Pickleball Needs Large Investment For Court Demand
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has become a phenomenon in the United States. This article delves into the current and future demands of pickleball infrastructure and the economic factors that are shaping its growth.
The Growing Demand for Pickleball Courts
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the demand for pickleball court construction is valued at $900 million. To meet this growing interest, the industry requires the building of 25,784 courts, which would occupy over 2 million square feet of space, equivalent to 11 Wal-Mart stores.
Major Cities Falling Behind
Despite the nationwide surge in popularity, major U.S. cities like New York and Los Angeles have been lagging in pickleball infrastructure. In fact, these cities have 98% fewer dedicated courts per 10,000 people compared to the national average.
Participation and Regional Dominance
In 2022, nearly 9 million people participated in pickleball. The South Atlantic region leads the country with 1.9 million players, followed closely by the Pacific and East North Central regions.
The Financial Landscape: How is Pickleball Infrastructure Funded?
The investment landscape for pickleball court construction is diverse and involves multiple stakeholders.
Venture Capital's Role
Venture capital plays a vital role in shaping the sport, with billionaire-backed pro leagues and innovative initiatives such as Major League Pickleball founder Steve Kuhn's mall-based venture.
Funding Avenues
A Tailored Approach
By combining these various sources of funding, a tailored approach to pickleball court construction can be formulated, which will significantly enhance the feasibility and sustainability of projects.
Conclusion
The rise of pickleball in the United States has created a remarkable demand for court construction and has drawn attention from diverse economic stakeholders. With a tailored approach involving government grants, nonprofits, local businesses, and other funding avenues, the future of pickleball infrastructure looks promising and dynamic. This multipronged strategy not only caters to the existing demand but sets the stage for sustained growth, cementing pickleball's place in the American sports landscape.
