The Picklr’s Vision for the Future of Pickleball: The rapid rise of pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, is captivating players from coast to coast. Originating 59 years ago on Bainbridge Island, Washington, the game was invented by three fathers seeking to entertain their children during summer vacation. Fast forward to today, and pickleball has transformed from a niche activity into a nationwide sensation, topping growth charts for the last three years.
According to a recent report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the sport saw an astonishing 51.8% growth between 2022 and 2023, with a remarkable 223.5% increase in players since 2021. Over the past year alone, 10 million new players have embraced this hybrid of tennis and ping pong, played with a hard paddle and perforated plastic ball on a court roughly half the size of a tennis court.
A Growing Demand for Pickleball Courts
The rise of new players is creating an urgent need for additional playing surfaces. USA Pickleball estimates that while there are approximately 50,000 pickleball courts available, the demand currently exceeds supply by at least 25,000 courts.
Jorge Barragan, a resident of Ogden, Utah, who recognized the challenge firsthand. After discovering pickleball in 2015, he quickly became an avid player, often scheduling games into his busy routine in the software industry. However, the growing crowds at local courts prompted a pivotal moment for him.
“One day during the winter we were trying to get a lunch game in at the Farmington rec center. We got there and there were like 50 people waiting to get on a court. I thought, I really wouldn’t do this for anything else.” – (Jorge barragan)
Turning Frustration Into Opportunity
Frustration over crowded pickleball courts sparked a business idea for Jorge Barragan. A first-generation Mexican-American, he was inspired by his parents’ entrepreneurial spirit, having operated a tortilla factory.
Partnering with fellow pickleball fan Austin Wood, he launched The Picklr, a venture aimed at establishing high-quality indoor pickleball facilities throughout Utah and beyond.
The initial vision was clear: address the significant demand for courts by constructing new facilities or refurbishing existing structures to meet the required dimensions for pickleball play.
Repurposing Commercial Space
Jorge Barragan and Austin Wood soon realized that many communities across the country housed empty big-box retail spaces ripe for transformation into pickleball facilities.
“In just about any community you can think of, there are big-box properties that have been sitting empty, sometimes for years. Former Bed, Bath and Beyond stores, old Staples, old Sears outlets … they are perfect for pickleball.” – (Jorge Barragan)
Utilizing these spaces offers significant savings on time and costs compared to new constructions, which can take up to two years.
“It’s a big-time savings over building from scratch which can take two years. Beside reducing construction time, it’s a lot cheaper, you can just lease the building and save the added big costs of HVAC, plumbing and other necessities. It just makes sense to go after big-box spaces.” – (Jorge Barragan)
Local governments have welcomed these initiatives, eager to revive vacant properties and increase foot traffic.
“Every city we’ve worked with are excited to do what they can to help reactivate these properties. Picklr renovations bring foot traffic, and new life, back to these old big-box locations.” – (Jorge Barragan)
A New Business Model
As Picklr continued to grow, Jorge Barragan and Austin Wood recognized the need to rethink their business strategy. Shifting to a franchise model emerged as the most effective path to expanding their footprint across the nation.
“Going the franchise route was the biggest decision we’ve made. Opening seven owner-operated locations was a lesson in understanding the challenges to scaling our business. From an operations standpoint, brand standpoint and capital standpoint it just made sense. And thinking about how to replicate myself and Austin and our passion to build this business, be a part of the community and grow pickleball.” – (Jorge Barragan)
Despite the shift, funding remained a necessity. To date, Picklr has successfully secured around $16 million through various funding rounds, allowing for the addition of over 70 staff members to support its franchise operations. With 350 facilities upcoming, the company is assured of rapid expansion.
Passion Meets Business
Aaron Scholl, a seasoned franchise veteran, represents Picklr in the Midwest alongside a group of investors, including former NFL star Drew Brees. Aaron Scholl and his partners recognized the potential of the sport during the pandemic and were drawn to Picklr for its innovative approach.
“Our interest was fueled by the sport itself and the lack of courts across the country, inside or out, to play on. Jorge and Austin got things going early, and actually had the concept before anyone really thought of it with pickleball dedicated facilities. Their updated brand look really sets Picklr apart. They’ve focused on creating a professional feel and professional experience. The sound baffles, lighting structures, Staples Center-like visuals. It’s a different, elevated feel.” – (Aaron Scholl)
Aaron Scholl noted that Picklr’s professional branding and network connections with national pickleball organizations distinguish it from competitors. With plans to establish 30 new locations in the coming months, Scholl’s team is optimistic about the sport’s trajectory, especially at the high school and collegiate levels.
“We’ve got 30 million people playing the sport. It’s gone far beyond fad status. We’re seeing high school state championship competitions and colleges giving away pickleball scholarships and a longer term goal of getting it into the Olympics. We love that whole junior aspect of the sport and the pipeline to professional play is only going to grow.” – (Aaron Scholl)
The Future of Pickleball
Picklr represents the spirit of its motto: “Where Pros Are Made.” Interested players can try out the sport with a 30-day pass for $30, while full adult memberships at $109 per month offer unlimited court access, league play, clinics, and guest passes.
During a recent Zoom interview, Jorge Barragan showed enthusiasm for the game and his growing business.
“This is what my face looks like when I play. There’s always a smile. I love this game for the same reason everyone who plays it does. Because it’s fun.” – (Jorge Barragan)
News in Brief: The Picklr’s Vision for the Future of Pickleball
Pickleball is surging in popularity, boasting a 51.8% growth in players from 2022 to 2023, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. Kaysville-based Picklr aims to capitalize on this trend by developing 350 new indoor pickleball facilities across the nation.
Founders Jorge Barragan and Austin Wood are transforming vacant big-box retail spaces into pickleball courts, making the sport more accessible. With a franchise model now in place, The Picklr is set to expand rapidly, offering memberships that include unlimited court access and league play. The motto “Where Pros Are Made” shows their vision for the future of pickleball.
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