Still Riding the Wave? A 2025 Status Check on Pickleball’s Growth

Pickleball isn’t just a fad anymore—it’s a movement. From local parks in Honolulu to international tournaments in Europe and Asia, the sport has exploded in popularity over the past few years. But after record-breaking growth between 2021 and 2024, many players, coaches, and community leaders are asking the same question: is pickleball still riding the wave in 2025, or is the sport starting to level off?

Let’s take a closer look at where the numbers stand today and what they mean for the future of the fastest-growing sport in America.

Pickleball’s Global Growth in 2025

Pickleball by the Numbers: U.S. Growth in 2025

  • 19.8 million Americans played pickleball in 2024—a staggering 311% growth over three years.

  • By mid-2025, that number has climbed to about 22.7 million, a 14.7% year-over-year increase.

  • There are now more than 68,000 dedicated courts across the country.

  • Nearly 50 million U.S. adults say they’ve played at least once in the past 12 months.

While the pace has slowed from the rocket-like trajectory of the last three years, participation is still climbing at an impressive rate. For context, a 14–15% growth rate would be considered phenomenal in most sports.

Who’s Playing?

Pickleball continues to attract a wide range of players, but some clear trends stand out:

  • Age: The 25–34 age group leads the way at 16.7%, closely followed by players over 65 (15.4%) and 18–24 year-olds (13.3%).

  • Gender: Roughly 59% of players are men, while 41% are women.

  • Average Age: 34.8 years old, showing that younger players are entering the sport at a steady pace.

This broad demographic mix is one reason why pickleball has gained such traction—it’s accessible to kids, adults, and seniors alike.

The Global Pickleball Picture

The U.S. may be the birthplace of pickleball, but the sport is spreading worldwide:

  • United Kingdom: Membership in the national federation jumped 73% in 2024, with 2025 projected to double again.

  • Spain: Over 20,000 players and counting, with pickleball now competing with basketball in popularity.

  • India: More than 50,000 players and nearly 500 courts have emerged in less than two years, with a new pro league (World Pickleball League) launching in 2025.

  • Australia: Over 92,000 players and 267 clubs nationwide.

  • Philippines: A massive leap from 244 registered players in 2020 to 10,717 in 2024.

  • Vietnam: Pickleball has caught on quickly since 2022, with clubs opening in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The sport is being introduced in schools and universities, with national tournaments beginning to take shape.

  • Japan: Pickleball was introduced in the mid-2010s but has surged in recent years. The Japan Pickleball Association now hosts tournaments nationwide, with growing numbers in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.

Pickleball isn’t just America’s fastest-growing sport anymore—it’s becoming a truly global game.

Is Growth Slowing Down?

The short answer: growth is still strong, but it’s more sustainable now.

From 2021 to 2024, pickleball’s rise was explosive—more than tripling in size in three years. That kind of growth can’t last forever. In 2025, we’re seeing participation level into a steadier climb, which is actually a healthy sign for the sport’s long-term future.

Instead of asking, “Is pickleball slowing down?” a better question might be: “Has pickleball entered its next phase—one of steady, sustainable growth?”

What This Means for Players and Communities

  • More Opportunities: With participation at an all-time high, new leagues, tournaments, and recreational programs are springing up everywhere.

  • Better Infrastructure: Cities and schools are investing in courts, programs, and equipment to meet demand.

  • Local Impact in Hawaii: Here on O‘ahu and across the islands, we’ve seen firsthand how this growth brings communities together—whether it’s after-school pickleball for keiki, competitive tournaments, or drop-in play at the local park.

For players, this means more chances to play, learn, and connect. For communities, it means pickleball is here to stay.

Riding the Next Wave

So, is pickleball still riding the wave in 2025? Absolutely. The wave may not be the massive swell it was a few years ago, but it’s far from crashing. Instead, it’s turning into a steady tide—bringing more players, more courts, and more opportunities with every passing season.

Whether you’re a first-timer picking up a paddle or a seasoned tournament player, now is still the perfect time to get involved. The future of pickleball looks bright, both here in Hawai‘i and around the world.

Want to join the movement? Check out our Hawaii Pickleball lessons and programs to get started, or sign up for our next community event. Let’s ride this wave together.

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