Pickleball by the Numbers
The latest statistics, growth trends, and fun facts about America's fastest growing sport -- updated for 2026.
Player Growth (2020-2026)
Estimated number of US pickleball players by year
Player Demographics
Who plays pickleball in the US
Age Distribution
Average player age: 35
Gender Split
Nearly equal participation
Pickleball has one of the most balanced gender participation rates of any racquet sport.
Fun Facts About Pickleball
Things you might not know about the sport
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington
The sport is named after the Pritchards' dog, Pickles (or possibly the pickle boat in crew)
A pickleball court is 20x44 feet - about one-quarter the size of a tennis court
The ball has 26-40 holes depending on indoor vs outdoor design
Pickleball is played in all 50 US states and over 70 countries worldwide
The fastest recorded pickleball serve is over 80 mph
The average recreational game lasts 15-25 minutes
Ben Johns holds the record for longest #1 ranking streak in pro pickleball
Pickleball was named the official state sport of Washington in 2022
The kitchen (NVZ) is 7 feet deep on each side of the net
The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center
Pickleball paddles originally were made of plywood
The USA Pickleball Association was founded in 2005
Major League Pickleball launched team-format competition in 2022
Pickleball generates an estimated $1.3 billion in annual economic impact
Top States for Pickleball Courts
States with the most pickleball courts
Professional Pickleball
The competitive scene continues to grow
Ready to Join the Fastest Growing Sport?
Find pickleball courts near you or learn more about the sport on our blog.