Pickleball has seen a staggering 311% growth in participation in the U.S. from 2021 to 2024, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) and Pickleheads. In 2024, 19.8 million Americans played the sport, a 45.8% jump from 2023. This rapid rise isn’t just a flash in the pan—it’s been the fastest-growing sport in America for five consecutive years. For an investor, this signals a robust and expanding consumer base, driving demand for equipment, facilities, and related services.

The global pickleball market was valued at $1.5 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to reach $4.4 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3%. North America, particularly the U.S., dominates this market, with an estimated $450 million in revenue from equipment alone in 2024. This trajectory suggests a lucrative opportunity for investments in paddles, apparel, footwear, and infrastructure—especially as the sport scales internationally.

Between 2022 and 2023, pickleball added over 1 million players under the age of 18, per the 2024 SFIA and Pickleheads report. Meanwhile, the 25–34 age group leads with 2.3 million participants, and the average player age is dropping (down to 34.8 years per the APP). This shift challenges the stereotype of pickleball as a retiree’s game and points to a long-term player pipeline. For an investor, this cross-generational appeal enhances the sport’s staying power and opens avenues for youth programs, sponsorships, and media deals.

Pickleball requires minimal infrastructure compared to sports like tennis or golf. Courts are smaller, can be repurposed from existing facilities (e.g., tennis courts), and equipment costs are low (paddles and balls are affordable). This makes it cost-effective to develop pickleball venues or manufacturing businesses, attracting investors seeking scalable opportunities with lower initial capital.

The sport is gaining legitimacy with professional leagues like the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP), attracting high-profile investors like LeBron James and Tom Brady. Media coverage is expanding, with ESPN broadcasting tournaments and streaming platforms increasing exposure. Investing in media rights, sponsorships, or team ownership offers high-growth potential as pickleball’s visibility rivals established sports.

Unlike seasonal sports, pickleball can be played indoors or outdoors, ensuring consistent demand. Its appeal spans young players, families, and seniors, particularly the active retiree demographic with disposable income. This multi-generational draw supports sustained engagement and revenue, making facilities and related businesses resilient to demographic shifts.