The Rise of Pickleball: Why Your Facility Needs Courts in 2026

If you own or manage a sports facility and haven't yet added pickleball courts, you're leaving significant money on the table. The numbers don't lie: pickleball has grown 223% since 2020, making it the fastest-growing sport in America for three consecutive years.

But this isn't just a passing trend. The fundamentals behind pickleball's growth suggest it's here to stay—and facilities that act now will capture the lion's share of this booming market.

The Pickleball Explosion: By the Numbers

Let's start with the data that's driving facility owners to add pickleball courts at an unprecedented rate:

• 48.3 million players in the United States as of 2025 (up from 8.9 million in 2020)
• 10,320+ dedicated locations in the US with pickleball courts
• $1.3 billion market size for pickleball equipment, facilities, and events
• Major League Pickleball (MLP) now has franchise valuations exceeding $100 million

To put this in perspective: it took tennis 50 years to reach 20 million players in America. Pickleball achieved the same milestone in just 5 years.

Why Pickleball is Growing So Fast

Understanding the "why" behind pickleball's growth helps you capitalize on it. Here are the key factors:

Easy to Learn, Difficult to Master

Unlike tennis, which can take months before beginners feel competent, most people can start playing (and enjoying) pickleball within their first hour. The smaller court, underhand serves, and slower ball speed make it accessible to anyone.

But don't mistake accessibility for simplicity. Advanced pickleball involves complex strategies, spin techniques, and court positioning that keep experienced players engaged for years.

Social by Design

Pickleball's compact court size and doubles-focused play create a naturally social environment. Players are close enough to chat during games, and the quick rounds encourage mixing with different partners. For many, pickleball has become as much a social activity as a sport.

Lower Physical Barrier

The smaller court means less running. The paddle is lighter than a tennis racket. The ball moves slower. This makes pickleball accessible to:

• Seniors looking for active recreation
• Former tennis players with joint issues
• Families with mixed athletic abilities
• Complete beginners who find tennis intimidating

Efficient Use of Space

A single tennis court can host 4 pickleball courts. This means more players, more games, and more revenue per square foot of your facility.

Understanding the Demographics

One of the most common misconceptions about pickleball is that it's "only for seniors." While the sport did gain initial traction among retirees, the demographics are shifting rapidly:

The fastest-growing segment is now the 25-34 age group, growing at 50% year-over-year. This demographic tends to have higher disposable income and is more likely to pay for premium facilities and coaching.

The Business Case for Pickleball

Let's talk numbers. Here's why pickleball makes financial sense for facility owners:

Revenue Per Square Foot

A tennis court (2,808 sq ft) typically generates $30-50/hour. Convert that to 4 pickleball courts and you can generate $60-120/hour (assuming $15-30 per pickleball court). That's 2-3x the revenue from the same space.

Higher Court Utilization

Pickleball's social nature and lower barrier to entry mean:

• More walk-in players willing to try the sport
• Active communities that book regular recurring sessions
• League play that fills weeknight slots
• Lessons and clinics that generate premium revenue

Facilities report 80-95% utilization rates on pickleball courts versus 55-65% for tennis.

Lower Maintenance Costs

Pickleball courts require less maintenance than tennis courts. The lighter ball causes less surface wear, and the smaller court size means less area to maintain.

Investment and ROI

Most facilities report 12-18 month payback periods on their pickleball investments, with annual revenue per court ranging from $25,000 to $50,000.

Getting Started: Your Options

There are several ways to add pickleball to your facility:

Option 1: Convert Existing Courts

The fastest and most cost-effective approach. One tennis court becomes 2-4 pickleball courts with:

• New line markings (can coexist with tennis lines)
• Portable or permanent nets
• Optional: dedicated lighting for the new court configuration

Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Cost: $5,000 - $15,000

Option 2: Build Dedicated Courts

If you have unused space, building purpose-built pickleball courts offers the best player experience:

• Optimal court spacing and run-off areas
• No confusion with dual-sport line markings
• Better acoustics and fencing configuration

Timeline: 2-4 months
Cost: $20,000 - $40,000 per outdoor court

Option 3: Indoor Conversion or Construction

Indoor pickleball is premium-priced and weather-independent. Consider:

• Converting underutilized basketball or volleyball courts
• Repurposing warehouse or retail space
• Building a dedicated indoor pickleball facility

Timeline: 3-12 months
Cost: $50,000 - $100,000+ per indoor court

Success Stories

Here are real examples from facilities that have embraced pickleball:

Frequently Asked Questions

Will pickleball hurt my tennis business?

Data suggests the opposite. Pickleball often brings in new members who eventually try tennis. The sports serve different needs and can coexist profitably. Many successful facilities offer both and see increased overall membership.

Is the pickleball trend sustainable?

All indicators suggest yes. Unlike previous fitness fads, pickleball has:

• Broad demographic appeal (not limited to one age group)
• Low equipment costs for players
• Strong community-building aspects that create loyalty
• Professional leagues and media coverage driving awareness

What about noise complaints?

The distinctive "pop" of pickleball is a legitimate concern for residential areas. Solutions include:

• Quiet paddles and balls (now widely available)
• Sound barriers and acoustic fencing
• Strategic court placement away from neighbors
• Operating hours that respect quiet times

How do I attract pickleball players?

Pickleball players are highly connected through:

• Facebook groups (search "[Your City] Pickleball")
• Apps like Playtime Scheduler and PicklePlay
• Local pickleball clubs and meetups
• Word of mouth (this community LOVES to recruit)

Many facilities report that simply announcing pickleball availability fills courts within weeks.

Conclusion: The Time to Act is Now

The pickleball opportunity is real, and it's time-sensitive. Facilities that move quickly will:

• Capture market share before competitors
• Build community loyalty with early adopters
• Establish reputation as the go-to pickleball destination
• Generate significant revenue from underutilized space

The barriers to entry are low. A tennis-to-pickleball conversion can be completed in weeks for under $15,000. The revenue potential is proven. The demographic trends are clear.

The only question is: will you be the facility that captures the pickleball wave in your area, or will you watch your competitors do it first?