Pickleball Flash, LLC is highlighting the healthy engine behind the pickleball movement, suggesting that millions of first-time and soon-to-be players are poised to usher in the sport’s most dynamic chapter.

In a recent national survey conducted by the Atlanta-based company, 70 percent of U.S. adults surveyed aged 18 to 65 identified themselves as “eager to learn” or “currently learning” the game of pickleball. Twelve percent described themselves as “avid” players. Only 18 percent expressed “no interest” in learning the sport.

Pickleball Flash said the findings from its recent survey found a critical and “often overlooked” truth that ” pickleball’s long-term growth lies not in its current player base but in the massive wave of new participants.”

“Every paddle sold, every club membership started every apparel brand worn—these all begin with someone deciding to give pickleball a try,” said Ellen Golden, co-founder of Pickleball Flash, LLC. “To the extent the industry embraces the newcomer, pickleball will have a bright and enduring future.”

Strong holiday season indicators reinforce the potential for exponential growth. When the company asked survey respondents to look ahead to Holiday 2025, 39 percent said it is “somewhat likely” that someone on their gift list will want to start learning the game, with 34 percent stating it is “very likely.”

Pickleball Flash reported that the numbers soared even more strikingly when asked to estimate how many friends, family members or colleagues on that list are likely to begin playing pickleball.

  • 30 percent said one to two people on their list
  • 32 percent cited three to four people
  • Over 20 percent could think of five or more beginners ready to try the sport on their gift list

The firm noted in its survey that existing players are actively driving adoption. Sixty-three percent of respondents said that they had encouraged others to try the game over the past year. More than one-third reported introducing three or more people to the game during those twelve months.

“That’s a boatload of new players,” said Golden. “Whether it’s self-identifying interest in learning the sport, holiday gift planning or organic peer recruitment, the data supports an undeniable surge in growth.”

Image courtesy Pickleball Kingdom