Over the past week, several notable developments have occurred in the world of pickleball:
Cleveland’s Rapid Growth in Pickleball
Cleveland has emerged as the fastest-growing pickleball city in the United States. Data from the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) app indicates a 71% increase in users over the past year, the highest among cities analyzed. The city’s pickleball infrastructure has expanded significantly, with the number of courts nearly doubling from seven in 2025 to 13 in 2026, including the opening of the Cleveland Pickleball Center, its first permanent indoor facility. Looking ahead, Cleveland will host the annual indoor tournament “Pickle in the Land” at the Huntington Convention Center next month. (axios.com)
Huntsville’s Pickleball Boom
Huntsville, Alabama, is experiencing a surge in pickleball popularity, with a 70.6% increase in DUPR registrations over the past year, making it the second-fastest-growing pickleball city in the U.S. The sport’s accessibility and social nature are credited for its appeal. In response, Huntsville has expanded its infrastructure, including 44 dedicated outdoor courts and a new 25-court complex at John Hunt Park. (axios.com)
Veolia Chicago Cup Highlights
The Veolia Chicago Cup has showcased exciting matches:
-
Men’s Singles: French qualifier Emilien Burnel achieved a significant upset by defeating No. 21 seed JW Johnson in a three-game match, advancing to the quarterfinals. (pickleballsurge.com)
-
Women’s Singles: No. 12 seed Isabella Dunlap eliminated No. 5 seed Lea Jansen, and No. 9 seed Judit Castillo swept No. 8 seed Kiora Kunimoto, reshaping the women’s bracket heading into the quarterfinals. (pickleballsurge.com)
These developments highlight the dynamic growth and competitive spirit within the pickleball community.
Highlights:
- Cleveland is America’s fastest-growing pickleball city, Published on Friday, October 09
- Pickleball picks up momentum in Huntsville, Published on Wednesday, October 07
