Pickleball, a sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years. As of 2023, the sport boasts over 13.6 million players in the United States alone, reflecting a 223.5% increase over the past three years.
This growth is not confined to the U.S.; globally, pickleball is gaining traction, with countries like Australia reporting a doubling of registered players annually.
The sport's appeal spans various age groups, with a notable increase in participation among younger demographics, contributing to its expanding market share.
Thus, the global pickleball market is expected to reach approximately USD 1.81 billion by 2025.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is typically played on a court that is about 20 feet wide by 44 feet long (the same dimensions as a doubles badminton court), with a net set at 36 inches high at the ends and 34 inches high at the center. The game is played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball, often referred to as a "wiffle ball," which is hit back and forth over the net.
The sport is easy to learn and can be played both indoors and outdoors, making it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. As of 2023, the number of pickleball players in the United States has surpassed 13.6 million, reflecting a 223.5% growth in participation over the past three years. This surge in popularity has led to the construction of more than 8,000 pickleball courts across the U.S., with courts increasing in number by 12% annually.
Pickleball is especially appealing to older adults, as it is a low-impact sport that places less strain on the joints compared to tennis. According to a 2023 study, 33% of pickleball players are aged 55 and older, making it a preferred choice for senior fitness. Despite its strong following among older adults, the sport has also gained traction among younger players, with 25% of new players being between the ages of 18-34.
Globally, pickleball's reach is expanding, with Canada seeing an annual growth rate of 15% in player numbers. Europe, especially the United Kingdom, has experienced a 300% increase in pickleball clubs since 2020. Pickleball’s rapid adoption in countries like Spain and Australia has further solidified its place as one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide.
In summary, pickleball is not just a casual pastime but a rapidly evolving sport with millions of active participants. Its growth is driven by its accessibility, low-impact nature, and increasing investments in infrastructure and community-based programs. The sport's appeal spans generations, contributing to its global expansion and recognition as one of the top emerging sports of the 21st century.
The Growing Pickleball Market in the USA
In the United States, pickleball has experienced exponential growth. The number of players has surged by approximately 223.5% over the past three years, reaching over 13.6 million participants.
This rapid expansion has led to increased demand for equipment, apparel, and dedicated playing facilities. The sport's popularity has also sparked a turf war with tennis, as approximately 10% of tennis courts have been repurposed for pickleball, highlighting the need for more infrastructure to accommodate the growing player base.
Regional Market Share and Opportunities in the Pickleball Industry
The global pickleball market is expanding rapidly, with different regions showing varied rates of growth and opportunities. Below is a breakdown of the regional market share, along with potential opportunities, highlighting numerical facts and figures.
North America: The Largest Market
- Market Share in 2023: North America accounts for approximately 72% of the global pickleball market. The United States leads the way, with over 13.6 million players in 2023, representing a 223.5% increase in players over the past three years. (Source: Pickleball Portal)
- Opportunities:
- The U.S. has seen a 10% increase in the repurposing of tennis courts for pickleball, demonstrating a growing demand for infrastructure to accommodate the sport.
- With $3.5 billion spent annually on pickleball-related products (equipment, apparel, etc.) in the U.S., there's substantial room for growth in both recreational and professional markets.
- Growth Drivers:
- Increased participation across all age groups, especially younger demographics (18-34), who account for 25% of all new players entering the sport.
- Expanded partnerships between pickleball organizations and major sports retailers (e.g., Wilson, Nike), boosting accessibility to products.
Europe: Fast-Growing Market
- Market Share in 2023: Europe holds around 15% of the global pickleball market.
- Opportunities:
- The UK has seen a 300% increase in pickleball clubs since 2020, with over 150 courts now available for play across the country.
- Countries such as Spain and Germany are projected to see a 250% growth in participation by 2026 due to increasing local interest and the establishment of tournaments and professional events.
- Growth Drivers:
- Strong grassroots movements and local clubs are helping to spread awareness of pickleball.
- European federations are starting to allocate funding to grow the sport at the youth level, with 5% of government sports funding now being directed towards pickleball development.
Asia-Pacific: Emerging Opportunities
- Market Share in 2023: The Asia-Pacific region is still in its early stages but is growing rapidly, with a market share of 7%.
- Opportunities:
- Australia is projected to see a 200% increase in pickleball participation over the next five years, with over 50,000 players expected by 2028.
- In Japan, the sport is slowly gaining traction, with a 50% increase in participation from 2022 to 2023.
- Growth Drivers:
- Strong sports culture, combined with the rising popularity of health-conscious, low-impact activities, is encouraging new players.
- Major players such as Wilson and Nike are tapping into the Asia-Pacific market by introducing products tailored to local preferences.
- Challenges: Limited infrastructure and the need for education around the sport are potential barriers to faster adoption.
Latin America: Untapped Potential
- Market Share in 2023: Latin America accounts for only 4% of the global pickleball market, but this is expected to increase as interest in the sport rises.
- Opportunities:
- Mexico and Brazil are projected to grow at a rate of 20% annually, driven by the rising interest in recreational sports and wellness activities.
- Pickleball associations in the region are expected to increase the number of organized events by 35% in 2024.
