Squash has a nearly 200-year history and a modern relevance that is easy to miss if you only judge by mainstream headlines. In the U.S., the sport has deep institutional roots, a growing pipeline of junior and collegiate players, and a premium positioning that makes it strategically valuable for many club models.

At the same time, search behavior tells a clear story: people are asking whether squash is still popular, why it is not more visible in certain markets, and how it compares to newer growth sports such as padel. This article answers those questions with a practical lens for operators and decision-makers.

“Popularity is not only measured by visibility. In club markets, it is measured by retention, programming, and who comes back week after week.”

A Quick History of Squash

Squash traces its roots to 1830s England, evolving from earlier “rackets” games into a distinct sport defined by pace, precision, and an unmatched fitness profile. The first squash court in the United States was built in 1884 at St. Paul’s School (Concord, New Hampshire), and the sport’s U.S. foundation strengthened with the formation of the United States Squash Racquets Association in 1904 (now known as U.S. Squash).

Is Squash Still Popular Today?

Yes, but in a way that looks different from mass-participation sports. Squash popularity tends to show up through engaged, frequent play and strong community dynamics, especially in urban markets and institution-led ecosystems (schools and universities).

Operator takeaway: Squash does not need mass adoption to be commercially meaningful. In the right club model, it needs consistent programming and a retention engine.

Why Is Squash “Not Popular” in Some Markets?

When people ask “why is squash not popular,” they are often reacting to visibility rather than real participation. The constraints are typically structural, not about the sport itself.

Reframe for decision-makers: squash grows fastest when it is treated as a program, not just a court. The “product” is leagues, coaching, junior development, and community.

Squash Popularity by Country: Why Some Markets Lead

Squash has surged in different regions for different reasons. In some countries, the sport benefits from cultural adoption and elite performance cycles; in others, it grows through educational institutions and modern facilities.

Operator lens: the strongest U.S. growth tends to happen where squash can plug into a pipeline (schools, universities, junior programs) and a premium club offering.

Padel vs Squash: Different Roles, One Ecosystem

The “padel vs squash” conversation is often framed as competition. In practice, many operators are building a racquet ecosystem where each sport plays a different role in acquisition, retention, and revenue.

From an operational standpoint, padel also introduces a different set of equipment, court accessories, and maintenance considerations. Clubs evaluating padel alongside squash often review available padel equipment options early in the planning process to align programming, coaching, and brand partnerships.

For a broader market view, read The Explosive Growth of Padel in the U.S and connect the dots across club, investor, and brand strategies.

Operator Playbook: How Clubs Can Win With Squash

For clubs and facilities, squash can be a high-value asset when it is supported by intentional programming. The biggest unlock is treating squash as a system of experiences rather than a static amenity.

Investor lens: the strongest squash facilities are not “court rentals.” They are programming-led businesses with predictable utilization and community stickiness.

Where These Trends Connect at RacquetX

Squash’s growth story does not exist in isolation. It sits inside a broader shift toward multi-sport facilities, experience-led programming, and smarter club economics. RacquetX brings operators, coaches, brands, and investors together across squash, padel, pickleball, tennis, and more to compare models and identify what is working in the U.S. market.

Explore the Industry at RacquetX

Follow the trends shaping squash, padel, pickleball, tennis, and the future of modern clubs at RacquetX, where the racquet sports industry connects across disciplines.