How Life Time’s New Pickleball Vision: Life Time (NYSE) is making waves in pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, with the launch of a new high-performance ball. Spearheaded by founder and CEO Bahram Akradi, this move not only aims to address equipment inconsistencies but also reinforces pickleball as a cornerstone of the company’s growth strategy.
Fixing the Pickleball Problem
Life Time founder and CEO Bahram Akradi has taken a personal approach to solving one of pickleball’s persistent challenges: inconsistent equipment. Frustrated with the lack of durable and reliable balls, Akradi spearheaded the creation of what Life Time calls “the ultimate pickleball.”
The ball will debut exclusively at the company’s clubs later this month, with plans for broader availability online and in pro shops. While pricing remains undecided, the move shows Akradi’s hands-on leadership in addressing issues within the sport.
“This was a problem with the Sport and it needed to be solved, so we basically stepped in and solved it.” – (Akradi)
Pickleball’s Role in Life Time’s Growth
Akradi’s commitment to pickleball reflects the sport’s critical place in Life Time’s growth strategy. Since 2021, the company has embraced America’s fastest-growing sport, fueling a 57% year-to-date stock increase and raising its full-year guidance after a robust Q2.
Life Time’s “athletic country clubs” now host over 700 pickleball courts, with plans to surpass 1,000 by the end of 2025. The ball’s development aligns with this expansion, further strengthening the company’s connection to the sport’s rising popularity.
News in Brief: How Life Time’s New Pickleball Vision
By tackling equipment challenges head-on and doubling down on its investment in pickleball, Life Time is positioning itself as a leader in the sport’s evolution. With a commitment to innovation and expansion, the company is redefining what it means to serve a growing community of pickleball players.
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