Who Plays Pickleball? Demographics Breakdown
Pickleball has rapidly transformed into a major sporting phenomenon across the United States, earning and retaining the title of America’s fastest-growing sport for four consecutive years. As participation surged from 13.6 million players in 2023 to 19.8 million in 2024, this remarkable ascent prompts a key question: Who exactly is playing pickleball as we approach and move through 2025? Today’s community spans children through seniors, with surging youth and female growth alongside a still-strong adult core, making it a game for everyone (Lantz, 2025; Play at PAC, n.d.; Sprecher, 2025; The Dink Pickleball, n.d.).
The sport’s widespread appeal is largely due to its inclusive nature, attracting players from diverse backgrounds and skill levels.
Below, we explore who’s playing by age, gender, region, and beyond, drawing from the latest available data from 2024 that shapes the 2025 outlook and briefly touching on emerging global trends.
U.S. Participation Trends
The growth of pickleball in the United States has been nothing short of historic.
- 2023: 13.6 million players (played at least once in the year) (Dink USA, n.d.; News.Market.us, n.d.; PBPro Pickleball, n.d.; FRANdata, 2024; The Dink Pickleball, n.d.).
- 2024: 19.8 million players, representing a 45.8% year-over-year increase from 2023 and an astounding 311% growth over the past three years (Lantz, 2025; Play at PAC, n.d.; The Dink Pickleball, n.d.).
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) 2025 Topline Participation Report solidifies pickleball's continued momentum (Lantz, 2025; SFIA, 2025; SportsTravel Magazine, 2025).
The SFIA report further segments players into two crucial categories: casual players, who play 1-7 times per year, and core players, who engage in the sport 8 or more times annually (Lantz, 2025; The Dink Pickleball, n.d.).
In 2024, casual players numbered 13.6 million, marking a significant 55.6% increase from the previous year (Lantz, 2025; The Dink Pickleball, n.d.). Simultaneously, core players reached 6.2 million, demonstrating a robust 28.2% increase (Lantz, 2025; The Dink Pickleball, n.d.). This dual surge, especially among core players, reflects rising retention and a deeper commitment to pickleball, translating into consistent demand for equipment, courts, coaching, and community activities. Such sustained engagement suggests the sport’s growth will continue steadily into 2025 rather than fizzling out.
To fully appreciate the scale of this phenomenon, consider the consistent year-over-year expansion:
Table 1: U.S. Pickleball Participation Growth (2019-2024)
|
Year |
Estimated Number of U.S. Pickleball Players (in millions) |
Annual Growth Rate (%) |
|
2019 |
3.46 (News.Market.us, n.d.; The Dink Pickleball, n.d.) |
|
|
2020 |
4.20 (News.Market.us, n.d.; The Dink Pickleball, n.d.) |
+21.4 (News.Market.us, n.d.) |
|
2021 |
4.82 (News.Market.us, n.d.; The Dink Pickleball, n.d.) |
+14.8 (News.Market.us, n.d.) |
|
2022 |
8.95 (The Dink Pickleball, n.d.) |
+85.7 (News.Market.us, n.d.) |
|
2023 |
13.58 (Dink USA, n.d.; Lantz, 2025; The Dink Pickleball, n.d.) |
+51.8 (Lantz, 2025) |
|
2024 |
19.81 (Dink USA, n.d.; Lantz, 2025; Play at PAC, n.d.; The Dink Pickleball, n.d.) |
+45.8 (Lantz, 2025; Play at PAC, n.d.; The Dink Pickleball, n.d.) |
This table vividly illustrates the exponential growth curve, providing clear historical context for the momentum carrying into 2025. The average annual growth rate of 43.9% (calculated from the annual growth rates listed for 2020-2024) further underscores pickleball's rapid ascent, far outpacing any other recreational sport in America (The Dink Pickleball, n.d.).
Note: Growth rate (%) is calculated by ((Current year players) − (Prior year players)) ⁄ (Prior year players) × 100
Age Breakdown
For years, pickleball was largely associated with older adults. However, this perception has dramatically shifted, with the sport now attracting a diverse range of ages. All demographic data is based on the 2021 player analysis published by USA Pickleball (2023).
- Under 18 Years: Youth have become a significant part of the pickleball community. Players aged 6–17 accounted for 21.2% of all players, reflecting clear growth among younger demographics (USA Pickleball, 2023).
- Ages 18–34: This demographic is the single largest player segment and a major driver of pickleball's growth, making up a combined 28.8% of all players. The strong participation from young adults and early-career professionals shows that pickleball has become a mainstream sport with broad appeal (USA Pickleball, 2023).