- Growth Drivers:
- Increased disposable income in some countries, allowing for more people to invest in recreational sports equipment.
- Collaboration with local sports clubs and federations to introduce the sport at the community level.
Middle East & Africa: Niche Market with High Growth Potential
- Market Share in 2023: The Middle East and Africa hold a 2% market share in pickleball, but rapid growth is anticipated.
- Opportunities:
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have seen interest in pickleball rise by 40% year-over-year, particularly among expatriate communities.
- Plans are underway to introduce pickleball in major sports centers, with the UAE aiming to build over 30 pickleball courts by 2026.
- Growth Drivers:
- High spending on sports infrastructure in Gulf countries, especially for recreational and health-related activities.
- An increasing awareness of pickleball as a low-impact, accessible sport for all age groups.
Global Growth Insights unveils the top List global Pickleball Companies:
- Adidas
- Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Germany
- CAGR: Approximately 10% growth in sportswear division over the last 5 years.
- 2024 Revenue: €23.68 billion, representing an 11% increase from the previous year.
- Overview: Adidas has expanded its product line to include pickleball equipment and apparel, leveraging its strong brand recognition and global market presence.
- K-Swiss
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, USA
- CAGR: Specific CAGR not available for pickleball-related products.
- 2024 Revenue: Revenue from pickleball product lines is not explicitly disclosed.
- Overview: Known for footwear, K-Swiss has ventured into the pickleball market, offering specialized shoes for on-court performance.
- Lotto
- Headquarters: Treviso, Italy
- CAGR: No specific CAGR data available for pickleball segment.
- 2024 Revenue: Revenue details specific to pickleball offerings are not disclosed.
- Overview: Lotto provides a range of pickleball apparel and accessories in Europe, tapping into the growing interest in the sport.
- Pickleball Inc
- Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, USA
- CAGR: Approx. 20% annually in product sales growth.
- 2024 Revenue: Specific revenue numbers are not publicly available.
- Overview: As a leader in the pickleball market, Pickleball Inc manufactures a variety of paddles, balls, and other equipment for the sport.
- Nike
- Headquarters: Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- CAGR: Nike’s sports division has seen steady growth of about 8-10% over the last few years, including the expansion of pickleball-related products.
- 2024 Revenue: Specific revenue for pickleball is not disclosed but part of Nike’s overall $50 billion revenue in 2024.
- Overview: Nike's involvement in the pickleball market includes footwear, apparel, and accessories that cater to both amateur and professional players.
- Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- CAGR: Estimated at 15% annual growth in pickleball products.
- 2024 Revenue: Wilson's overall revenue is part of the larger Acushnet Company, with total 2024 revenue estimated around $2.3 billion.
- Overview: Wilson provides a wide range of pickleball paddles, balls, and accessories, and is a key player in both the recreational and competitive pickleball markets.
- FILA
- Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
- CAGR: Specific CAGR for pickleball is not available, but FILA’s sportswear division has grown steadily.
- 2024 Revenue: Revenue for pickleball-specific products is not disclosed.
- Overview: FILA's contribution to the pickleball industry includes apparel and footwear designed to offer style and performance.
- New Balance
- Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- CAGR: New Balance’s overall footwear division has experienced a 5-7% annual growth rate.
- 2024 Revenue: New Balance's total revenue for 2024 is estimated at $5.8 billion, but pickleball-related figures are not disclosed separately.
- Overview: New Balance is tapping into the pickleball market with footwear designed specifically for the sport, focusing on comfort and durability.
- Onix Sports (Escalade Sports)
- Headquarters: Evansville, Indiana, USA
- CAGR: Onix Sports has seen a growth rate of about 10-15% annually in pickleball equipment sales.
- 2024 Revenue: The exact figures for pickleball products under Onix are not publicly disclosed but Escalade Sports’ overall revenue is around $650 million.
- Overview: Onix Sports offers a wide array of paddles, balls, and accessories for pickleball, catering to recreational and competitive players alike.
- Under Armour
- Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- CAGR: Under Armour’s sports apparel division has grown at a rate of 5-8% per year.
- 2024 Revenue: Under Armour’s total revenue for 2024 is approximately $5.6 billion, but specific pickleball revenue is not disclosed.
- Overview: Under Armour has expanded into pickleball with apparel and gear aimed at improving player comfort and performance.
- Head
- Headquarters: Kennelbach, Austria
- CAGR: The company is seeing steady annual growth of about 10% in the racket sports category.
- 2024 Revenue: Specific revenue from pickleball is not disclosed, but Head’s total revenue for 2024 was approximately $1 billion.
- Overview: Head provides high-quality pickleball paddles and equipment, known for their durability and innovation in racket sports.
Conclusion:
The pickleball industry has seen explosive growth in the past few years, especially in North America, with over 13 million players. This expansion has attracted several major sportswear and equipment companies, each capitalizing on the sport’s increasing popularity. While many companies are still growing their pickleball-specific product lines, their broader sports divisions continue to perform well, with Adidas and Nike leading the way. The increasing participation in the sport, coupled with the influx of investment, suggests that the pickleball market will continue to grow at a strong pace in the coming years, with significant opportunities across North America and other regions like Europe and Asia.