Senior Pickleball Report

Avenue Sports Fund Invests in CityPickle, Supporting Growth of Leading Lifestyle Brand Providing Pickleball in Urban Settings

Published

3 months ago

July 21, 2024

CityPickle to Expand Pickleball Club Concept Combining Indoor Courts with Full Bar and Restaurant and Activations in Iconic Public Spaces

NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — The Avenue Sports Fund today announced it has made a significant minority investment in CityPickle, the urban home for pickleball. The new capital will support CityPickle’s plans to expand the locations of its permanent, indoor pickleball club concept in addition to strategic activations at iconic landmarks in metropolitan areas.

Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the United States over the past four years. According to estimates, nearly 40 million people nationally have played pickleball at least once in the past 12 months. CityPickle focused initially on New York City and the Greater New York market, where research suggests 5 to 6 million people played pickleball in 2023, despite limited supply for courts.

Co-founded by two female entrepreneurs, Mary Cannon and Erica Desai, in the summer of 2021, CityPickle is addressing the supply-demand imbalance for courts in dense urban areas by building pickleball clubs that combine indoor, bookable courts with a full bar and restaurant—making it the ideal destination to spend quality time with friends, colleagues, and family. The brand also installs seasonal courts at high-profile locations. CityPickle offers a variety of playing options to book, including: court reservations, clinics, open play, one-on-one coaching, private and corporate events.

In fall 2023, CityPickle opened its first permanent pickleball club in Long Island City, New York and is the seasonal partner of Wollman Park Partners, which operates the iconic Wollman Rink in Central Park. CityPickle at Wollman Rink is the largest pickleball installation in the Northeast with 14 permanent courts, providing 182 hours of play a day. CityPickle operates other seasonal pickleball experiences including a seven-court, indoor location at Brooklyn’s Industry City in addition to activations at Hudson Yards, Union Square Park, and Philadelphia’s City Hall. In June 2024 it was announced CityPickle has been selected by NYC Parks to revitalize Anchorage Plaza, the 60,000 square foot space under Brooklyn Bridge, with pickleball courts, public art, community programming, food trucks and more and will debut in Spring 2025.

“There is a significant opportunity to provide permanent and pop-up pickleball locations to service the growing and passionate demand for this sport,” said Marc Lasry, Avenue Capital’s Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder. “CityPickle, led by co-founders Erica Desai and Mary Cannon, has established a special brand that is relevant to urban locations nationwide. We are excited to join with the CityPickle team to support its expansion strategy.”

“We are thrilled to have the Avenue Sports Fund join our team at CityPickle as we further our mission to spread the joy and community of pickleball in New York City and other metropolitan areas,” said Mary Cannon, CityPickle Co-founder. “We’ve experienced an overwhelming demand for more access to pickleball and are looking forward to expanding our ability to offer a best-in-class experience to the rapidly growing player population alongside our new partners at Avenue Sports Fund,” added Erica Desai, CityPickle Co-founder.

About Avenue Sports Fund
Launched in 2023, Avenue Sports Fund provides capital solutions to a wide variety of established teams and leagues across the globe, as well as investments in emerging sport properties to capitalize on areas of exponential growth. The Sports Fund also invests in sports-related media and entertainment rights, real estate, and other adjacent businesses. Avenue Sports Fund, led by Marc Lasry, is a fund of Avenue Capital group, a global investment firm focused on making opportunistic credit and other special situation investments across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Avenue, founded in 1995 by Mr. Lasry and Sonia Gardner, draws on the skills and experience of over 60 investment professionals and more than 180 employees operating from its headquarters in New York and offices in Europe, Asia and Abu Dhabi. Avenue has assets under management of approximately $12.5 billion.

About CityPickle
CityPickle is the urban home for pickleball. CityPickle opened its first, permanent pickleball club in Long Island City in 2023, which combines indoor, bookable courts with a full bar and restaurant, making it the ideal destination to spend quality time with friends, colleagues and family. CityPickle is also Wollman Rink in Central Park’s official seasonal partner where it operates the largest pickleball installation in the Northeast with 14 permanent courts and 182 hours of play a day. CityPickle operates other seasonal pickleball experiences like a seven-court, indoor location at Brooklyn’s Industry City in addition to activations at Hudson Yards, Union Square Park, and Philadelphia’s City Hall. CityPickle will continue to partner with high-profile destinations in cities as it strategically develops new club locations.

