Pickleball Is the Fastest-Growing Sport—What That Means for You in 2025

Nazim Louadah
Jul 1
3 min read

Hey IPC fans! 👋

Pickleball isn’t just trending—it’s blowing up. With nearly 50 million players globally and exponential growth here in the U.S., 2025 is the year pickleball goes from “fun weekend hobby” to full-blown lifestyle. Here’s why that matters—and how it affects EVERYONE playing (including you!).

🌟 By the Numbers: A Sport on Fire

Participation surged 223% over the past three years—the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. (performancepickleball.org, picklerage.com).
Nearly 48.3 million American adults played at least once in the past year—a full 19% of U.S. adults (theapp.global).
The average player is getting younger—the 25–34 age group now leads with 2.3 million players, and there's a big uptick among kids (pickleheads.com).

💼 What’s behind the boom? Simple: easy to learn, low impact, super social—and now MASSIVELY visible with new courts, TV coverage, and hardware innovation (performancepickleball.org).

🎯 What This Means for You in 2025

1. Court Availability: Advanced Bookings Matter

With demand through the roof, courts—especially indoors—are getting busier. That’s why taking a higher-tier membership at IPC rewards you with more days of advanced bookings for court time and events. Want your prime-time spot on a rainy Saturday? Your membership choice can make that happen.

2. Gear Boom: Exclusive Deals in the IPC Pro Shop

The pickleball gear market is exploding—projected to hit nearly $700 million in 2025. And with so many new paddles, balls, and shoes dropping constantly, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Here’s your edge: Thanks to our partnerships with Volair, Selkirk, Joola, and others, our IPC pro shop gets high-end paddles and gear (sometimes before they even hit the market) with exclusive discounts and deals for our players. Get the right paddle for your game and save while you do it.

3. Community Is Everything

With popularity comes connection. Casual parks are shifting to leagues, and indoor hubs are becoming social hot spots. If you’re playing consistently, expect to make new friends, form teams, and discover how pickleball becomes a lifestyle, not just a game.

4. Competitive Pathways Open Wide

Youth programs, college circuits, global tours, equipment sponsorships—2025 is redefining what it means to be a serious pickleball player. If you’re looking to get your DUPR rating up or start entering tournaments, there’s now a clear, accessible path. Play for fun, or take your shot at the competitive ladder—pickleball has room for you either way.

💡 What You Can Do Now

Action	Why it Matters
Upgrade Membership	Get more advanced booking days to secure prime-time court slots
Shop Smart at IPC	Access high-end gear with exclusive discounts and early drops
Join the Community	Leagues & events = faster improvement + social connection
Track Your Progress	Use DUPR to follow your growth and set goals
Play in Tournaments	Gain experience, challenge yourself, and level up

Final Take: 2025 Is Your Year

Pickleball isn’t just growing—it’s evolving.Courts are filling up, gear is innovating, communities are forming, and competitive opportunities are expanding.

Whether you’re looking for: