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See the full story · 2 sourcesSaylor Warren, laughs while play Pickleball with friends at the 11th Avenue Park, on Terrace Hills Drive, in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
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Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Fifteen years ago, most people had never even heard of pickleball, and now millions of people across the U.S. play the sport regularly.
For the last five years, National Pickleball Day has been celebrated on Aug. 8, giving fans of the sport an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate this game that they love. The game that has grown rapidly in popularity brings together people of all ages for socialization, community, competition and a workout.
A group of friends Saylor Warren, Nicole McGraw, Jared Marcucci, and Jake Goodman play a game of pickleball at the 11th Avenue Park, on Terrace Hills Drive, in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
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Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
“I believe that the reason that pickleball is so popular right now and has grown so quickly is because of the easy access to community it provides,” said Ian Bate, a Utahn who plays pickleball often with family and friends.
“A lot of people are seeking opportunities to connect with others and be active, and I think pickleball is an amazing blend of the two,” he added.
How popular is pickleball?
Pickleball players play games at the 11th Avenue Park, on Terrace Hills Drive, in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
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Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Utah is one of the top states where pickleball is the most popular, with 310,000 people playing pickleball on 910 different courts in the state annually, according to brandedpickleball.com.
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association reported that 24.3 million Americans played pickleball in 2025, making it one of the top 25 most-played sports and activities in the U.S. Between 2020 and 2025, the sport’s participation grew by 479%.
This rapid rate of growth makes pickleball the fastest-growing sport in the country over the past three years.
Jared Marcucci laughs as he and teammate Jake Goodman, play a game of pickleball with friends Saylor Warren, and Nicole McGraw at the 11th Avenue Park, on Terrace Hills Drive, in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
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Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
“I think it’s become so popular because it’s super accessible,” said Nicole McGraw, who has been playing pickleball with her friends for the past few years. “The rules are simple, the equipment is affordable, and people of different ages and abilities can play together.”
Bate shared that pickleball is great for anyone regardless of age and ability, adding that he has played with grandparents, 10-year-olds and everyone in between.
Why people love pickleball
Francis Carignan prepares to serve during a pickleball game at 11th Avenue Park, on Terrace Hills Drive, in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
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Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Saylor Warren shared that she first played pickleball about 10 years ago when she was in middle school, and then during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, her mom reintroduced her to the game, and she has been playing it for the last six years.
She said that because she is in her later 20s and doesn’t have a lot of opportunities to play sports, she loves that pickleball gives her something to compete at.
“My favorite thing about pickleball is how I can be active while connecting with other people and having fun.”
Ian Bate “It’s a way to get out of the house, be competitive and also connect with my friends or family,” she said.
Warren said she plays at least once a week, whether it’s with her regular group of friends or with her family members on a Sunday.
Multiple pickleball players who spoke to the Deseret News emphasized that the barrier to entry in pickleball is very low, so it is quick to learn. Bate said that someone can go from never having heard of the sport to being able to play a full game in about 30 to 60 minutes.
“It’s really easy to invite someone to come play because you know that they can actually have fun with it,” Bate said.
Emphasizing that pickleball is accessible and easy to pick up, Warren said. “It’s kind of like playing ping pong at like a bigger, higher level.”
Pickleball is also a sport that can be as intense or as casual as people want it to be, so there are a lot of different levels. People also enjoy the physical aspect of the game.
Carson Pollock tries to return the ball as he and several others play pickleball at the 11th Avenue Park, on Terrace Hills Drive, in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026.
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Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Carson Pollock, who has been playing multiple times a week for the past two months, said: “I just enjoy being active and doing something physical that isn’t too strenuous. It’s great to play after work.”
McGraw echoed a similar sentiment saying, “I love that it’s a great workout without feeling like exercise.”
She also said that her favorite part of pickleball is the social aspect of the game, since it allows her to play with and connect with friends. The social aspect of pickleball is something many people enjoy.
“My favorite thing about pickleball is how I can be active while connecting with other people and having fun. I’ve made some amazing friends just through playing pickleball,” Bate said.
Free pickleball at the Picklr for National Pickleball Day
In celebration of National Pickleball Day on Saturday, the Picklr — North America’s largest indoor pickleball brand — is offering free play as part of its Courtside Bash 2026. From noon to 6 p.m., “this event invites players of all levels to enjoy free open play, music, and community fun at their local club with no membership required,” per a press release from the company.
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There will also be Pickleball 101 sessions throughout the day to help beginners learn basic pickleball skills.
Throughout the weekend, the Picklr is also offering special membership deals, including buy two months...
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