SOURCE Avenue Capital Group

Uncle Julio Takes Us On A Journey: A Heartfelt Episode of People of Pickleball

https://stmdailynews.com/uncle-julio-takes-us-on-a-journey-a-heartfelt-episode-of-people-of-pickleball/

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Sports

The Future of Tennis: Tennis Social AI Launches First-of-its-Kind Simulators

Tennis Social AI announces its V1 Tennis Simulator, set for production by 2025, offering an engaging, AI-powered, social, and gamified tennis experience for all skill levels.

Published

5 days ago

September 29, 2024

Daily News Staff

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Tennis Social AI, a trailblazing developer of immersive tennis simulators, is excited to announce the completion of its V1 Tennis Simulator, which is slated for full-scale production and installation by early 2025. This innovative technology transforms how tennis is played and enjoyed, making it more accessible, engaging, and social.

The first AI Tennis Simulator platform for both social and training experiences!

Tennis Social AI

As tennis faces challenges in boosting participation, while competing with the rising popularity of pickleball and padel, Tennis Social AI offers an innovative approach by blending computer vision, AI-powered training, and interactive video games. According to Novak Djokovic, “Tennis at the club level is endangered, and innovation is necessary to keep the sport alive.”

Tennis Social AI’s simulator is designed to cater to players of all skill levels, allowing beginners and seasoned players alike to enjoy a gamified tennis experience. The simulator’s customizable video games and training modules provide an opportunity for users to socialize while improving their fitness and technique. Much like golf simulators have brought new players into the sport, this technology has the potential to draw more people to tennis through its innovative approach to socialization and gamification.

CEO of Tennis Social AI, Tyler Kelly, stated, “Our mission has been to lower the barrier of entry for the sport by creating a version of tennis that maintains the core mechanics of the traditional game, while still making the experience fun and social for friends and families. Our simulators are sized to fit in almost any environment, so now tennis can compete in locations where it traditionally could not.”

Pre-sale fulfillment is underway, with installations expected to begin in early 2025. Tennis Social AI is leading the way to a future where tennis is more than just a game—it’s a social experience.

For more information on brand opportunities and pre-sales, contact: Steven McClendon at steven@tennissocial.ai or visit https://tennissocial.ai/

SOURCE Tennis Social AI

Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

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Senior Pickleball Report

Unlock Your Pickleball Potential: Expert Tips on Training and Recovery with David Welles

In a new episode of People of Pickleball, Sleeves interviews David Welles about his pickleball journey, his product Yobow leg massager, and recovery tips.

Published

6 days ago

September 28, 2024

Michael J Sliwa, Rod Washington

I’m excited to share a sneak peek into the latest episode of People of Pickleball! In this episode, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with David Welles, a passionate member of JBB United from the National Pickleball League and an influential figure in the Chicago Pickleball League. If you’re even a casual pickleball enthusiast, you’ll definitely want to tune in!

David Welles

David and I dove deep into his journey as a competitive player, and it was inspiring to hear his stories. We talked about the various challenges and victories he’s faced on the court, and how the tight-knit community of pickleball has played a vital role in his growth as an athlete. One thing that stood out to me was his unwavering passion for the game—not just for competition but for the joy it brings to everyone involved.

Watch the full episode

But that’s not all! David also shared insights about his innovative product, the Yobow massager. In our conversation, he explained how it’s designed to help players recover and maintain peak performance. Whether you’re training hard or just enjoying a casual game, understanding the importance of recovery is something every player should consider. David’s enthusiasm for the Yobow and its impact on athletes is contagious, and I can’t wait for you to hear all about it.

While I won’t give away any spoilers, I can promise that our discussion is filled with valuable tips, personal anecdotes, and plenty of laughs. It’s a refreshing reminder of why we love pickleball and the bonds we create along the way.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to join us for this enlightening chat. I truly believe it will stir your excitement for the game and maybe even inspire you to incorporate some new recovery techniques into your routine.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I can’t wait for you all to listen to the episode with David Welles—it’s going to be a good one!

Keep paddling and see you on the court!

David Welles

Yobow

https://theyobow.com

IG:@davidwellesone

Naples JBB United

https://www.nplpickleball.com/naples-jbb-united

National Pickleball League (NPL)

https://www.nplpickleball.com

Hey, “People of Pickleball” fans! Looking for some great deals on the latest pickleball gear and services? We’ve got you covered! Just head over to this link https://stm-store.online/spr-episode-links/ for exclusive discounts crafted just for our listeners.

