Pickleball Franchise The Picklr Set to Open Locations in Japan in Bid to Tap Asian Market
The Picklr, currently one of North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise, is making a significant move into the Asian market. The company announced that it will be establishing its first international location in Japan—and then build 19 more in the next 5 years.
This expansion is part of The Picklr’s broader strategy to introduce its state-of-the-art facilities and community-driven approach to new audiences worldwide. It will be consummated with the help of a strategic partnership with Nippon Pickleball Holdings, Japan’s leading pickleball company.
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has been gaining popularity globally, and Asia is no exception. The Picklr’s entry into Japan signifies a commitment to fostering this growth by providing top-tier venues and programs tailored to players of all skill levels.
The new Japanese facilities are expected feature professional-grade courts, advanced training programs, and a range of events designed to engage both newcomers and seasoned players. By offering a comprehensive pickleball experience, The Picklr aims to cultivate a vibrant community centered around the sport.
Jorge Barragan, CEO at The Picklr, has taken on an ambitious and aggressive growth strategy that perfectly aligns with pickleball’s continuing rise all over the world. Over the past several years, in fact, pickleball has witnessed a 223% jump in participation, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, underscoring its status as the world’s fastest-rising sport. And according to Barragan, Japan will be The Picklr’s springboard to enter the lucrative and growing Asian market.
“For us, it was important to go to a country that was ready and primed to be ready to accept the growth of The Pickler, especially like a country like Japan that focuses primarily on health and community, but they have a love for racket sports,” Barragan told CNBC in an interview.
At the moment, The Picklr is operating 40 locations in the US and Canada, with 80 more clubs expected to be finished by the end of the year. According to Barragan, The Picklr has sold more than 500 franchises in the U.S., Canada, and Japan, and these franchises are slated to open over the next five years. The Picklr’s facilities offer court reservations and host clinics, leagues, tournaments, and private events. It runs on a membership model, and most clubs are averaging between 500 and 700 members, according to The Picklr.
Additionally, this expansion aligns with The Picklr’s mission to make pickleball accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age or experience. With plans for further international expansion, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in the global development of pickleball.
By Barragan’s estimates, that development will just continue in the years ahead.
“We keep waiting for the day where the leads are going to taper off or go down,” he said. “We still haven’t seen that dip,” Barragan claimed. “I think different parts of the world are starting to get the pickleball bug and they’re starting to experience what we experienced four years ago when we started the business.”
For more information about The Picklr’s international expansion and upcoming events, visit thepicklr.com.
