Pickleball is undeniably one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., and its popularity has surged in one Texas city like nowhere else.
Austin, boasting over 100 pickleball facilities within its boundaries, was crowned ‘America’s Pickleball Capital of 2024’ by TeachMe.To, a platform dedicated to sports coaching for beginners.
“Austin’s dominance in the pickleball scene stems from its perfect storm of year-round playing weather, tech-forward facilities, and the youngest average player demographic in the country,” the report said.
According to a report, an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 individuals in the greater Austin area play pickleball at least occasionally. Of these, around 3,000 to 3,500 players are active members of the Austin Metro Pickleball Association, which acts as the city’s main organizing body.
Additionally, several competitive leagues, such as the Austin Pickleball League for ladder play, operate throughout the year.
Finding a game in Austin is relatively easy, with court reservation systems showing 70% to 80% usage during peak hours. Many local facilities also report growing waitlists for popular playing times.
The report highlights that corporate interest in pickleball is on the rise in Austin, with major tech companies incorporating courts into their campuses as part of their amenities.
TeachMe.To assessed cities using five major categories: lesson engagement, infrastructure, community vibrancy, tournament activity, and growth trends. Austin achieved an impressive score of 91 out of a possible 100.
“I believe pickleball in Austin continues to blow up due to the ease of play, the sociability, and the popularity that has been established in Austin, Texas,” Adrian Montoya, the founder of Eastside Paddle Club in Austin, told LoneStarLive.com in February.
2 other Texas metros make Top 10
Two other cities in Texas also made it into the Top 10 pickleball rankings nationwide. Dallas secured third place with a score of 85, featuring 45 courts and a community of 8,500 active players. Meanwhile, Houston ranked eighth with a score of 75, offering 22 courts and 5,200 players engaging in the sport.
The Top 10 pickleball cities in the U.S. were:
- Austin
- New York City
- Dallas
- San Francisco
- Chicago
- Scottsdale
- Seattle
- Houston
- Miami
- St. Petersburg
