pickleballmagazine. com MARCH / APRIL 2026
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PUBLISHER’ S PLAYBOOK
Pickleball coverage in 2026 is no longer following a trend— it feels like documenting an established part of American sport and culture. What was once a novelty has become a defining feature of community recreation across the country.
According to the latest Sports & Fitness Industry Association( SFIA) data, U. S. participation has officially cleared 24 million players. But the real story isn’ t just the sheer volume; it’ s the profound demographic shift. The average player age has plummeted to just under 35. What started as a backyard haven for retirees has captured Millennials and Gen Z, transforming local communities and reshaping how we think about modern recreation.
On the professional side, the landscape has matured beautifully. The consolidation under major banners like the United Pickleball Association( UPA), alongside packed schedules for Major League Pickleball( MLP) and the PPA Tour, has brought elite athleticism and real commercial stability to the sport.
Yet, as publishers looking closely at our local markets, the truest impact remains at the grassroots level. As traditional community hubs fade, pickleball courts have quietly become spaces where neighbors talk, compete and connect face-to-face.
The biggest bottleneck we face now isn’ t enthusiasm; it’ s infrastructure. Demand for dedicated indoor facilities still far outpaces supply. As we look ahead, the story of this sport will be written by the builders, the local clubs, and the communities making room for the next generation to pick up a paddle.
A Publication of Dollard Publishing Co., Inc. 33 Mayview Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317 pickleballmagazine. com
PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Julie Talerico j. talerico @ pickleballmagazine. com
ART DIRECTOR Michael Miller
SOCIAL MEDIA Vossberg Gainor
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Jack Bandel Dan Fellner Laura Gainor Brandi Givens Lydia Hirt Glenn Jordan Kyle McMakin
Debbie Mountain
CONTRIBUTORS
Kate Mohns Dr. Noe Sariban Matthew Schwartz Alice Tym Drew Wathey Mark Zamiska
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bruce Yeung Alice Tym
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Launched in 2016, Pickleball Magazine is the official publication of the sport. Published eight times a year, the magazine delivers in-depth tournament coverage, expert instruction, updates to the official rules, and exclusive interviews with top professionals. Readers also get guidance on injury prevention and recovery, nutrition to fuel peak performance, news on club openings, luxury pickleball destinations, the latest equipment, and much more.
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