Pickleball franchise cost & opportunities in 2025

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Pickleball is blowing up, and if you haven’t noticed, where have you been? This once little-known backyard game has turned into a full-blown sports phenomenon, with players of all ages hitting the courts in record numbers. 

Whether it’s retirees looking for a social (but competitive) game, former tennis players making the switch, or people jumping in for fun, everyone seems to be obsessed. And with the sport’s rapid growth, businesses are racing to keep up—meaning pickleball franchises are becoming one of the hottest investments of 2025.

Now, imagine turning your love for the game into a thriving business. Picture owning a pickleball club packed with excited players, hosting tournaments, and being the go-to spot for lessons, open play, and even post-game socializing. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s totally possible—if you know where to start. 

The pickleball industry is booming, but like any business, success isn’t just about setting up a few nets and hoping for the best. You need the right franchise, a solid business plan, and, of course, the budget to make it happen.

So, how much does it actually cost to own a pickleball franchise? What are the best franchise opportunities out there? And more importantly—is this the right move for you? 

In this article, we’re diving into everything you need to know about pickleball franchise costs and opportunities in 2025. If you’ve ever dreamed of getting in on the action, now’s the time to make your move!

The pickleball growth

Pickleball isn’t just another passing trend—it’s a full-blown movement. Over the past few years, the sport has skyrocketed in popularity, attracting players from all walks of life. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in America for three consecutive years, with millions of new players joining the game annually. What’s fueling this explosion? 

A mix of accessibility, social appeal, and pure fun. The game is easy to learn, making it perfect for beginners, yet strategic enough to keep competitive players engaged. Plus, it doesn’t require a massive investment in equipment—just a paddle, a ball, and a court.

One of the biggest reasons for pickleball’s growth is its cross-generational appeal. Unlike some sports that cater mainly to younger athletes, pickleball is welcoming to everyone. Retirees love it because it’s low-impact on the joints but still provides a great workout. 

Former tennis and racquetball players enjoy the fast-paced nature of the game without the physical toll of their previous sports. And younger generations? They’re catching on fast, drawn to the sport’s social nature and the rise of competitive leagues, pro tournaments, and even college-level play.

The business side of pickleball is expanding just as fast. More cities are converting old tennis courts into pickleball courts, while gyms and sports complexes are adding dedicated pickleball spaces to keep up with demand. Major brands and investors are also getting involved, fueling the growth of dedicated pickleball clubs, training centers, and franchises. 

With the market still relatively young, the opportunity to get in early and build a successful business is huge. As more players look for places to play, train, and compete, pickleball franchises are in a prime position to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

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Choices for the best pickleball franchise

1. Pickleball Kingdom

✅ Well-established and fast-growing

✅ 100+ locations already awarded

✅ Full indoor facilities with courts, pro shops, and snack bars

If you want a trusted brand with a proven track record, Pickleball Kingdom is a great choice. They focus on indoor pickleball facilities, creating a fun, community-focused experience for players of all levels. Their franchise model is easy to follow, and they offer full support to help you succeed.

2. PickleRage

✅ Aiming for 500+ locations in 5 years

✅ State-of-the-art courts for all skill levels

✅ Strong business support in marketing & operations

Want to be part of something huge? PickleRage is going all in on the pickleball boom, with big plans for expansion. They’re focused on creating high-quality facilities and offer hands-on franchise support, making it easier to run even if you don’t have business experience.

3. The Picklr

✅ 300+ locations in development

✅ Partnered with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA)

✅ Modern technology and branding to attract players

If you like the idea of a trendy, well-branded business, The Picklr could be your best bet. They use advanced tech, smart marketing, and pro-league partnerships to make pickleball even more exciting. They also own a Major League Pickleball team, so they’re deeply connected to the sport.

