About 13–14 million Americans play pickleball regularly, and over 36 million have tried it.
If you want a clear, data-backed answer to how many people play pickleball, you’re in the right place. I study participation trends for a living and also run local open play nights. In this guide, I’ll break down who’s counted, where the numbers come from, and what they mean. By the end, you’ll know how many people play pickleball in the US and beyond, and how to estimate interest in your area.
What “play” means in the numbers
When you ask how many people play pickleball, the first step is to define play. Different reports use different buckets. That is why totals vary so much.
Here are the common terms:
- Any participation means someone played at least once in the past 12 months.
- Active participation means someone plays more than once a year. Many reports use monthly or several-times-per-year cutoffs.
- Core participation means someone plays often. For example, 8 or more times per year.
I see the difference in my own groups. Some folks come once with a friend. Others show up three times a week. If you want to compare numbers, always match the definitions first.
The latest numbers: how many people play pickleball in the US
Most people who ask how many people play pickleball want US totals. The latest national participation reports show about 13–14 million active players in the United States in 2023. A separate study found that about 36.5 million people tried the game at least once in a 12‑month window.
Growth has been rapid for three years. In 2022, counts were closer to 9 million in the US. Today, many cities struggle to keep up with court demand. In my town, our evening waitlist doubled in six months.
Key takeaways you can trust:
- Any participation is in the mid‑30 millions for a recent 12‑month span.
- Active players are about 13–14 million in the US.
- Core players number in the mid‑single to high‑single millions, depending on cutoffs.
These figures come from large national surveys. They have margins of error. But the trend is clear and strong.
The global picture: how many people play pickleball worldwide
So, how many people play pickleball worldwide? There is no single global census yet. The US leads by a wide margin. Canada and Mexico are growing fast. The sport is also rising in the UK, Spain, Germany, India, Japan, Australia, and the Middle East.
Based on national bodies, equipment data, and club growth, a fair range for active global players is the high teens to low 20 millions. Any participation is higher. These are cautious ranges, not hard counts, since many countries do not publish unified data.
Who is playing: demographics and trends
A few years ago, the sport skewed older. That has changed fast. The fastest growth today is among ages 18–34. The average age now sits in the mid‑30s to early‑40s in many datasets.
Gender split is near even, with a slight tilt male in some markets. Families and school programs are surging. In my leagues, after‑work slots fill first. Weekend mornings bring full courts and strollers. That mix is now common in most cities.
Why the sport is exploding
If you wonder how many people play pickleball and why it keeps rising, look at the drivers. They are simple and human.
- It is easy to learn in one session.
- Games are short, so you can play after work.
- It is social, chatty, and fun.
- It is low‑impact, so joints survive.
- Paddles and balls are cheap.
- Celebrities, pro leagues, and TV segments add buzz.
- Parks can stripe courts fast and at low cost.
These factors build a flywheel. New players bring friends. Friends bring families. Soon, you need more courts.
How researchers count players
When we ask how many people play pickleball, we need to know how the counts were built. Most numbers come from:
- Large national surveys that ask about sports played in the last 12 months.
- Panels that track habits across many activities.
- Club and facility membership trends.
- App booking data and event entries.
- Equipment sales and shipment signals.
Each method has bias. Surveys miss some groups. Sales spike when newbies gear up. Bookings skip drop‑in play. The best approach is to compare several sources and look for overlap. Then match the definition of play to your question.
Forecast: where participation is headed
Will the boom last? Short answer: the base will keep growing, but growth rates will cool. If current momentum holds, US active players could pass 16–18 million within two years. With a stronger push from schools and parks, it could top 20 million by 2026.
Risks to watch:
- Court shortages that cause long waits.
- Noise and space pushback in dense areas.
- Injury spikes from overuse.
Even with those risks, the sport has room. Why? It fits tight schedules and modest budgets. That is rare in sports today.
How many people play pickleball near you
National counts are great. But many readers want to know how many people play pickleball in their own area. Here is a simple way to estimate local demand.
- Search for local pickleball clubs, Facebook groups, and park schedules.
- Count peak‑time courts and average wait time.
- Multiply courts by 4 players, then by rotations per hour.
- Track how many unique faces you see in a week.
Example: 12 courts at 6 pm, 4 players per court, 4 rotations per hour. That is about 192 player‑slots per hour. If evenings run three hours, that is 576 slots. If most players take two slots, that is roughly 288 unique players per night. Add mornings and weekends to get a weekly range.
Frequently Asked Questions of how many people play pickleball
How many people play pickleball right now in the US?
Recent national reports show about 13–14 million active US players. Another report found over 36 million people tried it in a 12‑month span.
How many people play pickleball worldwide?
The best estimate for active global players is in the high‑teens to low‑20 millions. Any participation is higher, but global tracking is still maturing.
Is pickleball still the fastest‑growing sport?
Yes. It has led growth lists for several years. Youth and young adult segments are rising fastest.
How many people play pickleball at least once a year?
In one large study window, about 36.5 million people in the US played at least once. That includes casual and one‑time participants.
How many people play pickleball at a core level?
Core players number in the mid‑single to high‑single millions in the US. The exact count depends on the cutoff used, such as 8 or more sessions per year.
Why do different sources give different totals?
They use different definitions, time frames, and methods. Always check whether they mean any, active, or core participation.
How can I check how many people play pickleball in my city?
Look at court schedules, club membership, and booking apps. Visit peak times and count rotations to build a local estimate.
Conclusion
If you came here wondering how many people play pickleball, the picture is clear. About 13–14 million Americans play regularly, and tens of millions more have tried the sport. Global totals are rising fast, with new courts and clubs launching every month.
Want to help your community grow? Share this guide with a city planner, a school, or your HR team. Then grab a paddle and bring a friend. If you enjoyed this, subscribe for more data‑backed sports insights and local how‑tos.