Imagine a sport rapidly growing in popularity across the United States, expanding faster than any other in the country. That sport is pickleball, a unique blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis played on a smaller court with solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball.

In 2023, the number of pickleball players in the US increased dramatically to 13.6 million, which is a 51.8% increase from 2022. As a result of this rapid growth, this fun and engaging activity has evolved into a thriving industry, offering numerous business opportunities in areas such as equipment manufacturing, court construction, coaching, and event planning. Pickleball’s appeal to new business owners stems from its easy-to-understand nature, relatively low startup costs in many areas, and an enthusiastic, expanding player base. In the following sections, we’ll examine this growing trend and discuss how you might start a successful pickleball-related business.

Pickleball Trends

Pickleball’s meteoric rise has, and continues to, reshape recreational landscapes across the United States. Its impact extends beyond casual play, influencing community planning, business opportunities, and even professional sports. This section examines key aspects driving pickleball’s unprecedented growth:

Player Demographics

• The sport attracts players of all ages, from young adults to seniors.
• Players aged 18-34 represent the largest group at 28.8% of all players.
• In 2021, 60.5% of players were men, and 39.5% were women.

Market Size and Growth

• The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) reports that pickleball participation reached 13.6 million in 2023 and has grown an average of 223.5% over the last three years.
• Pickleball paddle sales reached $152.8 million in 2021 and are expected to grow at a 7.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2028.
• Online sales now play a significant role, accounting for 63.9% of total purchases in 2023.

Infrastructure Needs

• As of 2023, there were 50,003 pickleball courts in the US.
• Experts estimate a need for 25,000 additional courts to meet future demand, creating a potential $900 million investment opportunity.

Professional Leagues and Media Coverage

• Major League Pickleball (MLP) teams, which originally sold for around $100,000, are now valued at approximately $10 million.
• Prize money in professional leagues can be as high as $5 million per season.
• Growing media attention has increased the sport’s popularity and attracted new players.

The future of pickleball looks promising. The sport’s easy-to-learn nature, social aspects, and health benefits are expected to attract more players in the coming years, leading to a growing market for pickleball-related businesses.

Business Opportunities

The pickleball trend has led to a wide range of business opportunities for entrepreneurs. You may find a business idea that matches your skills and interests, whether you love the sport or have business experience. Let’s look at some of the most promising ways to start a business in this growing industry:

Next Steps

If any of these business ideas interest you, here are some steps to help you get started:

Do market research

• Study your local pickleball scene using online resources and visits to courts and clubs.
• Find out what’s missing by asking local players about their needs.
• Study successful pickleball businesses in other areas to understand how they work.

Create a business plan

• Clearly define your business idea, target customers, and what makes your business special.
• Make financial estimates, including startup costs, expected income, and break-even point.
• Plan your marketing approach and how you’ll run the business.

Network in the pickleball community

• Attend local games, tournaments, and events to meet people.
• Join pickleball clubs and online forums to understand what players want.
• Talk with established pickleball businesses for advice or potential teamwork.

Consider getting certified

• Research certification programs are offered by organizations like USA Pickleball.
• Understand the benefits and requirements of different certifications.
• Plan when and how to get certified.

Start small and test your idea

• Begin with a smaller version of your business idea to reduce the chances of failure.
• Use feedback from early customers to improve your products or services.
• Gradually grow as you gain experience and more customers.

Stay informed about pickleball business trends

• Subscribe to pickleball newsletters and publications.
• Attend trade shows and conferences to learn about new developments.
• Regularly check your business performance and adjust for changing market conditions.

Sources

• Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA): https://www.sfia.org/
• USA Pickleball: https://usapickleball.org/
• Global Market Insights Inc.: https://www.gminsights.com/
• Pickleball Union: https://pickleballunion.com/
• Places2Play: https://www.places2play.org/
• Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP): https://apptour.org/
• World Metrics: https://worldmetrics.org/pickleball-industry-statistics/
• Pickle Biz Advisor: https://picklebizadvisor.com/projecting-revenue-in-a-pickleball-business/
• Major League Pickleball (MLP): https://majorleaguepickleball.net/
• Pickleball Industry Association: https://www.pickleballindustry.org/