Pickleball Craze: Why Everyone from Teens to Tom Brady Is Obsessed
Tom Brady’s in. Gen Z’s obsessed. Your local mall probably just got converted into a court. Pickleball is no longer a “trend” — it’s a takeover.
🎾 What Even Is Pickleball and Why Are We All Addicted?
It’s like if tennis, ping-pong, and social hour had a baby. You get a plastic ball, a paddle, and a court half the size of a tennis one — and somehow, it’s impossibly fun.
The name might sound like something your aunt plays at the rec center, but don’t be fooled. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., and it’s not slowing down.
“It’s literally cardio without the gym anxiety. I’m obsessed.” — @ServeQueen96, TikTok
📈 300% Growth? Pickleball Is Exploding
Here’s the deal:
- 19.8 million Americans played pickleball in 2024
- That’s a 223.5% jump since 2021
- It’s now the official state sport of Washington (yes, really)
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association says it’s growing faster than any other sport. The pickleball boom isn’t coming — it’s already everywhere.
👟 Move Over Boomers — Gen Z Runs the Court Now
Remember when pickleball was just for retirees in Florida? Not anymore.
“Went to play last Saturday. Court full of college dudes arguing over rules. Peak chaos. Peak fun.” — u/BallBuster95, Reddit
Schools, Gyms, and TikTokers Are Fueling the Frenzy
- High schools now teach it in PE
- College kids are starting intramural leagues
- TikTok is flooded with #pickleballchallenge clips racking up millions of views
This isn’t your grandma’s paddle game — it’s the next big lifestyle flex.
🏈 Tom Brady Didn’t Just Join — He Bought the Team
When seven-time Super Bowl champ Tom Brady jumps on something, people pay attention.
In 2022, he bought a Major League Pickleball team — joining Serena Williams, LeBron James, and other sports titans investing in the scene.
“We’re gonna make pickleball huge,” Brady told Good Morning America.
Translation: this isn’t just a game, it’s a billion-dollar brand.
Even Andre Agassi made a pro debut. With 18-year-old phenom Anna Leigh Waters. Yes, the GOATs are literally lining up.
🏙️ Malls Are Dying — But Pickleball Courts Are Thriving
When life closes a retail store, pickleball opens a court.
- Connecticut: Old Bed Bath & Beyonds now house indoor pickleball facilities
- California: Abandoned parking lots are turning into tournament grounds
- Texas: You need a reservation to play — two weeks in advance
“Pickleball is gentrifying my town and I’m kind of okay with it.” — @urbanlobber, X
💸 Who Knew Pickleball Could Pay This Much?
Let’s talk money — because this sport is printing it.
Female Pros Are Making Serious Bank
- Average earnings for top women in PPA & MLP: $260K/year
- That’s more than WNBA and NWSL salaries
- Sponsorship deals? Streaming rights? Oh, it’s coming
“I used to dream of playing soccer professionally. Now I wanna be the pickleball Serena.” — @dinkordie, TikTok
🌍 Pickleball Isn’t Just American Anymore
It’s going global faster than a meme.
🌐 Where It’s Blowing Up:
- Australia: Fastest-growing sport, 90k+ players
- India: 500+ new courts, 50k+ new players
- UK: Squash courts? Replaced. With pickleball.
Even Elon Musk tweeted:
“Pickleball courts on Mars might happen before Hyperloop. Just saying.”
(Maybe he’s kidding. Maybe not.)
📲 The Internet Can’t Stop Talking About Pickleball
TikTok is full of fire content:
“It’s the only sport where you can talk trash and sip a smoothie mid-match.” — @pickleballbaddie
“Nothing like getting roasted by a 60-year-old and then losing again.” — @dinkking
Reddit is pure chaos and love:
“I thought it was for seniors. Now I’m buying shoes with extra grip.”
“It’s like adult recess but competitive AF.”
X (Twitter) has jokes too:
“If I get ghosted again, I’m joining a pickleball league and finding love there.”
“Can we make pickleball mandatory for first dates? You learn everything fast.”
❓FAQ: The Dink-and-Smash Lowdown
Is pickleball hard to learn?
Nope. You can get the hang of it in one game — and be addicted by the second.
Do I need fancy gear?
Not really. A paddle and a few plastic balls ($30–$50) is enough to start.
Where can I play?
Everywhere. Community centers, gyms, converted malls, rooftops — it’s taking over.
Is there a pro league?
Yes, multiple. Major League Pickleball and PPA are drawing serious crowds and cash.
