Austin Ranked No. 1 City for Pickleball in the Nation
Austin has officially been crowned the pickleball capital of the nation, according to a new study published by TeachMe.To. The report ranked Austin as the No. 1 city for pickleball in the entire country, highlighting the city’s rapid growth in the sport.
The study utilized data from various sources, including TeachMe.To’s own platform, USA Pickleball, and local pickleball associations. It also referenced the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), which named pickleball as the fastest-growing sport in America with a growth rate of 223.5 percent over three years.
Austin was not only named the top city for pickleball overall but also the fastest-growing city for the sport. The report credited the Austin Metro Pickleball Association (AMPA) and the Austin Pickleball League (APL) for contributing to the city’s pickleball success.
With approximately 3,000-3,500 members in AMPA and an estimated 15,000-20,000 people playing pickleball in the greater Austin area, the sport has seen a significant rise in popularity. The report also noted that women’s involvement in pickleball is growing 50 percent faster than men’s.
The growth of pickleball in Austin is evident in the number of dedicated courts that have been opened in recent years. By 2024, TeachMe.To’s data shows that there will be 32 dedicated courts in Austin, with a high utilization rate of 92 percent.
The popularity of pickleball in Austin has also led to new developments in the city, including the opening of the Other Racquet Social Club and the announcement of five new locations by national chain The Picklr. Additionally, food and beverage hospitality around pickleball has seen growth, with establishments like Drifters Social Coffee & Cocktails and The Pickle Pub opening with pickleball courts.
The report also highlighted the success of Dallas and Houston in the pickleball scene, with Dallas ranking No. 3 and Houston ranking No. 8. Both cities were praised for their infrastructure, competitive scenes, and innovative programming.
Overall, the report predicts continued growth in the pickleball industry, with the rise of new sports like padel and the integration of pickleball into existing sports infrastructure. It also anticipates an expanded professional circuit, mainstream coverage, and more opportunities in corporate wellness and real estate related to pickleball.
As pickleball continues to gain popularity across the country, Austin stands out as a shining example of a city that has fully embraced the sport and solidified its place as the pickleball capital of the nation.
