In the world of sports, the rapid rise of pickleball is creating significant challenges for tennis. A tennis court can accommodate only four players for doubles matches, whereas a single court can host four simultaneous pickleball games, allowing up to 16 players to enjoy the action. This stark contrast highlights pickleball’s increasing commercial appeal over traditional tennis.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, 10% of the nation’s tennis courts have been repurposed for pickleball, heightening competition for court space. Lew Sherr, CEO of the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA), candidly remarked, “We don’t have enough courts to support the growth of tennis. Facilities are being compromised due to the switch to pickleball, with courts repainted and converted for the sport.”
The Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) released a report earlier this year indicating that pickleball’s popularity has surged 223.5% over the past three years, with over 10 million players nationwide and championed in approximately 65,000 venues. Mike Nealy, CEO of USA Pickleball, acknowledged the sentiment from tennis fans: “If I were a tennis player, I wouldn’t want to see this either, but the market will find its way.”
On the flip side, tennis is experiencing a resurgence. It’s estimated that this year, the number of tennis players will exceed 24.5 million and rise to 35 million by 2035. Sherr emphasized the ongoing development and unprecedented growth of tennis, which, while positive, also brings its own pressures. He reassured, “We will do everything possible to maintain tennis infrastructure.”
For private clubs, the economic implications are clear. With a single court only accommodating four for tennis but allowing for 16 players in pickleball, the latter’s commercial value is significantly higher. Notable tennis champion Novak Djokovic expressed concerns, stating, “If we don’t take action, we’ll see more tennis courts turn into pickleball or cricket courts, simply because they are cheaper to maintain.”
In response, USTA is actively promoting a similar tennis initiative called “Red Ball Tennis,” which requires no specialized training and does not necessitate court modifications. Currently, about 20,000 participants are engaged; however, this number pales in comparison to pickleball’s millions of enthusiasts.
Sherr remarked, “The dynamics would be very different if we weren’t growing or if tennis players were leaving. Participation is not a zero-sum game, but access to playing facilities is.” Meanwhile, the surge in pickleball’s popularity is leading to a growing demand for more courts. In New York City, the iconic Wollman Rink has been converted into a pickleball practice area during the summer, illustrating the increasing integration of this sport into urban landscapes.
