball Market & Spend
Industry Snapshot:
- £1.1 billion global value in 2023
- 11.3% CAGR forecast through 2033
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£200+ paddles are flying off shelves
Pickleball isn’t just a pastime – it’s big business. In the U.S., over £240 million went into facility construction in 2023 alone, with another 25,000 courts still needed to meet demand.
Fitness and leisure companies are getting creative:
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Life Time gyms are converting spaces into dedicated pickleball hubs
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Chicken N Pickle blends social dining with competitive play
Even the media is cashing in. In 2023, the APP tour struck major TV deals with CBS and ESPN, drawing millions of new fans. Prize pools, sponsorships, and pro salaries (top players earned ~£95k) are all on the rise.
Infrastructure on the Move
Despite over 68,000 courts in the U.S., demand still outstrips supply. Cities are:
- Converting tennis courts
- Building multi-court regional hubs
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Exploring quieter court tech for urban areas
In the UK, the court boom continues:
- 449 English venues in 2023 (up 58%)
- Leisure centres taping up badminton courts
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Modular tiles and portable nets gaining popularity
Flooring upgrades are trending – especially cushioned, non-slip surfaces that lower injury risks and reduce the sport's infamous paddle pop sound.
Health, Injury & Performance
Pickleball isn’t just fun – it’s fitness gold. Players spend matches at about 70% of max heart rate, checking the box for moderate cardiovascular activity.
But injuries are a concern:
- £270 million+ in medical costs (U.S., 2023)
- Most injuries: sprains and fractures in ankles, wrists, knees
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90% of injury patients are 50+
Proper warm-ups, footwear, and age-aware intensity can mitigate risk. Health experts even praise the sport’s impact on balance, cognitive function, and mental well-being.
What’s Next for Pickleball?
Olympic Hopes
With 77 countries now hosting federations, governing bodies are uniting to push for inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. It's not in Paris 2024 or LA 2028, but the global groundwork is being laid.
Rule Changes
In 2023, the spin serve was banned to preserve fairness. Expect more refinements as player skill rises.
Tech Integration
Pickleball is getting smarter:
- Apple Watches logged more pickleball workouts than tennis in 2023
- AI video analysis, ball machines, and smart nets are trending
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New quiet ball designs and acoustic panelled courts aim to keep neighbours happy
Final Word
Pickleball isn’t just a game – it’s a global movement, social connector, and economic engine. With its blend of accessibility, athleticism, and community spirit, the paddle-powered revolution is only just getting started.
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