Do More People Play Pickleball or Basketball?
The popularity of sports can be measured in various ways, including participation numbers, TV viewership, and social media engagement. While basketball remains one of the most popular sports globally, pickleball is rapidly gaining traction.
In the United States, pickleball has seen explosive growth, with 24.3 million players in 2025, representing a 171.8% increase over three years. This surge has led some to wonder if pickleball is surpassing basketball in popularity.
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), basketball has a larger participation base, with 27.3 million players in 2025. However, pickleball's growth rate is significantly higher, with a 22.8% year-over-year increase, compared to basketball's 6.2% growth.
. 
Participation Numbers:
- Pickleball: 24.3 million players (2025)
- Basketball: 27.3 million players (2025)
Growth Rate:
- Pickleball: 171.8% growth over 3 years, 22.8% year-over-year
- Basketball: 6.2% year-over-year growth
While basketballs in bulk still has a larger participation base, pickleball's rapid growth suggests it may soon rival or surpass basketball in popularity. Additionally, pickleball balls accessibility, social aspect, and ease of play make it an attractive option for people of all ages.
It's essential to note that popularity can be subjective and influenced by various factors, including cultural context, geographic location, and demographic trends. However, based on current statistics, pickleball is rapidly closing the gap with basketball, and its growth rate suggests it may become a more popular sport in the near future.
