The 10 Fastest-Growing Sports: Why They’re Booming and What’s Next

Posted by Somi Dong on February 05, 2025

The fastest-growing sports today are activities that combine accessibility, social interaction, low equipment barriers, and strong online community engagement. Their rapid growth is driven by younger audiences, lifestyle trends, and digital influence.

Sports are evolving faster than ever. New activities rise overnight on TikTok, classic sports reinvent themselves, and players look for fun, social, and beginner-friendly ways to stay active. In this guide, we break down the 10 fastest-growing sports, explain why they're trending, and predict what’s next for each one.

Quick List: The Fastest-Growing Sports in 2025

Pickleball
Padel
Golf (especially short-course & indoor simulator golf)
Women’s Golf
Running (urban + trail)
Cycling
Functional Fitness / CrossFit
Climbing
Yoga & Pilates
Esports + Virtual Competitive Games

1. Pickleball – The Fastest-Growing Sport in the U.S.

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong on a small court.

Pickleball's History:

Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three friends looking for a new backyard game, pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It was originally played with makeshift equipment but has since evolved into a professionally recognized sport.

Why Pickleball is Growing Fast:

In the United States, pickleball has surged in senior living communities, rec centers, and even luxury country clubs.
The game’s easy-to-learn rules and low-impact movement make it perfect for active lifestyles and senior fitness communities.
Demand for pickleball apparel—moisture-wicking polos, stretch shorts, lightweight skirts—is surging in U.S. cities like Austin, Miami, and Los Angeles.
Pickleball is now spreading to Canada, the U.K., and Japan, driven by celebrity investors and pro tours.

At Erthe, we curate pickleball clothing that blends fashion and performance, optimized for movement and sweat control.

2. Paddle – The Tennis Alternative Taking Over Europe & Latin America

Padel is a doubles racket sport played in an enclosed court with walls, similar to a mix of tennis and squash.

Paddle History:

Paddle was created in 1969 in Mexico and quickly became a hit in Spain and Argentina. It blends tennis and squash, using enclosed walls and a smaller court.

Why Padel is Growing Fast:

Players want lightweight activewear designed for agility.
Fast-paced and social, appealing to younger demographics.
Influencer-driven growth is boosting global search traffic for padel fashion.

3. Golf – A Modern Resurgence with New Formats

Golf participation is rising due to more accessible formats like par-3 courses, indoor simulators, and tech-enhanced training.

Golf History:

Originating in 15th-century Scotland, golf has been a global sport for centuries. While traditional golf remains strong, modern adaptations like Topgolf, simulator golf, and short courses are attracting new audiences.

Why Golf is Growing Fast:

In the U.S., modern formats like Topgolf and simulator lounges have attracted Gen Z and Millennials.
Asia-Pacific (Japan, Korea, China) has seen renewed youth interest through short-form golf and fashion-driven brands.
Relaxed dress codes worldwide are fueling demand for athleisure-inspired golf apparel.

Erthe offers golf clothing for performance and lifestyle, aligning with the new wave of players.

4. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – The Ultimate Combat Sport

Women’s golf is growing faster than men’s participation, driven by fashion, social play, and new beginner-friendly programs.

MMA History:

Modern MMA took off in the 1990s with the rise of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). Initially seen as a brutal sport, it has evolved into a highly regulated and respected global competition.

Why MMA is Growing Fast:

Increasing international fan base and diverse fighters from multiple countries.
Highly marketable events and major media deals.
Youth participation is rising with specialized MMA gyms and training centers.

5. Trail Running & Ultra Running – Endurance Meets Adventure

Trail Running History:

Trail running has existed for centuries, with Indigenous cultures using trails for survival. Ultra-running (races beyond 26.2 miles) became mainstream in the 20th century.

Why Trail Running is Growing Fast:

More people are seeking outdoor fitness and adventure experiences.
Social media exposure of extreme races and personal endurance challenges.
Advances in footwear, hydration, and recovery technology make long-distance running more accessible.

6. E-Sports – Competitive Gaming as a Global Phenomenon

E-Sports History:

Video game competitions date back to the 1970s, but professional E-Sports exploded in the 2000s with games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Call of Duty.

Why E-Sports is Growing Fast:

Multi-million-dollar tournaments and sponsorship deals.
Streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming fuel engagement.
College programs and scholarships for E-Sports athletes.

7. Climbing – From Outdoor Adventure to Olympic Sport

Climbing History:

Rock climbing has been a recreational activity for centuries, but sport climbing gained international recognition in the late 20th century and made its Olympic debut in 2021.

Why Climbing is Growing Fast:

Indoor climbing gyms make the sport more accessible.
Inclusion in the Olympics has increased mainstream interest.
Advances in safety gear and training methods attract new climbers.

8. Cricket (T20 & Franchise Leagues) – The Shorter, Faster Version

Cricket History:

Cricket has been played for centuries, but the introduction of T20 (Twenty20 cricket) in 2003 transformed the game into a faster, more exciting format.

Why Cricket is Growing Fast:

T20 matches are shorter and more entertaining for modern audiences.
Indian Premier League (IPL) and other franchise leagues generate global interest.
Expansion of cricket in the U.S. and Middle Eastern markets.

9. Surfing – From Counterculture to Mainstream Sport

Surfing History:

Surfing originated in Polynesia and was popularized in Hawaii before spreading globally. It has long been a counterculture sport, but its Olympic debut in 2021 brought it into the mainstream.

Why Surfing is Growing Fast:

More artificial wave pools are making surfing accessible to non-coastal regions.
The rise of eco-friendly surf brands and sustainability initiatives.
Competitive leagues and major sponsorship deals.

10. 3x3 Basketball – A Faster, More Intense Version of Basketball

3x3 Basketball History:

3x3 basketball has been played informally for decades but was formalized by FIBA (International Basketball Federation) in 2007 and made its Olympic debut in 2021.

Why 3x3 Basketball is Growing Fast:

Faster-paced and more accessible than traditional 5-on-5 basketball.
Requires fewer players, making it easier for casual participation.
Professional leagues and international tournaments are expanding.

Conclusion: The Future of Emerging Sports

Sports are evolving as people seek faster, more accessible, and socially engaging activities. Whether through technology, new formats, or urban-friendly adaptations, these 10 fastest-growing sports are reshaping the global sports industry.

From pickleball to surfing, the fastest-growing sports of 2025 are not just games—they’re lifestyle movements. Each sport is creating new demand for apparel, gear, and fashion-forward performance wear.

As professional leagues expand, media coverage increases, and participation levels grow, these sports are expected to continue thriving in the coming years. Whether you’re a casual participant or an aspiring athlete, now is the perfect time to explore these rising sports and find the one that suits your passion and lifestyle.

Erthe positions itself at this intersection of emerging sports and modern fashion, curating outfits that blend performance, comfort, and style for athletes and everyday players alike.