What started as a backyard game invented in the 1960s has suddenly become one of America’s fastest-growing sports—pickleball. Once considered a quirky pastime for retirees, it’s now captivating millennials, Gen Z, and even professional athletes. From coast to coast, pickleball courts are popping up in neighborhoods, parks, and gymnasiums, and demand shows no signs of slowing.
In cities like Denver, Nashville, and Phoenix, local governments are converting unused tennis courts into pickleball courts to meet the soaring interest. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball participation grew by nearly 52% from 2022 to 2024, reaching over 13 million players nationwide. What makes it so addictive? It’s accessible, low-impact, and deceptively competitive. The smaller court and slower ball make it easier for newcomers to enjoy, but seasoned players find its speed, strategy, and reflex demands surprisingly intense.
Suburban neighborhoods are also feeling the impact. Noise complaints from pickleball paddle strikes have become a new zoning concern, leading some communities to set curfews or invest in sound-reducing court materials. Meanwhile, celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Stephen Colbert, and even Tom Brady have embraced the sport, further fueling its popularity.
Companies are cashing in too. Major brands like Nike and Lululemon have launched pickleball-specific apparel. Even Anheuser-Busch recently bought a professional pickleball team. In short, what was once a backyard curiosity is now a lifestyle—complete with leagues, tournaments, and custom paddles that can cost more than $200.
For many Americans, pickleball is more than exercise. It’s social, it’s affordable, and it brings together generations. “I started playing with my parents, and now I’m hooked,” says 28-year-old Marisa Collins of Charlotte, NC. “It’s the only time I see my dad trash-talk strangers.”
As America searches for activities that bridge age gaps and encourage community, pickleball might just be the perfect match.