Senior Pickleball Report
Pickleball in California Sees Unprecedented Growth: Investment Needed
California’s pickleball surge necessitates investment in courts to meet demand and sustain growth.
Last Updated on September 13, 2025 by Rod Washington
Pickleball, the popular paddle sport, is experiencing unprecedented growth in California. According to the recently released 2023 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report by Pickleheads and The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the state will need to build a staggering 3,748 courts at a cost of $131.2 million to meet the increasing demand over the next 5-7 years.
Pickleball in California
The report also reveals that California currently has only 0.67 dedicated pickleball courts per 10,000 people, which is 45% below the national average. In fact, the state ranks 41st in the nation in terms of dedicated court coverage per capita. These figures highlight the urgent need for investment in pickleball infrastructure to keep up with the sport’s meteoric rise.
Brandon Mackie, Co-founder and COO of Pickleheads, emphasizes the significance of this growth, stating, “Pickleball continues to grow at an unprecedented rate in California. Our estimates show the state will need to invest $131M in courts over the next 5-7 years. This represents an exciting challenge for both public and private enterprises in California.”
Pickleheads, the leading online platform for pickleball, has been instrumental in compiling comprehensive data on pickleball courts across the country. Their database currently includes 51,937 courts across 12,081 facilities in the U.S.
To gain further insights into the state of pickleball and its infrastructure, the 2023 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report can be purchased on pickleheads.com for $350.
As pickleball’s popularity continues to soar, the investment and expansion of pickleball facilities in California will play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand and ensuring players have ample opportunities to enjoy the sport.
SOURCE Pickleheads
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