The Picklr is expanding to Japan with 20 new pickleball clubs, targeting aggressive growth.

From CNBC: 2025-05-22 09:57:00

The world’s largest pickleball franchise, The Picklr, is expanding to Japan with 20 new locations set to open over the next five years through a partnership with Nippon Pickleball Holdings. CEO Jorge Barragan is pursuing aggressive growth as the sport has seen a 223% increase in participation, making it the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. There are currently over 20 million pickleball players in the U.S. alone, according to the SFIA. The Picklr currently operates 40 locations in the U.S. and Canada, with plans to double that number by the end of the year. The company has sold over 500 franchises in the U.S., Canada, and Japan that are set to open in the next 5 years. The clubs offer court reservations, clinics, leagues, tournaments, and private events, with a membership model averaging 500-700 members per club. The first Japanese Picklr facility will open in the Tokyo metro area, with more locations to follow throughout the country. CEO Jorge Barragan sees Japan as a launching pad for the broader Asia market, with continued interest in pickleball internationally. The professional pickleball leagues are also expanding internationally, with plans for events in Australia, India, Canada, Asia, and Europe.



Read more at CNBC: Picklr to open 20 pickleball clubs in Japan