CityPickle Secures Investment: CityPickle, an urban pickleball brand, is accelerating its expansion efforts to meet the skyrocketing demand for indoor pickleball facilities across major U.S. cities, including New York City. Fueled by a substantial investment from The Avenue Sports Fund, led by former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry, CityPickle aims to address the long-standing shortage of pickleball infrastructure in urban areas.
The move comes in response to findings from a 2023 participation and infrastructure report, highlighting the inadequacy of pickleball courts in cities like New York and Los Angeles. The report estimates a need for 25,000 courts and a $900 million investment to match the sport’s growing popularity nationwide.
Co-founded by Mary Cannon and Erica Desai in 2021, CityPickle has experienced overwhelming demand for increased access to pickleball facilities. The brand focuses on creating multifaceted venues that combine indoor courts with amenities such as bars, restaurants, and seasonal setups.
“We see a significant opportunity to meet the passionate demand for pickleball by establishing both permanent and pop-up locations,” noted Marc Lasry of The Avenue Sports Fund, emphasizing their commitment to CityPickle’s expansion strategy.
Recent developments include CityPickle’s selection by NYC Parks to revive Anchorage Plaza under the Brooklyn Bridge, set to feature pickleball courts alongside public art installations and community programs starting next spring. Additionally, the brand has established permanent and seasonal locations across iconic New York landmarks, including Central Park’s Wollman Rink and Brooklyn’s Industry City.
In a competitive landscape where pickleball is rapidly becoming a franchise model, luxury athletic club operator Life Time has also invested significantly, boasting over 600 permanent courts nationwide. Founder Bahram Akradi views pickleball as a unifying force pivotal to Life Time’s growth strategy.
The franchise model for indoor pickleball has attracted notable players like The Picklr, backed by former NFL star Drew Brees, and plans to introduce thousands of new courts across the U.S. and expand globally. Pickleball Kingdom, another prominent franchise, is targeting markets in Ontario, Dubai, India, and Abu Dhabi, reflecting the sport’s global appeal.
David Haynie, chief pickleball officer at Pickleball Kingdom, summed up the prevailing sentiment: “The demand for pickleball courts continues to outstrip supply on a global scale.”
CityPickle’s partnership with The Avenue Sports Fund shows its commitment to fostering community and promoting the joy of pickleball in urban centers nationwide, setting the stage for a dynamic future in the fast-growing sport.
News in Brief: CityPickle Secures Investment
CityPickle, supported by The Avenue Sports Fund’s investment led by Marc Lasry, accelerates urban expansion to meet soaring demand for indoor pickleball facilities in major U.S. cities. A 2023 report highlights the need for 25,000 courts and $900 million investment nationwide.
Co-founded in 2021, CityPickle integrates courts with amenities like bars and restaurants. Recent developments include revitalizing NYC’s Anchorage Plaza and locations at Central Park and Industry City.
Amid a competitive landscape, luxury club operator Life Time and franchises like The Picklr and Pickleball Kingdom also expand, reflecting pickleball’s global growth and CityPickle’s community-driven approach.