4. Ace Pickleball Club

✅ Backed by business pros who built Sky Zone Trampoline Parks

✅ Turn-key operations with full franchisee support

✅ Built for long-term growth

If you’re looking for a well-structured franchise with a strong business model, Ace Pickleball Club is a smart, safe investment. Their team has years of experience building successful franchises, and they make sure their franchisees have all the tools they need to succeed.

5. The Pickle Pad

✅ Pickleball + food + social games

✅ Designed for casual players & social groups

✅ Perfect for hospitality-focused investors

Love the idea of a pickleball club with a fun, social atmosphere? The Pickle Pad combines pickleball with a full-service restaurant and bar, making it a great hangout spot for both players and non-players. If you want a business that blends sports, food, and entertainment, this could be the one for you.

6. Dill Dinkers

✅ Focused on local pickleball communities

✅ Over 260 locations in development

✅ Great support for franchise owners

If you want to build a welcoming, family-friendly pickleball facility, Dill Dinkers is the way to go. Their franchise model is simple and supportive, making it easy to start and manage. They focus on creating strong local pickleball communities, so if you love the sport and want to bring people together, this could be your best choice.

Pickleball is exploding in popularity, and these franchises give you a great opportunity to get in early. If you’re serious about owning a fun, profitable business, now is the time to make your move! 

Pickleball franchise cost

So, how much does it actually cost to own a pickleball franchise? Well, like any business, it depends on the brand, location, and facility size. While some franchises offer smaller, community-driven spaces, others require large-scale indoor facilities with multiple courts, pro shops, and social areas. Let’s break down the key costs you should expect when investing in a pickleball franchise.

1. Initial franchise fee

Every franchise requires an initial franchise fee, which gives you the rights to use the brand name, business model, and operational support. This fee varies depending on the franchise, but for most pickleball franchises, you’re looking at anywhere from $40,000 to $80,000. Some high-profile franchises with extensive support and branding might charge $100,000 or more.

2. Total investment range

The total cost to launch a pickleball franchise depends on facility size, construction, and equipment costs. Some franchises require large warehouse-style spaces with high-end flooring, lighting, and fencing. Others may operate with smaller club-style layouts.

Here’s what to expect for total investment:

• Smaller indoor clubs: $500,000 – $1 million
• Mid-sized facilities: $1 million – $2.5 million
• Large-scale clubs (multiple courts, food & entertainment): $3 million – $6 million+

3. Ongoing costs (royalties & fees)

Once your pickleball club is up and running, you’ll need to pay ongoing fees to the franchisor. This usually includes:

• Royalties: A percentage of revenue, typically 5% – 8%
• Marketing Fees: Many franchises require 2% – 5% of sales to be reinvested into national or regional marketing campaigns
• Operational Costs: These include rent, employee salaries, insurance, and court maintenance

4. Real estate & construction costs

One of the biggest expenses in opening a pickleball franchise is finding the right location and building out the facility. Some franchises help with real estate selection, while others require you to handle it yourself.

Key costs include:

• Rent or land purchase
• Court construction (indoor vs. outdoor, flooring, fencing, net systems)
• Locker rooms, seating areas, lighting
• Food & beverage areas (if included in the franchise model)

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Key success factors for the top Pickleball franchises

Opening a pickleball franchise is an exciting opportunity, but success isn’t guaranteed just because the sport is booming. The top pickleball franchises thrive because they understand what players want, build strong business foundations, and create unforgettable experiences. If you’re considering investing in a pickleball franchise, these are the key factors that can make or break your business.

1. Prime location & real estate strategy

The saying "location, location, location" definitely applies to pickleball franchises. The best-performing franchises are in high-traffic areas with easy access and a strong demand for recreational activities. Ideal locations include:

• Suburban communities with active adult populations
• Urban hubs where young professionals are looking for social activities
• Shopping centers, gyms, and sports complexes where foot traffic is high.

