11 Countries Where Pickleball is Most Popular (Ranked) (2024)

Ready to whack a wicked wiffle ball? Pickleball’s taking the world by storm, and we’re on a mission to reveal where this paddle-powered craze is skyrocketing!

Grab your sneakers – we’re about to serve up the ultimate rundown of Pickleball hotspots. Plus, a surprise country that’s totally obsessed!

Countries where Pickleball is most popular:

  1. United States
  2. Canada
  3. Spain
  4. India
  5. Mexico
  6. France
  7. Australia
  8. United Kingdom
  9. Germany
  10. Thailand
  11. Italy

11 Countries Where Pickleball is Most Popular (Ranked) (1)

Table of Contents

  • #1 United States
  • #2 Canada
  • #3 Spain
  • #4 India
  • #5 Mexico
  • #6 France
  • #7 Australia
  • #8 United Kingdom
  • #9 Germany
  • #10 Thailand
  • #11 Italy
  • FAQ
    • Which country is Pickleball played the most?
    • Which country watches Pickleball the most?
    • Where was Pickleball originally played?

#1 United States

11 Countries Where Pickleball is Most Popular (Ranked) (2)

Pickleball’s surge in popularity in the United States can be traced back to its inception on Bainbridge Island, WA, in 1965. It has since become a beloved pastime, particularly among retirees for its low-impact nature.

The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) charts an explosive growth, reflecting the sport’s widespread community support and integration into recreational programs nationwide.

#2 Canada

11 Countries Where Pickleball is Most Popular (Ranked) (3)

Canada’s enthusiasm for pickleball mirrors its southern neighbor’s, with active communities spanning from British Columbia to Quebec. Retirees and younger generations alike embrace the sport for its social aspect and health benefits.

The Pickleball Canada Organization drives the sport’s expansion, underscoring the country’s emerging status as a hub for both recreational and competitive pickleball.

#3 Spain

11 Countries Where Pickleball is Most Popular (Ranked) (4)

Although Spain is traditionally soccer-centric, pickleball has carved out a niche, particularly on the Costa Blanca and in areas favored by expatriates.

The sport’s simplicity and accessibility have fueled its adoption in Spanish communities, where paddles and balls echo across the courts, bringing together locals and international residents.

#4 India

Pickleball in India has capitalized on its compatibility with existing sports infrastructures, allowing for easy adoption in urban and rural regions.

The All India Pickleball Association promotes the sport, leveraging India’s affinity for racket sports to introduce pickleball as a fresh alternative. Its popularity is rising among all ages, highlighting the sport’s universal appeal.

#5 Mexico

Pickleball in Mexico has gained momentum as a popular sport among both expatriates and locals, particularly in retirement communities and tourist areas such as Baja California and Jalisco.

Its simplicity and social nature make it accessible to a wide demographic, fostering community engagement and providing a fun, active lifestyle option, which is especially appealing in Mexico’s vibrant, community-oriented culture.

#6 France

In France, pickleball is emerging as a popular sport, particularly among those seeking a social and less physically demanding alternative to traditional racket sports like tennis.

Its growth is supported by the establishment of dedicated pickleball clubs and facilities, especially in regions with higher populations of older adults. The sport’s appeal in promoting fitness and social interaction aligns well with the French emphasis on leisure and quality of life.

#7 Australia

Australia’s love for sports extends to pickleball, with its rapid rise in popularity being a testament to the country’s active and outdoor lifestyle. Particularly along the coastal regions, pickleball has found a welcoming community among both locals and expatriates.

The sport’s social nature and ease of play align with Australians’ preference for inclusive and community-focused recreational activities.

#8 United Kingdom

Pickleball is relatively new to the UK but it has experienced a spike in popularity, especially within the growing senior population seeking social and low-impact exercise options.

The UK now hosts various pickleball clubs and tournaments, reflecting the sport’s integration into local sports communities. The country’s existing infrastructure for racquet sports has facilitated this expansion.

#9 Germany

Germany’s participation in pickleball showcases the country’s enthusiasm for adopting new and diverse sporting activities. Predominantly in urban centers, pickleball appeals especially to those looking for an alternative to traditional racquet sports.

Its popularity is attributed to the country’s robust sports culture that encourages lifelong fitness and social engagement.

#10 Thailand

The popularity of pickleball in Thailand owes much to the country’s burgeoning expatriate community and retirees who brought the sport from North America.

Its appeal to both the young and elderly due to the sport’s accessibility has supported its growth. Pickleball aligns with Thailand’s increasing focus on healthy living and sporting activities.

