How America’s fastest-growing sport is shaping vacation rental returns

II. By the Numbers: Revenue Impact of Pickleball Courts

In a recent data dive by Host Genie, the correlation between pickleball courts and rental revenue wasn’t just apparent—it was striking. After analyzing hundreds of short-term rental listings across the U.S., the study found that properties featuring a pickleball court earned, on average, $62,000 more annually than similar properties without one.

But the findings didn’t stop there.

Even when controlling for variables like guest capacity, number of reviews, and location, the presence of a pickleball court stood out as a statistically significant predictor of revenue. In fact, Host Genie’s regression analysis showed that simply having a court could mean an average increase of $59,000, with a strong p-value of 0.006, reinforcing the reliability of the results.



Perhaps even more compelling? Metrics like property size and review count didn’t significantly correlate with higher earnings—pickleball did. That makes this amenity not only attractive, but possibly more impactful than traditional listing differentiators.

III. Host Testimonials and Real-World Observations

While data helps build a strong case, it’s the firsthand stories from hosts that bring the numbers to life.

Take, for example, Allen, an Airbnb host in Austin, Texas. Faced with a dip in winter bookings, he took a leap and installed a private pickleball court in his backyard—at a cost of over $50,000. The result? He reported a $3,000 increase in revenue for December and January, a period that historically underperformed. Given Austin’s increasingly competitive short-term rental market, he believes that without the court, his listing would’ve struggled even more.

The Airbnb host community had plenty of feedback. Some supported the investment as a way to stand out in saturated markets and appeal to more mature, responsible guests. Others cautioned that unless a host is personally invested in the sport or confident about local demand, the ROI might not materialize quickly.

What these discussions revealed was a consistent theme: In the right market, a pickleball court can transform a listing into a destination.

Beyond Austin, property owners from Arizona to Florida are echoing similar sentiments. In Sun City Grand, a retirement community northwest of Phoenix, one vacation rental owner markets their listing with a golf cart included—not just for fun, but for easy access to the community’s many pickleball courts. In a market with high demand for active adult travel, it’s a winning formula.

Another property, a four-story luxury cabin in Prescott, AZ, features private pickleball courts alongside other group-friendly amenities like ping pong, volleyball, and a hot tub. According to the owners, guests often cite the court in reviews and use it as a deciding factor when choosing where to stay.



While not every listing can accommodate a full-size court, hosts are getting creative—installing half courts, converting old tennis areas, or partnering with nearby facilities to offer passes. In each case, the goal is the same: deliver a standout experience that justifies higher nightly rates and keeps guests coming back.

IV. Guest Demand and Experience Drivers

So why is pickleball such a draw for guests?

First, there’s the accessibility factor. Unlike tennis or golf, which can come with a steep learning curve, pickleball is beginner-friendly. The rules are simple, the equipment is inexpensive, and the court is small enough to make it enjoyable without being exhausting. That makes it a perfect vacation activity for multi-generational families, friend groups, and active older adults.

It also taps into several travel trends:

• Wellness-focused travel, where guests look for active experiences during their stay
  
  
• Social travel, where communal activities bring people together
  
  
• Nostalgia and novelty, with guests trying something new or rediscovering a beloved hobby
  
  

As one vacationer put it in a recent review: “We played pickleball every morning before breakfast—it was the highlight of our trip!”

Beyond fun and fitness, having a court on-site simply elevates the guest experience. It gives travelers something to do on-property, encourages them to spend more time at the rental (increasing perceived value), and often becomes a memorable part of their stay.

No wonder platforms like PickleTrip and PickleballCentral are now spotlighting pickleball-specific vacation rentals—many of which are booked out months in advance.

V. Amenity-Driven Marketing: Standing Out in a Crowded Market

In a sea of listings promising pools, patios, and plush linens, a pickleball court stands out like a lighthouse.

But just having the court isn’t enough. To maximize returns, hosts must know how to market it effectively:



• Photography matters: Include high-quality images of the court in use. Bonus points for golden hour lighting or drone shots that capture its size and layout.
  
  
• Write with intent: Use keywords like “private pickleball court,” “pickleball retreat,” or “sports-friendly vacation home” in your title and description.
  
  
• Highlight community perks: If you’re near public courts or resorts with facilities (like Tres Palapas in Baja or Wailea Point in Maui), make it a central selling point.
  
