Ace Pickleball Club’s Fort Myers Launch: Ace Pickleball Club, based in Roswell, Georgia, is opening a new indoor location in Fort Myers, Florida, this year. The facility at 2501 Alessio Drive is expected to open in the second quarter, though an official date has not yet been set. The club will offer indoor play with a monthly membership fee and aims to serve players of all skill levels.
Ace is part of a growing trend in pickleball, with more companies opening membership-based indoor courts to meet rising demand. The Fort Myers site will include 12 courts across 34,000 square feet. The facility plans to hire 30 staff members and will feature open play organized by skill level, with no reservations needed. While a price hasn’t been set for Fort Myers yet, the monthly fee at Ace’s Lutz, Florida, location is $109.
“I’m thrilled to bring this new Ace Pickleball Club to Fort Myers and provide a top-tier indoor facility for players of all skill levels,” said McKinley Cooper, owner of Ace Pickleball Club Fort Myers.
“This new location will not only offer a great place to compete and stay active but also build a strong, welcoming community around the sport.” – (Cooper)
Strong Franchise Network Behind the Club
McKinley Cooper is also a partner at Bonita Springs-based Red Team Ventures LLC, along with Charles Cooper and Debra Cooper. They were approved by Ace’s founders, Jay Diederich and Joe Sexton, who are also known for creating Sky Zone Trampoline Parks.
Joe Sexton, who serves as president of Ace Pickleball Club, told Franchise Times in 2023 that Red Team Ventures was chosen to operate Florida clubs because “they are proven franchise operators” with experience running The Joint Chiropractic and Buff City Soap.
The Fort Myers facility is one of 13 Ace clubs already open in the U.S., with 25 to 30 more planned by the end of the year, according to company officials. The club’s website lists existing locations in Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Arizona, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. The Lutz location is already sold out of memberships.
Competition Grows in Southwest Florida
Ace isn’t the only company entering the Southwest Florida indoor pickleball market. DNA Pickleball currently operates courts in Fort Myers. Miami Beach-based PickleRage is looking to open a location nearby. The Picklr Club, based in Kaysville, Utah, also plans to open facilities in Fort Myers and Naples this year.
These indoor facilities aim to solve common problems such as overcrowding, extreme heat, and rain. The trend reflects the sport’s rapid rise across the country. Company officials said, “the demand for high-quality, indoor playing facilities has never been greater.”
Big Costs, Bigger Growth
Opening an Ace Pickleball Club costs between $817,750 and $2.4 million. The company promotes the franchise model as offering easy operations and steady revenue. Industry reports show that pickleball courts in the U.S. grew by 55% last year.
Experts say about $855 million more in court construction will be needed in the next five years. According to Pickleheads, the sport is now part of a $1.5 billion market, with expected growth of 11.3% each year through 2028. Ace also focuses on building community with events like clinics, tournaments, and social gatherings.
News in Brief: Ace Pickleball Club’s Fort Myers Launch
Ace Pickleball Club will open an indoor court facility in Fort Myers this year. The club will feature 12 courts and charge members a monthly fee. It’s part of a nationwide expansion by the Georgia-based franchise, responding to high demand for indoor play and offering year-round access to the growing sport.
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