The Meteoric Rise: America’s Fastest-Growing Sport

There’s no overstating how quickly pickleball has taken over. For the past three years, it has consistently been named the fastest-growing sport in the USA by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).

• Participation: In 2023, there were an estimated 8.9 million players in the U.S., a staggering increase of over 150% since 2020.

• Demographics: While popular with older adults (55+) for its social nature and lower impact, the fastest-growing demographic is now players under 24.

Why is Pickleball So Popular in the USA?

Several factors have contributed to its explosive growth:

1. Accessibility and Easy to Learn: The rules are simple, the court is small (same size as a badminton court), and you can have a fun rally within minutes of picking up a paddle. This low barrier to entry is key.

2. Social and Community-Driven: Pickleball is inherently social. Doubles is the most common format, and the culture is generally friendly and welcoming. It’s a great way to meet people, leading to its nickname “the social network of sports.”

3. Lower Impact: Compared to tennis, there’s less running and strain on joints, making it appealing for older adults and those looking for a sustainable form of exercise.

4. Inexpensive: You can get a decent starter paddle and balls for under $50. Public courts are often free to use.

5. The “Third Shot Drop” and Strategy: While easy to start, the game has deep strategic elements that keep players hooked. It’s often described as a physical game of chess.

Key Organizations and the Pro and Social Scene

• USA Pickleball (USAP): The national governing body. They set the official rules, sanction tournaments, and rate player skill levels.

• Professional Leagues: The pro scene is booming with two major rival leagues:

  • Professional Pickleball Association (PPA): Owned by Tom Dundon, features the top pros in the world in a tour-based format.

  • Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP): Founded by Ken Herrmann, known for being more accessible to up-and-coming pros.

• Social Leagues: The social scene is where you will play most of your pickleball:

  • MY Open Play Leagues (MYOPL): Founded by Grant Jackson, known for its collection of “open play” leagues and your first pickleball rating called an OPL Rating.

• Major Tournaments: Events like the US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, FL, and the National Championships in Indian Wells, CA, draw thousands of players and significant media attention. The PPA and APP Tours have events almost every weekend across the country.

Where to Play and How to Get Started

Getting into pickleball in the USA is incredibly easy.

1. Find a Court: Use the MYOPL “pickleball.myopl.net“ website.. It’s the most comprehensive directory of public and private courts.

2. Get Gear: Visit any major sporting goods store or shop online for a paddle and some outdoor balls.

3. Find a Game: Many parks have “open play” sessions where you can put your paddle in a rack and rotate into games. This is the best way to meet players of all levels. Use the MYOPL “pickleball.myopl.net“ website.

4. Join a Club: Many clubs have “open play” sessions where members get to enjoy pickleball games on a regular schedule. Use the MYOPL “pickleball.myopl.net“ website.

5. Join a League: Use the MYOPL website at “pickleball.myopl.net” to find leagues with “open play.” Since pickleball is a social sport played mostly for fun, the OPL Rating is the perfect way to get a skill assessment based on your recreational play. This rating represents your current skill level.

The Future of Pickleball in the USA

The future looks incredibly bright. The sport continues to grow at a breakneck pace, with increasing media coverage, corporate sponsorships, and a push to make it an Olympic sport(possibly by the 2032 Games in Brisbane).

In short, pickleball is no longer just a trend in the USA; it has firmly established itself as a mainstream sport and a permanent part of American recreational culture.