From Courts to Clinics: Pickleball’s Surprising Market Impact

Pickleball’s Rapid Rise: What the Numbers Reveal

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SPFA), participation in pickleball has increased by 466% in the U.S. since 2019. See Figure 1. Thanks to its smaller court size and slower pace than tennis, older people are particularly drawn to this paddle sport.

The growing popularity of pickleball has affected market trends in surprising ways. Health care, sports and fitness businesses are finding new opportunities to serve pickleball enthusiasts. As the sport attracts more players, we anticipate an increase in demand for products and services that promote active lifestyles and prevent or treat injuries.

‘Silver Tsunami’: Aging Athletes and Joint Care Needs

Surging interest in pickleball isn’t limited to young people; older adults seeking active lifestyles are also fueling its popularity. While the sport is often seen as more accessible than tennis, it still demands quick movements on hard surfaces, which can raise the risk of injury.

Medical technology companies are paying close attention to this trend, as knee, hip and shoulder repairs may become increasingly common among dedicated pickleball players.

For example, during the firm’s May 2024 investor day events, Zimmer Biomet CEO Ivan Tornos highlighted the demographic “silver tsunami,” noting that 12,000 people in the U.S. turn 65 every day, with many embracing sports like pickleball.

“(Pickleball is) the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. and many of these players are 65 or above,” Tornos said. “That obviously creates a situation where the injury rate in the category or in the age group of 65 is exponentially higher.”

Companies like Enovis, a medical technology firm specializing in knee, ankle and elbow braces for individuals with osteoarthritis, could also benefit from this trend. As pickleball’s popularity continues to grow and puts additional strain on joints, demand for joint support products is likely to increase.

More Courts and More Opportunities for Pickleball Players

As enthusiasm for pickleball has continued to rise, the need for additional courts has become increasingly apparent.

In response to the sport’s growing popularity, companies like Life Time Group Holdings — a firm focused on fitness and recreational sports centers — transformed its underutilized basketball and tennis courts into dedicated pickleball spaces. This move established the company as the nation’s largest provider of pickleball courts. In 2023, Life Time reported 700,000 pickleball participants, a figure that surged to 1.2 million in 2024.²

Beyond major fitness companies, commercial developers are also seizing the opportunity by including pickleball courts in new residential and mixed-use projects, recognizing the sport’s appeal as a community amenity. Retail apparel brands and niche markets are capitalizing on the trend by introducing pickleball-specific clothing, footwear, accessories and equipment to meet the growing demand among players of all ages and skill levels.

Lessons from the Pickleball Trend

The pickleball phenomenon demonstrates how shifts in consumer interests can spark innovation and open up unexpected opportunities across a range of industries. As the sport’s popularity continues to rise, we believe companies that can adapt quickly and creatively — whether through research and development, new product lines or facility investments — may be well-positioned to benefit.