2. Facility design & player experience

Players don’t just want a place to play—they want an awesome experience. A successful franchise goes beyond basic courts and offers features like:

• Professional-grade courts with proper flooring, fencing, and lighting
• Comfortable lounge areas for socializing between games
• High-tech booking systems for seamless reservations

Integrate court booking software like Rezerv will allows players to reserve courts, join leagues, and pay online. This streamlines operations while making it easier for players to secure court time without hassle.

3. Multiple revenue streams

A smart franchise doesn’t just rely on court fees. The most profitable pickleball franchises diversify their income by offering:

✅ Memberships – Monthly plans for frequent players

✅ Leagues & Tournaments – Competitive and social play options

✅ Private Lessons & Clinics – Extra revenue from coaching programs

✅ Pro Shops – Selling paddles, apparel, and accessories

✅ Food & Beverage – Some franchises, like The Pickle Pad, even include a restaurant and bar

4. Community engagement & player loyalty

Pickleball isn’t just a sport—it’s a community. The best franchises build loyal player bases by hosting:

✅ Social events – Pickleball happy hours, meetups, and club nights

✅ Tournaments – Local competitions that attract repeat players

✅ Beginner programs – Welcoming new players keeps business growing

5. Strong franchise support & business systems

A well-supported franchise is a successful franchise. The best pickleball franchises provide:

✅ Comprehensive training for owners & staff

✅ Marketing support to attract players

✅ Technology & software to streamline operations

Brands like Ace Pickleball Club and PickleRage offer turn-key franchise models, meaning new owners get full guidance from site selection to grand opening. Software solutions like Rezerv make daily operations simpler and more efficient, reducing admin work and improving the customer experience.

FAQs

1. Do I need prior experience in pickleball or business to open a franchise?

No! Most pickleball franchises offer comprehensive training and business support. If you have strong management skills and a passion for the sport, you can succeed even without prior experience.

2. How much money can I make from a pickleball franchise?

Your potential earnings depend on several factors, including location, membership sales, tournaments, coaching programs, and pro shop revenue. The best pickleball franchises generate income from multiple streams, such as:

✅ Memberships & court rentals

✅ Lessons, clinics, & tournaments

✅ Pro shop sales (paddles, apparel, accessories)

✅ Food & beverage (if applicable)

A well-run franchise can generate six to seven figures annually, but profitability varies based on operational efficiency and community demand.

3. How long does it take to open a pickleball franchise?

The timeline depends on:

• Site selection & lease agreements
• Construction & facility setup
• Staff hiring & training
• Marketing & pre-launch promotions
• Most franchises take 6–12 months from signing the agreement to opening day. 

4. What are the biggest challenges of owning a pickleball franchise?

While pickleball is booming, there are challenges to consider:

• Real estate costs – Finding the right location at a reasonable price can be tough.
• Player retention – You need strong community engagement to keep members coming back.
• Competition – As pickleball grows, more businesses are entering the market.
• Operational costs – Staffing, maintenance, and utilities can add up.

5. What software can help me run my pickleball franchise smoothly?

You can consider using court booking and management software like Rezerv to:

📅 Handle court reservations & memberships

💳 Process payments for lessons and events

📊 Track customer data & analytics for better decision-making

6. Is now a good time to invest in a pickleball franchise?

Absolutely! Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., and the demand for courts is skyrocketing. Many cities don’t have enough facilities to meet player demand, making this the perfect time to invest. As the sport continues to grow, early franchise owners are positioned for long-term success.

7. What’s the first step to owning a pickleball franchise?

If you're serious about investing, here’s what to do next:

1️⃣ Research franchise options and compare costs, support, and revenue potential.

2️⃣ Check your finances to see what investment level makes sense for you.

3️⃣ Contact the franchisors to get more details on available locations.

4️⃣ Visit existing franchise locations to see operations in action.

5️⃣ Apply & secure financing to start the process!

Many franchises have limited territories, so if you’re interested, it’s best to start now before the best locations are taken.

Friska 🐨

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