Pickleball Is Breaking Into Franchising as The Sport’s Popularity Continues to Skyrocket

About two years ago, pickleball started cropping into mainstream media before exploding in 2023. It has become America’s fastest-growing sport with 36.5 million adults reporting to have played at least once in 2022, and 45% of those stating they plan to play more often in the future. 

What makes the sport so popular? For newcomers, it has few complex rules and minimal equipment is required. All you need is some basic knowledge of ping pong or tennis, a paddle, and a ball. It is also accessible to a wide range of ages. Although fitness helps, skill takes the cake. 

Entrepreneurs were quick to notice the trend, with athletes like Lebron James and Tom Brady investing in the sport, drawing even more attention to it. The franchising world has not missed a beat with this trend either, catering to the booming demand for pickleball facilities and supplies.

As the courts are specific to the sport, pickleball franchises have started spreading across the country to give pickleballers the space they need to play, with some providing additional entertainment measures right alongside the courts.

Whether you are a pickleball connoisseur, a rookie looking for a new sport or an entrepreneur looking for an investment in a booming industry, here are some pickleball franchises that you should be aware of. 

Pickleball Franchises That Should Be On Your Radar

Dill Dinkers

Initial Investment: $328,961 to $765,046 

Dill Dinkers has five facilities along the east coast, offering a total of 50 indoor courts. The indoor courts include fences and outdoor surfaces, event space, and a ball machine. Members and visitors are able to make reservations and take advantage of clinics, private- and semi-private lessons, or league play. The facilities are also available as rentals for private events. 

Pickleball Kingdom

Initial Investment:  $967,000 to $2,089,600

Pickleball Kingdom has one corporate location in Arizona currently but is set to open at least 12 more locations across the U.S. soon. It offers a variety of membership options, depending on the time of day you like to play and how serious you are about your pickleball skills. The brand also offers members a free “Pickleball 101” class where they can bring one guest and learn everything they need to know to play the sport. Current and former police, firefighters, and military members receive a 10% discount. 

The Picklr

Initial Investment: $319,600 to $885,500

The Picklr has seven corporate facilities in operation, with six in Utah and one in Colorado. The brand offers youth programs and adult programs, along with parties and event packages. Members can enjoy unlimited play, along with guest passes for non-members. Since launching its franchise offer in 2023, the brand has signed 110 agreements for additional franchised units.

Ace Pickleball Club

With the first location being built in Roswell, Georgia, Ace Pickleball Club is solely focused on pickleball. There will not be bar space and freshly made food offerings like many of the other eatertainment pickleball brands, but there will be plenty of pickleball courts. The expected cost of this first facility is estimated to be about $1.2 million. 

This first location will be 36K square feet with 14 indoor regulation size courts. The facility will include impressive modern technology, with each court allowing members to livestream and instantly replay the action on their court. Memberships will cost between $89-$129, and members will scan a QR code on their court to automatically record matches. 

There is minimal information available about franchising opportunities at this point. But given the founding team’s success in franchising with previous ventures, it’s bound to be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs. Namely, co-founders Jay Diederich and Joe Sexton are known for having a hand in the success of indoor trampoline park franchise Sky Zone.

Smash Park and Chicken N Pickle are two other notable pickleball concept chains, although Chicken N Pickle offers partnerships rather than franchise opportunities. Both brands fall into the “eatertainment” category, offering food and alcoholic beverages, much like Top Golf. Additional games and activities are offered at these facilities, including corn hole, ax throwing and other yard games. 

Pickleball Is Ace For Franchising

As a franchise concept, pickleball holds a lot of promise. Given the current industry trends with the sport continually increasing in popularity across a range of demographics, the demand for courts to play on is high. Franchisees can also look forward to contributing something positive to their communities by giving players the ability to play indoor year-round, increasing community fitness, and growing a community around a shared interest through league play and events.