Pickleball is exploding worldwide: more than 70% of players are outside the USA
Pickleball originated in the United States in 1965, but current trends tell a different story: the majority of the player base is now developing internationally . A statistic has been circulating in several specialized publications since late 2025/early 2026.
This news item is interesting, but it deserves a critical reading: depending on how the figures are calculated (active players, people who have played at least once, registered players, etc.), the result can vary significantly. In this article, we'll break down what this means , what can be verified, and what it implies for players, clubs, and the market (equipment, tournaments, infrastructure).
Understanding the statistic “70% of players outside the USA”: a question of definition
“Players”: are we talking about active players, occasional players, or “curious” players?
Pickleball is a relatively new sport worldwide, and statistical sources do not all count the same thing :
- Active players : have played at least once over a given period (often 12 months).
- Regular players : play at least once a month (or more).
- People who have already tried (“played at least once”): a much wider pool.
- Licensed / members : administrative figure, useful but very incomplete (many practitioners are not affiliated).
In the United States, for example, there are very high estimates of “players who have played in the last 12 months”: a study reported by the APP mentions 48.3 million American adults who have played at least once in 12 months.
Meanwhile, the SFIA (Sports & Fitness Industry Association) reports a more “sports participation” figure: 19.8 million Americans in 2024.
Globally, some publications speak of a pool of people who have already tried it, with an estimate of 80–120 million having played pickleball at least once in their lives.
The logical conclusion is that if a source mixes "players who have already tried" at the global level with another type of indicator for the USA, the statistics can be made to say very different things. This is precisely why the famous "70% of players outside the USA" figure needs to be contextualized.
Where does the “70%” come from?
The phrase “70%+ outside the USA” is attributed to a Global Pickleball Report (presented as independent research) and repeated by pickleball media/insiders.
The key takeaway, without overinterpreting:
- The central message is not “the USA no longer dominates”.
- The message is rather: the most explosive growth (and volume potential) is now international .
What is verifiable: pickleball is becoming structured in dozens of countries
Even if the exact “70%” depends on the definitions, several concrete indicators confirm the rapid internationalization.
International federations and the number of member countries
The proliferation of national federations and organizations is a strong signal. The International Pickleball Federation (IPF) lists 77 member countries (and more associated organizations) on its “Member Countries” page.
Meanwhile, the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) reports 76 members and also indicates a significant pipeline of applications.
Even while remaining cautious about the equivalence “member country = many players”, this institutional structure is typical of a sport that is moving from the “trend” stage to the “ecosystem” stage .
The circuits and events are becoming global
The sport is becoming professional outside the USA: Reuters, for example, covered the launch of Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) and a world tour concept, announced in Dubai, with significant prize money.
This type of initiative is revealing: it becomes “profitable” and “visible” to organize high-level pickleball outside the American market.
Some key figures outside the USA (country by country)
Here again, a word of caution: the figures are not always compiled in the same way. But they paint a picture of reality: there are already major centers of this practice outside the United States .
Canada: A neighbor that has become a major market
Pickleball Canada indicates (in a January 2025 survey) approximately 1.54 million participants and a notable increase in members (85,223 at the end of 2024).
Canada is probably, to date, the second most structured pole after the USA.
Australia: Rapid and documented development
Pickleball Australia cites data corroborated by the Australian Sports Commission, with well over 90,000 people playing pickleball, and a rapidly growing membership base.
We also see the sport entering into major events: pickleball has been making headlines around the Australian Open, which illustrates the growing proximity between tennis and pickleball.
United Kingdom: Player and Location Progression
In the United Kingdom, several sources mention a clear increase in the practice, with estimates (depending on the scope) of at least 27,000 people having played , in more than 270 locations , and a strong increase in registrations.
Spain: an interesting European example
El País mentions around 20,000 practitioners in Spain, as well as a first national circuit and developing infrastructure.
India and Asia: a volume potential
Some “global report” summaries (repeated on networks and newsletters) cite India as a country where the practice is beginning to reach significant volumes, even if the figures are less standardized than in Anglo-Saxon countries.
The strongest signal here remains the trend: Asia is becoming a natural area for expansion (urban density, need for accessible sports, growing culture of racket sports).
So why the impression that “the majority of players are outside the USA”?
Even though the United States remains the driving force, there are 3 reasons why the “international shift” seems credible in the medium term.
1) The American market is already very advanced
The USA has a unique ecosystem: infrastructure, leagues, media coverage, private investment. SFIA figures show continued strong growth (19.8M in 2024).
But mechanically, the more "high" a market is, the more difficult it becomes to maintain the same growth rates.
2) International markets start from a smaller base… therefore they grow faster
In many countries, pickleball is still in its "discovery" stage. As a result, growth can be spectacular as soon as there is:
- “Pole” clubs (tennis, padel, badminton),
- 2–3 well-organised tournaments,
- a minimum of access to the grounds.
3) Pickleball is particularly “exportable”
Sport ticks boxes that travel well:
- rapid learning,
- mixed levels,
- compatibility with existing courts (tennis, multi-sports),
- social game (and therefore viral).
Even tennis players are worried (or interested) in these new racket sports: public statements highlight the rise of padel and pickleball and their impact on clubs.
Focus on France: growth, structuring and concrete signals
France is an interesting case: pickleball is not (yet) a mass sport there, but signs of structuring are now visible .
A federal and competitive dynamic (FFT)
The French Tennis Federation communicates on the support of the practice, with more than 2,800 competitors already ranked and around 230 tournaments in the 2025 sports year in FFT clubs.
This is important: when a federation provides tools for ranking and competition, it creates:
- a reason to play regularly
- local visibility (clubs, municipalities),
- a more stable demand for equipment.
A dedicated licensee base (FPF)
The French Pickleball Federation (FPF) announces its own structure, with more than 840 licensed members and 31 affiliated associations (data displayed on its website).
How many players are there in France?
Some “market” estimates suggest that there are currently between 20,000 and 30,000 active players in France (depending on the scope).
This should be taken as an order of magnitude: it is typically the kind of figure that depends heavily on the definition of “asset” and the collection methods.
What this changes for the players: equipment, skill level, competitions
The average level will rise faster
When a sport becomes globalized, we often observe:
- a broadening of the base (more beginners),
- but also a rise in the top level thanks to international exchanges (training courses, tournaments, circuits).
Result: to progress, you need faster equipment adapted to your style (control vs power, weight, sweet spot, etc.) and a more structured approach (routines, strategy, positioning).
Standards will become normalized.
As countries organize themselves, we see the emergence of:
- harmonized rules and formats,
- national calendars,
- ball / paddle requirements vary depending on the competition.
- Accessories, pickleball bags, glasses, clothing
What this means for clubs and cities: the battle for playing fields
The number one issue everywhere: access to the courts .
In the United States, there is already a race for infrastructure (courts identified, new complexes, private investments).
Internationally, the problem is similar, but with an additional factor: many countries have to decide where to "place" pickleball :
- in tennis clubs?
- as an addition to padel?
- in municipal multisport?
- or through dedicated clubs?
This choice will determine the speed of local growth.
FAQ
1) Is it true that 70% of pickleball players are outside the United States?
This is a claim echoed by pickleball publications based on a “Global Pickleball Report”.
But depending on the definition of "player" (active, occasional, has already tried it), the proportion can vary greatly. It is more accurate to say: international growth is very strong and the practice is rapidly globalizing .
2) Why do the US figures differ so much (19.8M vs 48M)?
Because they don't always measure the same thing: some studies count people who have played at least once in 12 months, others a stricter "participation" in sports.
3) Which countries are the most advanced outside the USA?
Canada is particularly well-structured (in terms of participation and membership). Australia and the United Kingdom are also experiencing rapid growth, and Spain is among the European countries to watch.
4) Is pickleball exploding in popularity in France?
France is on an upward trajectory: the FFT mentions thousands of ranked competitors and a significant volume of tournaments in the 2025 sporting year, while a dedicated federation (FPF) also structures affiliated clubs.
5) What accelerates the progress of a beginner player the most?
Three key elements: playing regularly , learning the fundamental tactics (positioning, playing in the kitchen, shot selection), and using a racket suited to your skill level (control and forgiveness at the start). As the sport becomes more structured, these principles become even more important.
