St. Pete Athletic Named Top Pickleball Club in Nation's 2026 Rankings
News related to:CourtSource · 2 min read
CourtSource has named St. Pete Athletic America's top pickleball club in its 2026 ranking of the nation's 100 best venues. The St. Petersburg, Florida-based club, which features 14 indoor pickleball courts and a variety of amenities, has earned the top spot according to the company's evaluation.
The ranking, which draws on data from more than 18,300 U.S. venues, considers factors such as facility scale, playability, access and amenities, and an editorial review of the complete player experience. St. Pete Athletic's combination of professional playing surfaces, dining and bar service, fitness and recovery amenities, and social spaces has set the benchmark for the 2026 season.
"Our goal was to create a club where people would want to stay long after they finished playing. To be named the No. 1 pickleball club in America by CourtSource is an extraordinary honor for our team and for St. Petersburg."
Florida's dominance in the rankings is notable, with five clubs placing in the Top 10 and 11 in the Top 100. Texas also performed well, with 10 clubs making the list. The complete ranking includes clubs from 33 states, reflecting the growing popularity of pickleball in the United States.
Pickleball participation continues to expand, with the Sports & Fitness Industry Association estimating that 24.3 million Americans played the sport in 2025, more than five times the number reported in 2020. The ranking aims to recognize and support the clubs that are elevating the standard for pickleball, hospitality, programming, service, and value.
"The leaders in this ranking combine excellent courts with smart programming, great environments, hospitality, and a genuine sense of community. St. Pete Athletic set the 2026 benchmark because every part of the experience reinforces the desire to stay longer, play more, and return the next day."
The ranking highlights the diverse experiences reshaping the industry, with clubs offering a range of amenities and programming. From championship courts and dining options to social spaces and year-round programming, these venues are transforming the way people play and connect through the sport.
St. Pete Athletic's success is a testament to the growing importance of community and comprehensive offerings in the pickleball world. As the sport continues to grow, venues like St. Pete Athletic are setting new standards for what players can expect from their clubs.