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Pickleball in the US vs Australia: Growth, Popularity, and Key Differences
Pickleball is the hottest new sport on the scene if you haven't heard by now. Both the United States and Australia have seen rapid growth in participation. While the sport has become a staple in the US, Australia is now catching up. In this post, we will analyse the key similarities and differences in pickleballs populairty, player demographics, development and the ongoing outlook for the sport.
Pickleball Growth in the U.S.
The United States is at the core of pickleballs rapid growth. Pickleball participation saw huge growth, by 223.5% between 2020 and 2023, with more than 13.6 million players in 2023, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). This marks a huge feat in the US, becoming the fastest growing sport for three years in a row.
The key reasons behind Pickleballs growth in the US:
- Pickleball Courts: Over 44,000 pickleball courts have been developed nationwide.
- Widespread of age groups playing Pickleball: Initially, pickleball was predominantly played by people aged 55 years and above. Now, pickleball is dominated by players within the 25-34 years of age bracket, representing 2.3 million players.
- Professional Tournaments: Major League Pickleball (MLP) along with celebrities including Lebron James and Tom Brady has fueled national interest.
- Low barrier to entry sport: As pickleball is an easy and fun sport to learn, it fosters the social community.
Pickleball Growth in Australia
Pickleball in Australia is still relatively new, with people playing, some familiar with the sport but never have played, and still many who don't know the sport at all. With this said, the sport is seeing expansion at an impressive rate. In 2023, 20,000 Australians were playing pickleball, and by 2024, that number increased to 90,000 players.
The key drivers behind this growth in Australia is:
- Clubs and Venues: There are now over 255 registered pickleball clubs with thousands of new courts currently under development.
- Media: News outlets have driven public interest
- Demographic: The average age of an Australian pickleball player is 58, making it a fantastic alternative to tennis.
- Urban areas: Expansion within urban areas such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have seen more and more courts being developed to accomodate for the demand.
Pickleball in the U.S. vs. Australia: Key Differences
| Factor | United States | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Total Players | 13.6 million | 90,000+ |
| Annual Growth | 223.5% (2020-2023) | ~400% (2023-2024) |
| Fastest-Growing Age Group | 25-34 years old | Primarily 50+ |
| Number of Courts | 44,000+ | Growing rapidly |
| Professional Leagues | Major League Pickleball (MLP), APP Tour | Emerging scene |
| Media & Sponsorship | Celebrity-backed investments | Increasing sponsorship opportunities |
The Future of Pickleball in the U.S. and Australia
In the U.S., pickleball's professional scene will continue expanding, with more tournaments and sponsorship deals fueling its mainstream appeal. Additionally, new dedicated pickleball facilities are being built at a record pace.
In Australia, the sport is still in its infancy but has enormous growth potential. With more clubs forming and cities investing in court development, participation is expected to surpass 150,000 players by 2025. The integration of pickleball into schools and local sports programs will further accelerate its popularity.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball's explosion in both the United States and Australia highlights its universal appeal. Whether you're in the U.S. enjoying the thriving pro scene or in Australia discovering the sport at a local club, one thing is clear: pickleball is here to stay.
Looking to get started? Find your nearest pickleball court, grab a high-quality pickleball paddle, and join the fun!
Checkout the Picklepulse range here to join in on the hottest growing sport. To find your pickleball paddle, Click here.