  
• Target group travelers: Think families, reunions, sports enthusiasts, or adult friend groups looking for interactive fun.
  
  

It’s not just about bookings—it’s about getting the right bookings. A well-positioned pickleball amenity can attract more respectful, engaged guests who value the property and its offerings.

VI. Considerations Before You Invest

While the potential for increased revenue is enticing, it’s important to approach the decision to add a pickleball court with careful consideration. Like any investment, the return on a pickleball court can vary based on factors such as property type, location, and guest demographics.

Upfront Costs and Maintenance
The most obvious consideration is the cost. Constructing a quality pickleball court can range from $25,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the size, materials, and any additional features like lighting or fencing. For some properties, this could be a stretch. On top of that, there will be maintenance costs—keeping the court in good condition, repairing equipment, and occasionally resurfacing the court to keep it playable.

Space and Zoning Requirements
Before breaking ground, make sure you have enough space for a regulation-size court (20x44 feet) and adequate clearance around it. You also need to check with local zoning regulations to ensure that there are no restrictions on installing a court, especially in residential areas. Some communities might have rules about noise or structure types that could interfere with your plans.

Community vs. Private Courts
If the costs and space requirements of a private court are prohibitive, there may be a middle ground: access to community courts. Many high-end rental properties near established pickleball hubs (e.g., The Villages in Florida or Sun City Grand in Arizona) offer guests easy access to public courts as part of their stay. Some hosts partner with nearby resorts or facilities to provide discounted access for their guests. While it may not provide the exclusivity of a private court, it's still a valuable amenity that enhances the guest experience and boosts your listing’s attractiveness.



ROI Considerations
Finally, as with any major property improvement, it’s essential to calculate the ROI. Will the $50,000 investment in a court pay off in increased occupancy or higher nightly rates? It’s helpful to project potential returns based on the pickleball craze in your area, the appeal of your property to active travelers, and the level of competition you face in your market. Like any major renovation, it's important to plan for the long-term payoff.

VII. Conclusion



The rise of pickleball shows no signs of slowing down, and for short-term rental hosts, it’s clear that adding a pickleball court can have a substantial impact on revenue. Whether it’s the social appeal, the fitness factor, or the uniqueness it brings to your property, a pickleball court provides an experience that’s hard to match.

While the upfront investment might be steep, the potential for increased bookings, higher rates, and loyal, repeat guests makes it a compelling option for hosts looking to stay ahead of the curve. The key, however, is ensuring it fits both your property and your target guests. So, if you’re looking for a way to differentiate your property and appeal to the growing community of pickleball lovers, investing in a pickleball court could be the game-changer you’ve been searching for.

The Impact of Pickleball Courts on Short-Term Rental Revenue

Optional Sidebar/Callout Boxes

✅ Pickleball ROI Checklist for Hosts

• Do you have the space for a full-size court or a smaller one?
  
  
• Have you researched the upfront costs (construction, permits, and maintenance)?
  
  
• Is your target market interested in active, social activities like pickleball?
  
  
• Have you factored in ongoing maintenance and potential repairs?
  
  
• Will you market the court effectively in your listing and through photography?
  
  

📍 Top Pickleball Rental Destinations in the U.S.

• Sun City Grand, AZ
  
  
• The Villages, FL
  
  
• Palm Springs, CA
  
  
• Prescott, AZ
  
  
• Bend, OR
  
  
• Maui, HI
  
  
• Outer Banks, NC
  
  

🛠️ Court Installation Resources & Vendors



• Pickleball Inc. (for equipment and court construction)
  
  
• SportMaster (for court surfacing)
  
  
• Local contractors specializing in recreational construction

Ready to Serve Up Higher Revenue? BNB Construction Can Help You Get There

If you’re convinced that a pickleball court could be the missing piece in maximizing your vacation rental’s potential, it’s time to partner with the right team. At BNB Construction, we specialize in short-term rental renovations and amenity optimization—including custom sports courts like pickleball, putting greens, home theaters, and more. Our seasoned project managers and expert builders know exactly how to turn your ideas into guest-ready spaces that boost bookings and elevate profits. From concept to completion, we’ll guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your renovation is on time, on budget, and built to last. Let’s build your vision—reach out to BNB Construction today and let’s get your rental serving aces.