Pickleball has rapidly become one of the most widely played and fastest-growing sports in America. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), 24.3 million Americans played pickleball in 2025, making it one of the most popular sports in the country.
As participation grows, so does interest from facility operators, sporting goods companies, and community leaders looking to understand the scale and trajectory of the sport.
This page highlights the latest pickleball participation statistics, growth trends, and market insights, along with data on the emerging sport of padel, another racquet sport gaining traction in the United States.
Key Pickleball Participation Statistics
Total U.S. Pickleball Participants (2025):
24.3 million players
5-Year Growth (2020–2025):
+479% participation growth
Top Ranking Among U.S. Sports:
Pickleball ranks among the top 25 most-played sports and activities in the United States.
These numbers come from SFIA’s Topline Participation Report, the industry’s most comprehensive dataset tracking participation across more than 100 sports and fitness activities.
Pickleball Participation Growth
Pickleball’s growth over the past several years has been unprecedented.
Participation increased from approximately 4.2 million players in 2020 to over 24 million players in 2025, reflecting rapid expansion in community programs, facility development, and recreational play.
This surge makes pickleball the fastest-growing sport in the United States over the past three years, outpacing activities such as pilates training, cardio tennis, and climbing.
As participation grows, pickleball is attracting interest from businesses and organizations exploring opportunities in facility development, programming, and long-term growth.
Access the Pickleball Single Sport Report for more insights into pickleball participation, including trends and demographic breakdowns.
Who Plays Pickleball?
Pickleball participation spans multiple age groups and demographics, making it one of the most broadly accessible sports in the country.
Gender Breakdown
57% male
43% female
Age Distribution
Participation spans across youth, adults, and older players, with particularly strong engagement among:
- Young adults
- Adults ages 25–44
- Players 65+
This diverse participation base has helped fuel the sport’s rapid expansion.
Why People Play Pickleball
Beyond participation numbers, research into player motivations helps explain the sport’s momentum.
Among avid players surveyed in the Pickleball Market Playbook, the top motivations for playing include:
- Physical exercise (nearly 94%)
- Fun and enjoyment
- Competition
- Social interaction
Pickleball’s combination of fitness, competition, and community has helped the sport attract both casual and highly engaged participants.
Access the Pickleball Market Playbook for deeper insights into avid players’ usage rates, purchasing trends, and brand profiles.
Padel Participation in the United States
While pickleball leads the U.S. sports growth story, padel is another racquet sport gaining attention.
SFIA estimates that approximately 1.07 million Americans played padel in 2025, with both casual and CORE participants contributing to the sport’s expansion.
Padel is already widely popular internationally, particularly in:
- Spain
- Latin America
- Europe
- The Middle East
As more padel clubs open across the United States, the sport is expected to continue expanding.
About SFIA Participation Data
All participation figures on this page are derived from SFIA’s annual participation research, conducted in partnership with the Physical Activity Council.
The study includes:
- 18,000 annual survey respondents ages 6+
- Monthly data collection
- Tracking of more than 120 sports and fitness activities
This research powers the SFIA Topline Participation Report, the industry’s most widely referenced dataset on sports participation in the United States.
Want the Full Data?
If you work in the sports industry, access to reliable participation data is essential for strategic planning.
SFIA provides the industry’s most trusted research on sports and fitness participation, including:
- sport-specific participation reports
- market insights
- consumer behavior analysis
Frequently asked questions
According to SFIA, 24.3 million Americans played pickleball in 2025, making it one of the most popular and fastest-growing sports in the country.
Yes. Pickleball grew 171.8% from 2022 to 2025, making it the fastest-growing sport in the United States.
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a smaller court with a paddle and plastic ball, making it easy to learn and accessible for players of all ages.
Pickleball’s popularity is driven by:
- Easy-to-learn rules
- Strong social and community appeal
- Low cost to get started
- Accessibility for all ages and skill levels
Pickleball is played across all age groups, from youth to older adults. Participation is strongest among adults, but the sport continues to grow among younger players as well.
Padel is a racquet sport played on an enclosed court, combining elements of tennis and squash. It is widely popular internationally and is beginning to grow rapidly in the United States.
Approximately 1 million Americans played padel in 2025, according to SFIA participation data.
SFIA provides in-depth research through: