Athlete holding a pickleball paddle, swinging on a pickleball court during a match

14 New Pickleball Courts Added Daily: Aerial Images Reveal Rapid Growth Across the U.S.

📘 The Pickleball Knowledge Guide Series – By Pro-Pickleball Store

14 New Pickleball Courts Added Daily: Aerial Images Reveal Rapid Growth Across the U.S.

Outdoor sports facilities in the United States are generally insufficient. Yet, pickleball continues to grow at an unprecedented pace. Despite the sport’s popularity surge, the construction of pickleball courts has struggled to keep up with demand, especially in urban areas.

Pickleball’s Explosive Growth Across the U.S.

New York Times reporter Ethan Singer analyzed tens of thousands of aerial images from the past seven years, tracking the conversion of tennis courts into pickleball courts. He concluded that the sport is expanding faster than facilities can be built.

While the competition between tennis and pickleball courts is well-known, Singer’s visual analysis provides striking evidence of this transformation. A single tennis court can often accommodate two to four pickleball courts, demonstrating the sport’s land efficiency and appeal for facility operators.

Aerial Images Show Tennis Courts Converted to Pickleball

The aerial images highlight the rapid conversion of tennis courts across the U.S., a trend that accelerated after the 2020 pandemic. Over the past seven years, more than 26,000 new outdoor pickleball courts have been built nationwide, with many replacing existing tennis courts. Overall, more than 8,000 tennis courts have been converted for pickleball use. This signals the sport’s rising dominance in outdoor recreational spaces.

Economic Impact of Switching to Pickleball

Jon Nitt, operator of the Santa Monica Pickleball Center, shared that his tennis business once thrived with only one tennis court and a specialty shop. After transitioning to pickleball, the facility’s revenue had grown sevenfold by 2024.

This example reflects a broader trend: facility owners are increasingly seeing higher revenue potential in pickleball facilities. With increased participation, tournaments, and lessons, converting tennis courts into multiple pickleball courts maximizes both usage and profitability.

Monthly Number of Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball Courts Across the United States
Number of Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball Courts by Month Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July
Indoor Pickleball Courts 21,864 22,129 22,407 22,867 24,165 24,584 24,941 25,297 25,703 25,887
Outdoor Pickleball Courts 45,567 45,853 46,099 46,672 47,075 47,662 48,319 49,063 49,933 50,953
Total Pickleball Courts (Indoor + Outdoor) 67,431 67,982 68,506 69,539 71,240 72,246 73,260 74,360 75,636 76,840

Data sources: Pickleheads

Current Numbers: Outdoor and Indoor Pickleball Courts

By 2024, an average of 14 new pickleball courts were being added daily across the U.S. According to data from Pickleball Business, the country now has roughly 50,000 outdoor and 25,000 indoor pickleball courts, totaling nearly 75,000 facilities.

This surge highlights the popularity of pickleball and its ability to thrive in spaces originally designed for tennis. For those interested in learning more about pickleball facility construction or tips for choosing the right court, internal resources such as Pickleball Court Dimensions & DIY Guide can provide guidance.

Haven't tried pickleball yet? Feeling eager to give it a shot? If you're already playing, you can upgrade your gear with the perfect paddles for every skill level at Pro-Pickleball Store.

🌟 Family Pickleball Paddle Sets

🛒 Beginner Paddles

🌟 Intermediate Paddles

🛒 Advanced Paddles

📚 Want to go even deeper? Here are more pro-level strategies you can explore:

Pickleball Paddle Maintenance Guide: Keep Your Gear in Top Condition

The Shape of the Paddle – A Professional Guide to Choosing a Pickleball Paddle

Pickleball Paddle Buying Guide: How Weight, Material & Thickness Match Your Style

Pro Players’ Paddle Picks: Mid-Range Pickleball Paddles Revealed

Previous Next