The Rise of Pickleball
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Lauren Law Feb. 11, 2026
Once a paddle-sport for retirees chasing low-impact fun on community courts, pickleball has stormed into the mainstream, captivating Gen Z and millennials with its fast-paced rallies and social buzz.
The name “pickleball” is widely attributed to Pickles, the Pritchard family dog, known for chasing stray balls during early games. The sport originated in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum improvised a game for their families using a badminton court, ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic whiffle ball. Although the sport started as a backyard pastime, the first permanent court was built in 1967 and the inaugural tournament was held in 1976 at South Center Athletic Club in Tukwila, Washington. By the early 1970s, rules were formalized, spreading through word-of-mouth in retirement communities due to its accessibility. As the sport gained traction through equipment sales by Pickle-Ball Inc. and a 1976 Tennis magazine article feature, increased interest ultimately led to the founding of the United States Amateur Pickleball Association in 1984 to standardize rules and promote the sport nationwide.
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, in 2024, the United States had an estimated 19.8 million pickleball players, marking a 311% increase over three years and 45.8% growth from 2023. That same year, the average player age dropped to 34.8 years, with ages 25 to 34 leading at 2.3 million players. Now, over 70% of the players are ages 18 to 44, while those 65 years and older constitute just 15.4%. Pickleheads, a digital platform for pickleball enthusiasts, attributes its popularity rise to social media buzz and celebrity endorsements. With a shorter learning curve, beginners may find it easier to pick up the sport. The equipment is also relatively affordable, often costing under $50 for paddles and balls, lowering barriers to accessibility.
“Pickleball is easier to play and does not require a lot of movement. Since the court is smaller, players can even chat while playing, and as long as players have a net, ball and paddle, they can practically play anywhere with flat ground—unlike tennis, which requires designated courts,” Poyen Chen ‘26 said.
At 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, pickleball courts can fit into existing spaces such as badminton courts. Some cities, such as Cincinnati, Ohio and Santa Monica, California, have converted tennis courts to fit four pickleball courts, maximizing limited public space. According to Reserv, new dedicated pickleball courts cost between $20,00 and $50,000, covering surfacing, fencing and nets. Conversion of the courts, however, cost far less, with prices typically falling between $2,000 and $15,000 for painting lines and portable nets.
The higher-pitched pops of pickballs—around 10 to 20 decibels louder—have fueled complaints from tennis players about lost courts and disrupted suburban quiet as demand for the sport rises.
When residents of Carmel-by-the-Sea complained about the increased noise levels in 2022, the first municipal pickleball ban in the country was issued in 2023. Per the LA Times, authorities first installed quieter paddles, added sound-absorbing fencing, restricted play hours and enforced softer shots, but court lines were eventually removed as complaints persisted.
“Pickleball deserves just as much space and attention as tennis. Communities could balance both sports by converting only some tennis courts so that players still have access to both options in the same space. Strict regulations do not seem necessary, as placing pickleball courts near existing tennis courts makes the most sense to me,” Marley Dorsey ‘29 said.
The popularity of pickleball has expanded into professional leagues. Major League Pickleball, founded in 2021, grew rapidly to 24 teams by 2023 and now hosts nationwide events with up to $5 million in prize money. The league has attracted high-profile owners and investors, including LeBron James, Tom Brady and Kevin Durant.
High school pickleball leagues have also begun to emerge across the country. For example, in December 2025, the Arizona High School Pickleball Championships served as Arizona’s inaugural statewide club-level tournament, though it was not varsity-sanctioned. Hosted in Mesa, Arizona, the Arizona High School Pickleball Championships served as an inaugural statewide club-level tournament, where high schoolers from over 18 clubs competed for singles, doubles, mixed and team titles based on podium points. The event spurred the Association to review varsity sanctioning for the 2027–2028 school year, focusing on facilities, coaching and safety.
Pickleball unites players across generations, from teens to retirees, on the same compact courts in a shared, accessible game. This cross-age appeal fosters social bonds and community, shaping its future as a culturally unifying sport.
About the Contributors
Lauren Law
staff writer
Lauren Law is a senior at Leland High School and this is her second year as a staff writer. She enjoys hanging out with friends, sleeping, and eating.
Jane Hong
creative director
Jane Hong, a senior at Leland High School, is the Creative Director of The Charger Account. She loves good food and long naps, but when she’s not recharging, you’ll probably find her dancing or binging the latest K-dramas.
