America’s Hottest Racket Sports Club: A new sports-themed social club named Ballers has raised $20 million to grow its presence across the United States. The company blends racket sports like pickleball and padel with food, drinks, and entertainment. The Series A funding round was led by Sharp Alpha and RHC Group.
Big names joined the investment, including former tennis stars Andre Agassi, Kim Clijsters, and Sloane Stephens. Pickleball player Connor Garnett and soccer goalkeeper Maarten Paes also invested. David Blitzer, who co-owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, is part of the funding group as well.
A Fresh Spin on Sports and Socializing
The goal of Ballers is to combine racket sports with a fun, social atmosphere. Co-founders David Gutstadt and Amanda Potter believe this will fill a gap where people usually play at a club and then leave to socialize elsewhere.
“You see a lot of entertainment places that are more games and less geared around sports. Seeing the renaissance of racket sports—tennis, pickleball, padel—we had this ‘a-ha’ moment that competitive socializing needs entertainment.” – (David Gutstadt)
“Every Ballers will have a food and beverage offering—a three-meal restaurant, craft cocktails, full bar and recipes that are unique, along the lines of an elevated pub. We’re trying to get more creative and fun with our menu—definitely not the typical flatbreads, burgers and wings.” – (Amanda Potter)
Philadelphia Launch and More Locations Coming
Ballers will open its first full location in Philadelphia within the next few weeks. The club is set inside Turbine Hall, a large historic power plant. It includes six championship-style pickleball courts, three padel courts, two squash courts, a turf field, golf simulators, and a putting green.
Food and drink options will be created by chef Mitch Prensky, known for farm-to-table dishes. The space will also offer rooms for private events and host late-night DJ parties.
The recent funding brings Ballers’ total capital to about $30 million. This includes money used to build the Philadelphia location. The new funds will help open three more locations, with a goal to launch over 50 sites nationwide in the next seven to ten years.
The next venue will open this summer in Boston’s Seaport district. It will feature outdoor pickleball and padel courts, with rinks replacing the courts during winter. Ballers is also planning to expand into Los Angeles and Miami by mid-2026.
Why the Timing Works
Sharp Alpha managing partner Lloyd Danzig explained why this is the right moment to launch.
“Timing matters. This company is launching at a moment when market tailwinds, behavioral shifts, and consumer demand are aligned. We’re observing a sustained shift in consumer preferences toward experiences that facilitate social engagement. Ballers is purpose-built for this.” – (Sharp Alpha)
According to research by RacquetX, 43% of players enjoy more than one racket sport. This supports Ballers’ plan to include padel and pickleball at all locations. The club will welcome walk-ins, but its main focus will be on members.
Memberships will cost between $99 and $499 each month. Prices depend on perks like luxury locker rooms, private recovery spaces, and special event access.
“I was looking for a long-time for a well-done padel project because I think it’s important in this time that people are coming together instead of being divided. Padel is my favorite sport outside of soccer, and there’s not that much here in the U.S. I saw the beautiful location opening up in Philadelphia along with the hospitality team and the investment team and I wanted to be a part of that.” – (Maarten Paes)
News in Brief: America’s Hottest Racket Sports Club
Ballers, a new racket sports-themed social club, raised $20 million to expand in the U.S. Investors include Andre Agassi, David Blitzer, and Maarten Paes. The club mixes pickleball and padel with dining and events. First locations are opening in Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles, and Miami by 2026.
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