Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that pickleball is (still) skyrocketing in popularity. With that massive growth comes a booming market.
How booming of a market, you ask?
This article from Market.US News tells us – and boy, it's HUGE.
Pickleball market expected to hit $4.4B
According to the latest data, the global pickleball market is expected to surge from $1.5 billion in 2023 to an impressive $4.4 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3%. The article attributes this growth to pickleball's inclusive appeal, attracting players of all ages and fitness levels, and its increasing adoption in communities worldwide.
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Why Pickleball Is Thriving
Pickleball’s unique combination of elements from tennis, badminton, and table tennis, along with its easy-to-learn rules, has helped it gain traction among younger and older demographics alike. It’s a low-impact sport, making it suitable for people looking to stay active without the physical toll of high-intensity sports.
Additionally, municipalities and fitness organizations are catching on, investing in more pickleball courts to keep up with demand.
In the U.S., participation grew by more than 50% from 2022 to 2023, and experts estimate that 25,000 new courts will be needed soon. The sport’s growth is also bolstered by the rise of dedicated pickleball facilities, which can be seen in franchises like Life Time Fitness and Chicken N Pickle, blending recreation with social activities.
Pickleball Market Outlook
North America is leading the charge in the pickleball market, generating an expected $570 million in revenue in 2024, with the U.S. contributing $450 million. Players are purchasing more paddles, shoes, and apparel, with footwear accounting for a large portion of the market. In-person purchases continue to dominate, as players prefer to try out paddles and shoes before buying.
Indoor pickleball venues are becoming more popular, offering year-round play, while community engagement initiatives are on the rise. In international markets, especially in Asia-Pacific and Europe, pickleball is gaining momentum, with countries like China, Japan, and India showing annual growth rates above 12%.
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Key Takeaways and Statistics
- Market Value: Pickleball’s market was valued at $1.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $4.4 billion by 2033.
- Product Segments: Footwear led the product market in 2023, capturing 39.3% of sales.
- Sales Channels: In 2023, 51.8% of pickleball sales came from offline channels, reflecting a strong preference for in-store purchases.
- Participation: An estimated 48.3 million people played pickleball in the U.S. in 2023. Pickleball has seen an average growth of 223.5% over the last three years, with 8.5 million people playing at least eight times annually.
- Demographics: The 18-34 age group is the largest segment, accounting for 28.8% of players.
- Court Availability: The U.S. has 13,969 pickleball courts, and 14% of Americans have played pickleball at least once.
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Trends Shaping the Pickleball Market
- Rising Popularity Among All Ages: Pickleball’s appeal spans generations, providing a fun, social, and accessible sport for everyone.
- Facility Expansion: Indoor and outdoor courts are rapidly expanding, allowing year-round play and boosting the sport's growth in various climates.
- Professional Leagues and Competitive Play: Professional leagues and tournaments, such as the Major League Pickleball (MLP), are attracting sponsors and media attention, making pickleball a serious contender in the sports industry.
- Tech Integration: Advanced tech, like tracking systems and performance analytics, is being integrated into training, enhancing player skills.
- Health and Wellness Focus: Pickleball’s low-impact nature is drawing fitness enthusiasts who seek a safe, enjoyable way to stay active.
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Pickleball’s Health and Wellness Benefits
Pickleball provides a full-body workout without the high impact of other sports, making it ideal for older adults and those seeking to maintain cardiovascular health and muscle strength. The sport also promotes social engagement, offering a unique combination of physical activity and community bonding.
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Challenges Facing the Market
- Noise Complaints: The sound of the ball can disturb neighbors, especially in public areas. Efforts are ongoing to create quieter paddles and balls.
- Court Overcrowding: The rapid growth of pickleball is outpacing court availability, leading to longer wait times and overcrowded venues.
- League Fragmentation: Conflicts between professional leagues are creating scheduling and sponsorship challenges.
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Opportunities for Growth
- Indoor Facilities: Building more indoor pickleball courts presents a huge opportunity, particularly in regions with harsh weather.
- Franchising: Franchises like Chicken N Pickle are blending sports with dining and social experiences, providing new business opportunities.
- Global Expansion: The international market, particularly in Europe and Asia, is ripe for growth, offering new opportunities for global tournaments and collaborations.
- Technology in Training: Digital tools like augmented and virtual reality are beginning to enhance player training, engaging a more tech-savvy audience.
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Market Leaders
- Onix Pickleball: Known for innovation, Onix is a market leader, particularly with its paddle technology, catering to players of all levels.
- Selkirk Sport: Specializing in high-end paddles, Selkirk focuses on quality and craftsmanship, securing its place in the professional market.
- Paddletek: Paddletek’s performance-driven paddles, with features like vibration control, make it a favorite among competitive players.
- Franklin Sports: Offering affordable yet high-quality gear, Franklin Sports captures a wide audience by combining accessibility with performance.
- Engage Pickleball: Engage excels in direct-to-consumer sales with high-performance paddles tailored to individual play styles.
Other Pickleball Statistics
The report also lists out a bunch of pickleball statistics, here are those numbers grouped by:
- Participation
- Infrastructure
- Demographics
- Injuries and health
Participation and Growth Trends
- Estimated 48.3 million pickleball players in the U.S. as of 2023 (APP).
- Pickleball participation has grown by an average of 223.5% over the last three years (SFIA).
- 14% of Americans have played pickleball at least once.
- 8.5 million people played pickleball eight or more times.
- 45% of players plan to play more pickleball in the next six months.
- The SFIA reported 13.6 million pickleball players in 2023, a 65% increase from the prior year.
- 36.5 million people played pickleball at least once in 2023 (APP).
- USA Pickleball reported player numbers rose from 4.8 million in 2021 to 8.9 million in 2023.
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Pickleball Infrastructure
- 13,969 pickleball courts are currently available across the U.S.
- The number of pickleball locations in the U.S. is 10,724, with 130 new locations added per month.
Demographics and Gender Breakdown
- Males make up 60.5% of pickleball players, while females represent 39.5%.
- The 18-34 age group is the largest demographic, making up 28.8% of players.
- South Atlantic Region has the highest number of players, accounting for 22.6% of total participation.
- West North Central Region experienced the fastest growth rate at 29.8% year-over-year in 2022.
Injuries and Health Risks
- Pickleball-related injuries in 2023 are estimated to result in $377 million in healthcare costs.
- Injuries from pickleball account for 5-10% of unplanned medical expenses in 2023.
- 90% of ER pickleball injuries affect players aged 50 and above, with half being sprains or fractures.
- Bone fractures from pickleball have risen by 200% over the past 20 years (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons).
- 92% of pickleball fracture injuries are due to falls.
- Players aged 51-100 face higher risks of severe cardiovascular events, including cardiac arrests.
- Most injuries occur among players aged over 50, with falls and trips being the most common causes.
- For players under 26, injuries often result from misuse of equipment.
- Players aged 26-50 are more likely to sustain injuries from falls, trips, or overuse activities.
Conclusion
Pickleball’s meteoric rise is showing no signs of slowing down. Its inclusive nature, low-impact appeal, and community-driven culture are key drivers of growth. With a market poised to reach $4.4 billion by 2033, the future looks bright for pickleball enthusiasts, businesses, and communities alike.
Whether you’re a player, investor, or business owner, you have to feel good about numbers like these.
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