Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in North America. It has boasted an increase of over 300% in participation rates over the last 3 years, with an estimated ~20 million players in the United States alone.
It’s not hard to see why Pickleball has become so popular in recent years. It’s an easily accessible sport with a low-impact nature that players of all ages can enjoy. Pickleball is a fun and easy way to have a good time with friends and family, or to meet new people and make connections. The casual playstyle and decreased risk of injury due to the lower intensity of Pickleball when compared to tennis allows it to be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels.
The social aspect of Pickleball is important to not overlook. Many people are looking for more opportunities to make social connections. Pickleball provides an easy opportunity to meet new people and make new friends while getting exercise and taking care of yourself at the same time. In a time where it is getting harder and harder to meet people and make genuine connections, it’s no wonder why so many people are turning to a very casual pick up and play game like Pickleball to make those connections.
The Rapid Growth of Pickleball
Pickleball isn’t just growing for casual players either. Professional Pickleball is growing at an exponential rate as well. Professional athletes such as Lebron James, Tom Brady, and Kevin Durant have all taken ownership positions in MLP (Major League Pickleball) franchises.
Team valuations have increased from ~10 thousand in 2021 to 10 million+ in 2026, and the televised games are drawing huge viewership numbers. Pickleball is even expected to end up at the Olympics at some point in the future, once global rules are standardized and logistics are worked out. Organizers are eyeing the 2032 Brisbane Olympics as a potential debut.
To meet the boom of popularity among professional and casual pickleball players, pickleball facilities are being built at a rapidly increasing rate. According to the 2024 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report, “Dedicated pickleball facilities grew 55% year-over-year in 2024, and by early 2025, the number of total pickleball courts in the U.S. surpassed 70,000.”
To put that in perspective, there are an estimated ~270,000 tennis courts in the United States, and tennis has been popular in the United States since the 19th century, with the first Tennis National Championships being held in 1881. Pickleball has only started booming in popularity since ~2020 when it became quite popular during the pandemic.
Protecting Your Courts and Your Wallet
As the infrastructure for the sport continues to expand to match the high demand of professional and casual players, developers and facility managers are shifting their focus towards court longevity and player safety. With over 70,000 Pickleball courts now existing in the United States, from the humid Southeast to the rainy Pacific Northwest, managing these diverse environments and their effects on the court has become a top priority. The most important factor that contributes towards court longevity and player safety is having proper drainage installed in your courts.
Without proper drainage, standing water becomes the primary enemy of a pickleball court. Water pooling on the surface can lead to "delamination," where the acrylic layers peel away from the asphalt or concrete base. By integrating Slot Drain Systems such as the 7000 Series Slot Drain into the initial design, facility owners can ensure that runoff is diverted immediately, preventing the expensive cracking and bubbling that can sideline a court for weeks of repairs.
The high-capacity flow rate of Slot Drain Systems allows courts to dry significantly faster after a heavy downpour, maximizing "uptime" for facility members. This is especially important due to Pickleball being celebrated for its accessibility to all ages. Ensuring a slip-free environment is crucial for player safety. The smallest amount of residual moisture can turn a casual game into a significant injury risk.
Outdoor courts are especially prone to issues resulting from a lack of proper drainage systems. These courts are prone to collecting leaves, pine needles, and other elements that can clog standard drains and lead to localized flooding. The easy-to-clean design of Slot Drains, especially when paired with catch basins, integrated strainer baskets and cleaning tools such as the Slot Drain Cleaning Paddle, ensures that the system remains functional with minimal maintenance, keeping the court clear and the play safe.
As Pickleball potentially moves towards the 2032 Olympics and team valuations climb into the millions, the "casual" backyard court aesthetic is being replaced by stadium-grade requirements. Professional Pickleball athletes require a consistent, dry surface to perform at their peak. Slot Drain systems are the best way to ensure these courts stay dry and the athletes can perform to the best of their abilities.
To learn more about our product offerings or to get a quote, contact us at: info@slotdrainsystems.com
