Another week, another tidal wave of news in the pickleball world. It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating 10 million players, and now, the latest numbers are in — and they are staggering. It raises the question: as the sport continues its meteoric rise, where does the smart money, and the smart player, go from here?
From the amateur ranks to the pro tours, the entire landscape is shifting under our feet. New leagues are forming, old rules are changing, and the global ambition of the sport is becoming a reality. It's an exciting, and slightly chaotic, time to be in the game.
Let's get into it.
HEADLINES
THE 24 MILLION PLAYER BOOM: The latest Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) report just dropped, and the number is official: 24.3 million Americans played pickleball in 2025. That's a jaw-dropping 171% increase in just three years, cementing its status as America's fastest-growing sport. The boom isn't just casuals; the number of "core" players (8+ times a year) also surged by over 20% to nearly 7.5 million.
THE QUEEN GOES GLOBAL: World #1 Anna Leigh Waters is officially making her international debut at the PPA Tour Asia's MB Hanoi Cup in April. With a $200,000 prize purse, the event marks a major milestone for the PPA's global expansion.
PICKLEBALL IN TIMES SQUARE: CityPickle has opened its 37,000-square-foot flagship club in the iconic Paramount Building in Times Square. The luxury facility features seven courts, a full-service bar and restaurant, and private shower suites with gold finishes.
MLP LAUNCHES A FARM SYSTEM: Major League Pickleball is creating a direct path to the pros with the launch of Minor League Pickleball (MiLP). The new amateur league will host regional showdowns at MLP pro events in 2026.
THE $24 MILLION QUESTION: Where Does Pickleball Grow From Here?
That 24.3 million player number from the SFIA isn't just a vanity metric; it's the engine driving the entire pickleball economy. With nearly 4.5 million brand-new players picking up a paddle in 2025 alone, the demand for courts, gear, and instruction is exploding. This isn't a bubble; it's a fundamental shift in recreation.
"Pickleball is the dominant multi-year growth leader across all tracked sports." — SFIA 2026 Topline Participation Report
The report distinguishes between 16.8 million "casual" players and 7.5 million "core" players. While the casuals fuel initial growth, it's the core players who are buying second and third paddles, joining leagues, and traveling for tournaments. They are the high-value demographic that brands and clubs are fighting for.
This surge is why we're seeing a land grab for court construction and why franchise models like The Picklr and Pickleball Kingdom are securing multi-million dollar investments to build indoor facilities nationwide. The sport has officially entered its infrastructure era.
THE NEW PRO PATHWAY: Amateurs and the Minors
The professionalization of pickleball just took a massive step forward with MLP's launch of a minor league system. For years, the path to pro was a murky, self-funded grind.
Now, the line is clearer. Minor League Pickleball creates a structured, merit-based farm system. Amateurs can now compete in the same electric team format as the pros, at the same venues, with a direct "Dream Ticket" to a national championship on the line.
This creates a tangible dream for the millions of core players, turning a hobby into a legitimate athletic pursuit. For the sport's long-term health, this is one of the most important developments in pickleball history.
THE BUCKET LIST: GLOBAL COURTS
As the pro tours expand their global footprint, the travel opportunities for discerning players are becoming more exotic. Here are four destinations that combine world-class pickleball with five-star luxury.
01 — CordeValle, California: Nestled in the Northern California foothills, this exclusive resort offers championship-level courts and a secluded, luxurious escape.
02 — Enchantment Resort, Arizona: Play pickleball surrounded by the stunning red rocks of Sedona. Pristine courts, world-class instruction, and the Mii amo Spa for recovery.
03 — Wild Dunes Resort, South Carolina: Six dedicated courts, top-tier instruction, and a stunning seaside setting near Charleston.
04 — Mauna Kea Resort, Hawaii: With 8 ocean-side courts and daily clinics, this is the definition of a pickleball paradise. It doesn't get better than this.
INSIDER TIP: THE DISGUISED DRIVE
Top pros are winning points before they even hit the ball by mastering the art of disguise. The next time you're in a dink rally, instead of just dropping the ball, use the exact same backswing and preparation as your dink, but at the last second, accelerate through the ball with a short, compact drive. The key is to keep your body language and paddle prep identical until the moment of impact. Your opponent will be expecting a soft shot and will be caught flat-footed by the pace. Practice this in drills until it becomes second nature — it's one of the most effective weapons at the kitchen line.
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Zane Navratil breaks down exactly how Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin ended Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters' 66-match mixed doubles winning streak at the PPA Mesa Cup. It's equal parts tactical masterclass and must-watch drama. Clear your schedule for 15 minutes.
WHAT WE'RE COVETING
THE PADDLE: Enhance Pickleball Turbo (MPP) — $119.99
There's a reason this paddle is getting so much buzz. It uses a full floating foam core — similar to paddles costing over $250 — to deliver an incredible combination of power and feel at a fraction of the price. The MPP foam provides a softer, plusher feel with more dwell time, allowing you to shape shots with confidence. At this price, it's a game-changer.
THE RECOVERY: Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs — $399
Serious players know that recovery is as important as practice. The official recovery partner of the PPA Tour, the Normatec 3 system uses dynamic air compression to massage your legs, increasing circulation and reducing soreness after long days on the court.
THE APPAREL: Lululemon Pace Breaker Short — $68
Lululemon has quietly become a staple on the courts for a reason. The Pace Breaker shorts are lightweight, sweat-wicking, and offer incredible four-way stretch, moving with you on every split-step and sprint to the kitchen.
See you on the court,
The Court Report Team
Questions or feedback? [email protected]