- Ages 35-54: Adult players remain a key foundation of the sport. The 35–54 age group constitutes a combined 20.4%, representing a stable and consistently engaged segment of the player base (USA Pickleball, 2023).
- Ages 55–64: Players aged 55–64 continue to be an important part of the community, accounting for 12.0% of all participants. This group remains active in both recreational and competitive play, reinforcing pickleball’s image as a low-to-moderate impact sport suitable for adults (USA Pickleball, 2023).
- Ages 65 and Over: Although the average player age continues to fall, seniors remain a large and highly significant group. In 2021, players aged 65 and over comprised 17.6% of the total (USA Pickleball, 2023). Their continued involvement ensures pickleball retains its multigenerational character and remains an excellent option for those seeking gentler forms of exercise.
Table 2: Pickleball Player Age Distribution (2021 Data)
|
Age Group |
Percentage of Total Players |
|
6-17 |
21.2% |
|
18-34 |
28.8% |
|
35-54 |
20.4% |
|
55-64 |
12.0% |
|
65+ |
17.6% |
|
Total |
100% |
Note: Data sourced from USA Pickleball (2023).
Gender Split
Pickleball demonstrates a consistent male majority in its player base, typically around 60%. At the same time, women constitute a substantial and growing 40% (Dink USA, n.d.; News.Market.us, n.d.; Play at PAC, n.d.; The Dink Media Team, n.d.).
Specific reports indicate male participation ranging from 58.6% to 60.5% and female participation from 39.5% to 41.4% (News.Market.us, n.d.; Sprecher, 2025; The Dink Media Team, n.d.).
Despite the slight male skew, the significant female involvement, consistently over 40%, highlights pickleball as a remarkably inclusive sport (Dink USA, n.d.; News.Market.us, n.d.; Play at PAC, n.d.; Sprecher, 2025; The Dink Media Team, n.d.).
This broad appeal is attributed to the sport's low barrier to entry, simple rules, and smaller court size (The Dink Pickleball, n.d.), resonating well with both genders. This fosters a diverse and welcoming environment on the courts, a key driver of its rapid growth and widespread popularity. As of 2023, there were approximately 8.0 million male players and 5.6 million female players in the U.S. (PBPro Pickleball, n.d.; The Dink Pickleball, n.d.). This inclusivity is vital for the sport's continued expansion in 2025 and beyond, supporting a broader market for equipment, apparel, and community events.
Table 3: Pickleball Player Gender Distribution (Based on 2023 Data)
|
Gender |
% of U.S. Players |
Approximate Count (2023) |
|
Men |
58.8% |
8.0 million |
|
Women |
41.2% |
5.6 million |
|
Total |
100% |
13.6 million |
Note: The approximate count for players is sourced from PBPro Pickleball (n.d.). The percentages were calculated from these counts to ensure mathematical consistency within the table.
Geographic Distribution of Pickleball in the U.S.
Pickleball participation varies across U.S. regions, with significant concentrations and rapid growth observed nationwide. All regions experienced growth through 2023 (Dink USA, n.d.).
U.S. Pickleball Participation (2023 Data)
Based on a total U.S. player count of 13.6 million in 2023, the regional breakdown highlights several key hotspots (The Dink Media Team, n.d.; Dink USA, n.d.).
- Leading Region: The South Atlantic region leads the nation with 2.8 million players, representing approximately 20.6% of the total U.S. player base (The Dink Media Team, n.d.; Dink USA, n.d.).
-
Other Prominent Regions (News.Market.us, n.d.):
- East North Central: 801,000 players
- Pacific: 780,000 players
- Mid-Atlantic: 675,000 players
National Facility and Court Growth (2024 Data)
The demand for dedicated pickleball facilities continues to drive expansion (The Dink Pickleball, n.d.). According to 2024 data from USA Pickleball (2025):
- New Locations: The national database added 4,000 new locations, bringing the total to 15,910.
- New Courts: A total of 18,455 new courts were added, reaching a nationwide total of 68,458 known courts.
State-Level Concentration (Early 2025 Data)
Data from early 2025 shows that court locations are heavily concentrated in several key states (Dink USA, n.d.):
- Florida: 1,228 locations
- California: 1,223 locations
- Texas: 941 locations
- New York: 702 locations
Indicators of High Interest and Past Growth
Beyond current player and court counts, other metrics indicate areas of high potential and historical growth.