#11 Italy

Pickleball is gaining popularity in Italy as an inclusive sport that bridges generations, appealing particularly in communities with aging populations.

Its easy-to-learn nature makes it accessible to everyone, encouraging socialization and physical activity. Italian sports clubs are increasingly incorporating pickleball into their programs, seeing it as a complement to the country’s rich tradition in racket sports.

11 Countries Where Pickleball is Most Popular (Ranked) (5)

FAQ

Which country is Pickleball played the most?

Pickleball is played the most in the United States, where it was invented and has a rapidly growing number of players across all age demographics.

Which country watches Pickleball the most?

The United States watches Pickleball the most, as it hosts the majority of tournaments and has a vast audience that participates in both recreational and competitive scenes.

Where was Pickleball originally played?

Pickleball was originally played in Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA. For a deep dive into its origins, here’s a link to our Pickleball history article. The sport was created in 1965 by three dads looking to entertain their children.

11 Countries Where Pickleball is Most Popular (Ranked) (2024)

FAQs

Where is pickleball popular in countries? ›

Last year, 13.6 million people tried the sport, according to Sportico. That's a 52% increase from 2022! It's safe to say pickleball continues to take America by storm. It's also starting to pick up steam outside of the States, with dozens of countries from Canada to China to Australia joining in on the fun.

Where is pickleball the most popular? ›

The sunny state of Florida takes the crown as the ultimate pickleball destination, with its abundance of top-notch courts, vibrant pickleball communities, and year-round sunny weather that beckons players to enjoy this thrilling sport.

Is pickleball the fastest growing sport in the United States? ›

In fact, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country. More than 35 million Americans have picked up paddles for the sport, which has grown more than 200% over the last three years, according to “Pickleheads.” A reason for the sport's recent popularity is due to its accessibility to all ages.

What 3 sports is pickleball most similar to? ›

What sport is pickleball most similar to? Pickleball is a combination of three sports: tennis, badminton, and ping pong (table tennis). It is played on a badminton sized court with an approximate tennis height net (2 inches lower) and what can be thought of as an enlarged ping pong paddle.

What is the fastest-growing sport in 2024? ›

“For older individuals, that is exactly what we need out of good exercise. Pickleball has been named America's fastest-growing sport for the third year in a row in the 2024 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Topline Participation Report.

Is pickleball played to 11 or 15? ›

Scoring. Points are scored only by the serving team. Games are normally played to 11 points, win by 2. Tournament games may be to 15 or 21, win by 2.

Where is pickleball usually played? ›

Pickleball is played indoors and outdoors. It was invented in 1965 as a children's backyard game in the United States, on Bainbridge Island in Washington state. In 2022, pickleball was named the official state sport of Washington.

Is there pickleball in China? ›

The Chinese leadership embraces pickleball for two primary reasons,” says Rifkind. “First, it sees it as a healthy use of leisure time for its people. Second, it sees it as the latest means, via sport, to demonstrate that its form of government is the best in the world.

What is the number one growing sport in America? ›

According to the Sport and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. in the last three years. Only biking and running have higher participation rates.

Why is pickleball not an Olympic sport? ›

A sport must have an international governing body to be considered for admission. That sport needs to enforce the IOC's anti-doping code. Men's sports need to be actively and widely played in a minimum of 75 countries across four continents.

Is pickleball an old person sport? ›

Who is playing this sport? You guessed it: the group that seems to have become regular players are baby boomers. The senior age group has been attracted to the sport because it is easy to play, very social and less stressful on muscles, tendons and joints.

What sport is pickleball close to? ›

With groups of two to four players, the game of Pickleball combines the elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis.

What is the new sport called pickleball? ›

Although you may have only recently heard about pickleball, it is not a "new" game. In fact, pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island by Joel Pritchard. Why is the game called "pickleball"? Although there are differing accounts it believed that the game was named after Pritchard's dog, Pickles.

Is pickleball played outside the USA? ›

Pickleball has evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the US and Canada. The game is growing internationally as well, with many European and Asian countries adding courts.

Is there pickleball in Europe? ›

While the sport originated in the United States, it has gained significant traction in Europe, with several cities emerging as hotspots for pickleball enthusiasts.

Do people play pickleball in Germany? ›

Moreover, MVP International boasts exceptional connections within the German community and the pickleball realm. Discover the perfect blend of indulging in your beloved sport while curating a distinctive trip filled with a plethora of attractions and experiences!

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