Pickleball Kingdom

For the prospective investor navigating the rapidly expanding recreational sports sector, the challenge often lies in identifying a franchise opportunity that not only addresses a clear market demand but also offers a structured path to capitalize on sustained growth, mitigating the inherent risks of capital deployment and brand selection. Pickleball Kingdom, founded in January 2021 by Ace Rodrigues, who also serves as its Founder and CEO, has strategically positioned itself to solve the persistent problem of limited, weather-dependent outdoor play by providing year-round access to premium indoor pickleball courts, transforming from a single facility concept into a large-scale franchise operation. The initial Pickleball Kingdom club opened its doors on May 2, 2022, in Chandler, Arizona, with the company's headquarters now established in Gilbert, Arizona, marking its foundational commitment to the sport's burgeoning indoor infrastructure. While the company officially began franchising in 2023, current operational data indicates 6 franchised units are actively serving customers, all contributing to a robust network that has earned a strong FPI Score of 67, signaling a compelling opportunity for franchise investors. This rapid expansion is underpinned by an aggressive development pipeline, with Pickleball Kingdom already boasting over 350 awarded franchises and more than 5,250 courts across the nation as of September 2025, positioning itself as the world's largest indoor pickleball franchise network based on awarded agreements, despite the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) indicating 3 franchised locations in the USA with a growth from 0 in 2021 to 3 in 2024. The global pickleball market, valued at approximately $1.5 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $4.4 billion by 2033 with an 11.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), while another robust estimate places the market at $91.54 billion in 2024, surging to an estimated $380.11 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of roughly 15.30% between 2025 and 2034, underscoring the immense total addressable market and why this brand matters significantly to discerning franchise investors seeking a dominant position in a high-growth category.

The global pickleball market, as a whole, presents an extraordinary investment landscape, with projections indicating a valuation of approximately $91.54 billion in 2024 and an anticipated ascent to around $380.11 billion by 2034, driven by a compelling compound annual growth rate of roughly 15.30% between 2025 and 2034. This significant market expansion is further supported by a more conservative estimate that places the global market size at $1.5 billion in 2023, with a forecast to reach $4.4 billion by 2033, reflecting an 11.3% CAGR, showcasing a robust and accelerating industry. Key consumer trends fueling this demand include a heightened focus on health and wellness, the increasing desire for accessible and engaging recreational activities, and the social appeal of a sport that caters to a wide range of ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. Secular tailwinds benefiting a concept like Pickleball Kingdom are numerous, encompassing the growing preference for indoor, climate-controlled environments for sports and recreation, the community-building aspect inherent in pickleball clubs, and the limitations of outdoor play such as weather dependency and court availability. This industry category attracts substantial franchise investment due to its strong underlying growth fundamentals, the relatively nascent stage of organized indoor facilities, and the opportunity to establish market leadership in a fragmented but consolidating sector. Macro forces, including an aging demographic seeking low-impact exercise, the continued prioritization of active lifestyles, and the inherent social dynamics of pickleball, collectively create a significant opportunity for well-structured franchise models to thrive.

Investing in a Pickleball Kingdom franchise requires a comprehensive understanding of the financial commitments involved, beginning with an initial franchise fee of $60,000, which positions it as a premium entry point within the recreational sports franchise category. The total initial investment range, a critical consideration for any prospective franchisee, presents several reported figures, reflecting the variability inherent in large-scale facility development. The core investment, as detailed in our database, ranges from $656,000 to $2.01 million, covering the extensive costs associated with establishing a state-of-the-art indoor pickleball facility. Additional sources, including various FDDs, indicate slightly different ranges, such as $867,000 to $2,238,000, $940,000 to $2,257,600, and even a premium fitness franchise opportunity range of $1,532,000 to $3,252,600, with these spreads primarily driven by factors such as facility size, regional construction costs, and whether the property is leased or purchased. Leasehold improvements and court build-out are consistently identified as the largest individual expenses within this investment, underscoring the capital-intensive nature of creating a high-quality indoor sports venue. Specific expenditure types include lease and utilities security deposits ranging from $33,000 to $120,000, initial three months' rent from $90,000 to $195,000, and significant leasehold improvements costing $350,000 to $1,000,000. Further costs encompass architect, design, and construction planning fees of $20,000 to $45,000, flooring expenses between $50,000 and $70,000, signage from $20,000 to $60,000, and furniture and fixtures at $15,000 to $25,000. Equipment costs range from $25,000 to $140,000, while computer hardware and software for POS and CRM/back-office systems are estimated at $6,000 to $10,000. Business licenses and permits, which may include a liquor license, can range from $5,500 to $82,500, with professional services adding $5,000 to $15,000, initial inventory and supplies from $12,000 to $25,000, and insurance at $3,000 to $5,000. Initial training costs for franchisees are a modest $2,500, representing a small fraction of the overall investment. The working capital component, crucial for initial operations, is estimated at $160,000 to $348,000. Ongoing fees include a royalty rate of 7.00% of monthly gross sales and an advertising (National Brand Fund) fee of 2% of monthly sales plus $1,000 per month, also stated as a flat 2.0%, reflecting a commitment to brand development and marketing. While no specific parent company is identified, Pickleball X operates as an area development partner, collaborating to drive expansion, with Rob Streett serving as President and Chief Global Officer of Pickleball Kingdom and Sheehan Lake as President of Pickleball X. These figures collectively position Pickleball Kingdom as a premium franchise investment opportunity within the fitness and recreational sports centers category.

