An Analysis of the US Pickleball Franchise Industry

Pickleball is taking America by storm, earning its title as the country’s fastest-growing sport. This dynamic game, a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, offers something for everyone. It’s played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball on a court like badminton but with a modified tennis net, suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.  Since the pandemic, the pickleball sports industry has witnessed a massive upsurge in popularity witnessing 85.7% year-over-year increase and a staggering 263.5% rise in the number of players since 2014.  At this early stage, brands are competing fiercely for market share, and new entrants are likely to emerge. Success will favor those who establish a robust growth strategy and demonstrate agility in responding to rapidly evolving industry needs, over those who focus solely on expansion and market dominance. This FRANdata report highlights the major players in the Pickleball Franchise Industry, what strategies they employed for growth, challenges they face, and what sets the stronger systems apart.