In recent years, a notable shift has emerged in the fitness industry, challenging the long-standing tradition of pick-up basketball games in commercial gyms. Basketball enthusiasts nationwide are witnessing a concerning trend as more gyms opt to replace their courts with more profitable ventures.
Historically, basketball courts in local recreation centers and high school gyms served as a hub for community engagement and physical activity. However, commercial gyms are increasingly questioning the value of maintaining these spaces. The trend of closing basketball courts in favor of other amenities, such as pickleball courts and additional workout areas, is gaining traction.
Reports from gym-goers across states like New Jersey and Washington indicate that popular fitness chains, including LA Fitness and EōS Fitness, are eliminating their basketball facilities. This trend has also reached Arizona, where EōS Fitness, a prominent gym chain with over 40 locations around Phoenix, recently announced the closure of its basketball courts. The decision seeks to capitalize on the gym’s expansive weightlifting clientele.
For many members like Prince Mwape, who frequented EōS primarily for basketball, this change is disappointing. Mwape expressed his intent to switch to LA Fitness, citing their convenience and comprehensive gym experience. “I’m most likely not going to keep my membership,” he noted.
The strategic move by EōS Fitness is part of a broader effort to attract a younger demographic, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, who now make up the majority of gym-goers. With membership rates starting at $9.99 per month, EōS aims to transform its former courts into spaces optimized for social media engagement, offering unique lighting and equipment to encourage workout recordings.
The post-pandemic surge in fitness consciousness has seen a record number of individuals joining gyms. According to ABC Fitness reports, Gen Z alone accounted for 29% of new memberships in early 2024. This evolving landscape is prompting gyms to innovate and cater to the preferences of these new members.
In Glendale, Amped Fitness exemplifies this transition by replacing an LA Fitness location, previously a basketball hotspot, with a Pilates and yoga room. Amped Fitness has largely avoided basketball courts, maintaining only one nationwide, as it focuses on alternative fitness offerings.
Basketball court closures reflect a broader national trend where gyms pivot towards popular sports like pickleball. The sport’s rapid growth is evidenced by a 22.8% increase in participation, reaching 24.3 million players in 2025.
Aside from potential revenue gains, the decision to remove basketball courts stems from maintenance costs and the occasional on-court disputes. Despite these challenges, some gyms, like VASA Fitness, continue to support basketball facilities, experiencing increased check-ins and memberships by offering full-court options.
John McGowan, who once played at commercial gyms, now finds himself gravitating towards private gyms or adult leagues due to the dwindling availability of basketball courts. “If they have a court, it motivates me to keep showing up,” he shared.
As EōS and Amped Fitness expand their presence in Arizona, many hope that future locations will reintegrate basketball courts. Meanwhile, VASA and LA Fitness reassure patrons that their courts will remain open, providing a sanctuary for local basketball enthusiasts.
This article first appeared on Cronkite News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
—
Read More Arizona News