The operating model for a Pickleball Kingdom franchise is designed to be comprehensive and "high-revenue, labor-light," focusing on delivering a full-service experience within state-of-the-art indoor facilities. Daily operations for a franchisee involve managing a dynamic center that offers professional coaching services and clinics, catering to players across all skill levels, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts. The clubs are structured to provide youth programs, fostering the next generation of players, alongside organized leagues and competitive tournaments that engage the local pickleball community. Furthermore, these versatile event spaces are utilized for community gatherings and corporate events, diversifying revenue streams beyond court rentals. Facilities typically house a substantial number of courts, ranging from 9.5 to 17, with notable locations such as Menomonee Falls, WI, featuring 17 courts and Hamilton, NJ, boasting 14 courts, demonstrating the brand's commitment to scale and capacity. These spacious facilities themselves range from 25,000 to 42,300 square feet, providing ample room for multiple courts and ancillary services. Each Pickleball Kingdom location features professional-grade equipment and specially engineered court surfaces, meticulously designed to replicate optimal outdoor playing conditions while offering the benefits of an indoor environment. Some facilities also enhance the member experience by including beer and wine service, adding another layer of amenity. Initial training for franchisees is estimated at $2,500, covering the foundational knowledge required to launch and operate a successful club. Beyond this initial phase, franchisees receive comprehensive support from Pickleball Kingdom Franchising, encompassing expert operational guidance, essential tools, and continuous assistance across all aspects of franchise development, ensuring a robust support structure. While specific territory exclusivity details are not provided, the multi-location deals, such as the plan for over 36 new premier indoor pickleball facilities in Illinois, suggest a strategy that encourages and supports multi-unit ownership and area development, indicating an expectation for operators to manage multiple locations within defined regions.

Item 19 financial performance data is not disclosed in the current Franchise Disclosure Document for Pickleball Kingdom, which is a common characteristic for many younger franchise systems in emerging industries. Despite the absence of specific FDD-reported unit economics, various publicly available data points and industry benchmarks offer insights into the potential financial performance of a Pickleball Kingdom franchise. The brand claims to offer franchisees the highest industry average unit volume (AUV) per location, with an average unit volume of $1,678,000 in revenue per year. Further information from the 2023 FDD indicated that revenue increased to approximately $1.7 million in the second year of operation for its units, signaling strong initial traction and growth. While these figures represent revenue and not profit, they suggest a robust top-line performance that is competitive within the fitness and recreational sports category. Regarding profit margins, most pickleball franchises are relatively new and typically do not disclose detailed financial performance in their FDDs. One source mentions that PKL, an entertainment-focused concept potentially related to the broader pickleball industry, generated nearly four times more revenue than court-focused concepts, achieving an EBITDA margin of 11%, though it is not explicitly stated if "PKL" refers directly to Pickleball Kingdom. It is important for investors to consider that large facilities, such as those operated by Pickleball Kingdom, come with substantial fixed costs including rent, debt service, payroll, utilities, insurance, and ongoing maintenance, meaning that high revenue figures do not directly equate to profit without a detailed understanding of the operational expense structure. However, the reported average revenue per unit of $1,678,000, combined with the "high-revenue, labor-light" business model, suggests a favorable operating leverage for franchisees who can effectively manage these fixed costs and drive membership and event utilization. The rapid growth trajectory, with over 350 awarded franchises and ambitious expansion plans, implicitly indicates strong franchisee confidence in the underlying unit-level performance and potential for return on investment, even in the absence of formal Item 19 disclosures.