- Online Search Interest: Utah shows the highest interest in pickleball based on Google Trend scores (a perfect 100), followed by Arizona (73), Hawaii (61), and Minnesota (60) (News.Market.us, n.d.). This suggests strong potential for future growth in these areas.
- Historical Growth Rate: As an indicator of the sport's rapid expansion, the West North Central Region saw the fastest growth rate at 29.8% year-over-year in 2022 (The Dink Media Team, n.d.).
Pickleball: From U.S. Phenomenon to Global Expansion
Recent data reveals the explosive growth of pickleball, both in its primary market, the United States, and in its rapid expansion into new global regions. This report synthesizes current data on player demographics, international growth, and future market projections.
The U.S. Market: A Strong Foundation and a Distinct Player Profile
In the United States, which remains the sport's largest market, the player base exhibits a distinct socioeconomic profile. Although comprehensive public data is limited (FRANdata, 2024; PBPro Pickleball, n.d.), available reports indicate that core players tend to have upper-middle incomes and are college-educated.
- Income: A significant 44% of participants have household incomes of $100,000 or more (PBPro Pickleball, n.d.). Compared to the general population, a higher proportion of pickleball players come from higher (22% vs. 8%) and middle-income brackets (42% vs. 35%) (FRANdata, 2024).
- Education: 47% of players hold a college degree or have completed higher education (PBPro Pickleball, n.d.).
The Global Expansion Wave: Asia as the New Epicenter
While the U.S. provides a strong foundation, the most rapid growth is now occurring internationally, with Asia emerging as a key powerhouse. According to DUPR ratings as of May 2025, the global landscape is shifting dramatically.
- Global Rankings: While the United States and Canada remain the top two countries by total DUPR users, Malaysia has surged to the number three spot globally, outpacing all other non-North American countries (DUPR, 2025; The Dink Media Team, n.d.).
-
Growth in Asia:
- Malaysia was the second-fastest-growing country for new DUPR users over the past year, and its capital, Kuala Lumpur, ranks #2 among the fastest-growing DUPR cities worldwide (The Dink Media Team, n.d.).
- Collectively, Asia now ranks second by total DUPR users, just behind North America, and is the fastest-growing continent on the platform (The Dink Media Team, n.d.).
- Other nations like Vietnam, India, and South Korea are also experiencing rapid growth (The Dink Media Team, n.d.).
- Professional League Investment: Underscoring this trend, India launched its inaugural World Pickleball League (WPBL), a franchise-based professional league modeled after the successful Indian Premier League in cricket, with matches held from January 24 to February 2, 2025 (Fancode, 2025; Wikipedia, 2025).
Future Outlook and Key Growth Drivers
The future of pickleball will be shaped by several key factors that connect trends in both established and emerging markets.
- Broadening the Demographic Base: Youth and female outreach initiatives are considered crucial for driving the next wave of growth, ensuring a continuous influx of new players (Dink USA, n.d.; Sprecher, 2025).
- Infrastructure Investment: To meet soaring global demand, a significant expansion of courts and coaching is necessary. There is a projected need for $855 million in facility investment alone (Lantz, 2025; Play at PAC, n.d.; The Dink Pickleball, n.d.; Sprecher, 2025).
- Global Market Convergence: It is projected that as the sport matures globally, international markets will begin to mirror the demographic shifts seen in the U.S., with a move towards younger players and a more balanced gender ratio (Dimension Market Research, 2025; The Dink Media Team, n.d.).
- Market Value Growth: The sport's market value was $1.9 billion in 2023. Projections for 2033 vary, with one forecast suggesting a potential market value of $7.9 billion (Lantz, 2025) and another indicating $4 billion (The Dink Media Team, n.d., reporting on Market.us News). Equipment sales were a major contributor, accounting for 41.5% of total revenue in 2023 (Lantz, 2025).
Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving World of Pickleball and Your Game
As we look at the pickleball landscape for 2025, it is clear that the sport is defined by explosive growth, a rapidly diversifying player base that is skewing younger, and a commitment to widespread geographic expansion.
Pickleball's unique ability to bring together people of all ages, genders, and skill levels fosters a vibrant and welcoming community, making it a truly inclusive phenomenon. Understanding who plays pickleball in 2025 helps us appreciate the sport's dynamic nature and its inclusive spirit.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting your journey, the insights into pickleball's diverse community underscore why it is truly a game for everyone. For gear that fits every player, whether you dink for fun or compete hard, check out PickleballGoats.com.
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