As we celebrate National Sports Day, we’re proud to highlight how pickleball  continues to inspire millions of players around the world. What started as a backyard hobby has become a global phenomenon, holding the title of America’s fastest-growing sport for the fourth straight year.

The Fastest-Growing Sport in America

Pickleball’s rise is unprecedented. According to the Pickleball Single Sport Report (2024), participation increased by 45.8% since 2023, marking a remarkable 311% growth over the past three years.

From recreational players to elite athletes, people of all ages and skill levels are discovering why pickleball has become America’s favorite new pastime. It’s an accessible, inclusive, and social sport that brings people together both on and off the court.

At DUPR, we’re proud to support that growth by helping players measure, understand, and improve their performance through data.

Pickleball Participation in the United States

According to a pickleball statistics’ analysis by PickleRage, approximately 36.5 million Americans have played pickleball at least once, which is  more than one in ten people nationwide. The community continues to expand through local clubs, recreational leagues like Minor League Pickleball, and national tournaments that welcome players of every background.

Pickleball’s infrastructure is also keeping pace. The same study shows that there are now over 10,724 dedicated pickleball courts across the country, with new facilities being built weekly in public parks, schools, and fitness centers. Cities and private organizations alike are investing to meet this unprecedented demand for play.

DUPR: Powering Pickleball’s Global Growth

As pickleball expands, DUPR  has emerged as the sport’s leading global rating system and a driving force behind its continued growth.

DUPR now connects players in 175 countries and partners with over 10,000 pickleball clubs worldwide, providing a unified, data-driven standard for competition.

With DUPR, every player can:

• Measure their performance with consistent, transparent data.
  
• Find balanced matches at their true skill level.
  
• Track improvement over time and see their DUPR climb as they play more.
  

At DUPR, we believe performance should be measurable. Our system transforms play into progress, giving every player a clear path to improvement.

The more you play, the more data you generate  and the more insight you gain into your growth as an athlete.

Team Sports Continue to Thrive

While pickleball leads the charge, the broader Team Sports Category is also experiencing strong momentum. Of the 24 team sports analyzed in 2024 by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), 20 saw increased participation, with eight growing by more than seven percent year over year.

This trend reflects a nationwide resurgence in physical activity and community engagement. From basketball to volleyball to pickleball doubles, team sports are uniting players across generations and regions.

The Final Rally: Play More. Grow More. Raise Your DUPR.

On this National Sports Day, DUPR celebrates every player, coach, and community contributing to pickleball’s extraordinary growth.

What began as a simple game has become a movement driven by competition, connection, and data. Whether you’re new to the sport or chasing your next rating milestone, DUPR is here to help you measure progress, find fair play, and elevate your game.

Pickleball is changing the landscape of sports. At DUPR, we’re proud to be part of that evolution and even prouder to empower the players making it happen. 

To stay up to date on pickleball news, follow @duprpb on Instagram!

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