Pickleball Kingdom has demonstrated an exceptionally rapid growth trajectory since its founding, with its franchising efforts commencing in 2023. While the current operational data indicates 6 franchised units are actively serving customers, the company has awarded over 350 franchises and developed more than 5,250 courts across the nation as of September 2025, positioning it as the world's largest indoor pickleball franchise network based on awarded agreements. This significant pipeline is further evidenced by over 120 signed agreements for franchisees nationwide in January 2024, reflecting an aggressive expansion strategy. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) specifically notes the growth of franchised Pickleball Kingdom locations in the USA from 0 in 2021 to 3 in 2024, indicating a foundational phase of opening units that is now accelerating into a broader rollout. The company has ambitious plans to open over 50 new indoor facilities by the end of 2025, showcasing a substantial net new unit growth. Recent expansion efforts include a multi-location deal for over 36 new premier indoor pickleball facilities planned for Illinois, and more than 20 clubs in development across Georgia, targeting major cities like Atlanta, Athens, Marietta, and Alpharetta. The brand is also actively seeking franchise partners for expansion into North Carolina, and has made strategic moves into Wisconsin, Tennessee, New Jersey, Washington, and South Carolina. Specific openings are scheduled, with nine new clubs projected by the end of 2025 in locations such as Tinton Falls, NJ; Lehigh Valley, PA; Pinellas Park, FL; Little Rock, AR; Manchester, CT; Holyoke, MA; Sun Prairie, WI; South Cobb, GA; and Waukegan, IL. An additional five clubs are slated to open in January 2026 in Watchung, NJ; Ocala, FL; College Station, TX; North Aurora, IL; and Walker, LA, demonstrating a clear, forward-looking development plan. The competitive moat for Pickleball Kingdom is built upon its commitment to year-round indoor access, premium court facilities, and a comprehensive service offering that includes professional coaching, leagues, tournaments, and versatile event spaces. This large-scale franchise operation is designed to capitalize on brand recognition as it consolidates market share, with plans for international expansion, particularly into India, in 2026. The brand is adapting to current market conditions by directly addressing the limitations of outdoor play, offering a consistent, high-quality experience, and leveraging its "high-revenue, labor-light" business model to optimize operational efficiency within its spacious 25,000 to 42,300 square feet facilities.

The ideal Pickleball Kingdom franchisee is an individual or group with strong business acumen and management experience, capable of overseeing a substantial premium fitness franchise investment. While specific industry knowledge is beneficial, the comprehensive support and training provided by Pickleball Kingdom Franchising aim to equip diverse candidates for success. The company's strategy clearly favors and actively seeks multi-unit operators, as evidenced by multi-location deals such as the plan for over 36 new premier indoor pickleball facilities in Illinois, indicating that a significant portion of its growth will come from franchisees developing multiple clubs within a defined area. Available territories are extensive and strategically focused on high-growth markets across the United States, including major expansion efforts in Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Tennessee, New Jersey, Washington, and South Carolina. The brand has specific plans for nine new clubs to open by the end of 2025 in diverse locations such as Tinton Falls, NJ; Lehigh Valley, PA; Pinellas Park, FL; Little Rock, AR; Manchester, CT; Holyoke, MA; Sun Prairie, WI; South Cobb, GA; and Waukegan, IL. Further expansion includes five clubs slated for January 2026 openings in Watchung, NJ; Ocala, FL; College Station, TX; North Aurora, IL; and Walker, LA, indicating a nationwide focus on prime markets. While the exact timeline from signing a franchise agreement to opening a facility is not explicitly stated, the aggressive development schedule of over 50 new indoor facilities projected by the end of 2025 suggests a streamlined process designed for efficient and rapid market penetration.

For investors seeking to capitalize on one of the fastest-growing sports industries, a Pickleball Kingdom franchise represents a compelling opportunity, distinguished by its robust FPI Score of 67, indicating a strong franchise system. The brand effectively addresses a clear consumer problem by offering premium, year-round indoor pickleball access, a critical differentiator in a market historically limited by outdoor play. With a global pickleball market projected to reach approximately $380.11 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of roughly 15.30%, Pickleball Kingdom is strategically positioned to capture significant market share through its aggressive expansion and leadership in the indoor segment. The reported average unit volume of $1,678,000 in revenue per year, coupled with a "high-revenue, labor-light" operating model, suggests a favorable path to profitability for well-capitalized and operationally focused franchisees. PeerSense provides exclusive due diligence data including SBA lending history, FPI score, location maps with Google ratings, FDD financial data, and side-by-side comparison tools, offering an unparalleled depth of independent franchise intelligence. Explore the complete Pickleball Kingdom franchise profile on PeerSense to access the full suite of independent franchise intelligence data.