Don’t miss out on elevating your game with top-notch pickleball essentials at amazing prices! https://stm-store.online/spr-episode-links/

More info about the Pickleball International Cruise https://www.pickleballintl.org

Sleeve’s SPR on the web: https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

Sign up for the SPR Newsletter and get news and episode release info right into your inbox: https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/sleeves-spr-newsletter-sign-up/

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

https://stmdailynews.com/

Authors

Michael J Sliwa

Over the past few years, Mike has become an insane pickleballer (pickler), fortunately for the senior 50+ crowd he started his show, Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report. He spends the rest of his time speaking on social justice and spending time with his beautiful wife, Karen, and enjoying simple living in his ger/yurt. View all posts
Rod Washington

Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts

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News

Steve Kuhn Partners with Bay Pickle to Transform Hong Kong Pickleball

Published

7 days ago

September 28, 2024

Daily News Staff

Pioneering Partnership with MLP Founder Steve Kuhn to Launch Hong Kong’s First Indoor Pickleball Social Club in Hong Kong
Launch 12 Courts in Multiple Locations Across Hong Kong by End of 2024, On Track to Becoming the Largest Pickleball Organisation in Hong Kong
Unveils New Pickleball Courts, Bar, and Academy to Bring Pickleball to the Heart of Hong Kong’s Sports Community

HONG KONG, Sept. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bay Pickle, a pioneer in lifestyle sports and community-driven experiences, is proud to announce the grand opening of Bay Pickle, Hong Kong’s first-ever indoor pickleball social club, located in Causeway Bay. This launch is just the beginning of a bold, multi-phase expansion plan that aims to position Bay Pickle the premier destination for pickleball enthusiasts across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area in China.

With plans to roll out eleven additional professional courts by the end of 2024 and beyond, Bay Pickle is set to lead a transformative movement in sport in the region. Combining top-tier facilities, inclusive programming, and social interaction, Bay Pickle is poised to become the largest pickleball organisation in Hong Kong.

A Groundbreaking Partnership: Steve Kuhn and Bay Pickle

Leading this revolutionary venture is Steve Kuhn, the visionary founder of Major League Pickleball (MLP), a collective synonymous with pickleball excellence in the United States. Much like the NBA’s transformative influence on basketball, MLP has played a pivotal role in propelling pickleball into the mainstream, making it one of the fastest-growing sports in America. Under Steve’s leadership, MLP has catapulted pickleball into the national spotlight, establishing a professional league akin to the NBA in basketball. In the U.S., MLP has not only elevated pickleball into a premier competitive sport but has also cultivated a vibrant ecosystem of fans, athletes, and communities, fostering a dynamic sports culture that is now recognized on a global scale. Steve’s investment in Bay Pickle marks the first step in bringing that same level of innovation and growth to Hong Kong and the broader GBA market in China.

The powerful collaboration between Steve Kuhn, Albert Fung and Ken Deng, Co-Founder of Bay Pickle, and the Founding Members Alex Chan and Jenny Wan, sets the stage for a transformative experience in Hong Kong’s sports scene. Together, they are creating a world of innovation, community, and excellence. Bay Pickle’s inaugural facility, boasting over 12,000 square feet of professional courts, represents a pioneering leap in pickleball engagement, promising an unparalleled pickleball and social experience.

Major League Pickleball (MLP) Founder and pickleball visionary Mr. Steve Kuhn, shared his excitement for the future of pickleball in Asia during the launch event, “My goal is to raise awareness of pickleball across Asia, starting right here in Hong Kong. With the potential inclusion of pickleball as an Olympic sport, we have a unique opportunity to elevate its profile and engage a new generation of players. I envision Bay Pickle as a cornerstone for this movement. Together, we can inspire countless individuals to pick up a paddle and join in the fun of this wonderful sport. The energy and inclusivity that pickleball brings is unmatched, and I believe Bay Pickle will be instrumental in fostering that spirit throughout Asia.”

Bold Expansion Strategy: Transforming Hong Kong into GBA’s Pickleball Hub

With its first-of-its-kind indoor facility in Hong Kong, Bay Pickle is not only redefining the boundaries of sport but also the social experience that comes with it. Pickleball’s inclusive nature, with easy access for players of all ages—from 6 to 86—brings people together, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie that transcends traditional athletic pursuits. More than just a sport, pickleball at Bay Pickle is about cultivating lasting connections, both on and off the court.

Riding high on the success of the Causeway Bay launch, exciting plans are underway to open a second indoor pickleball court in Kowloon by the end of 2024! And that is just the beginning—new locations are being explored in Ma On Shan, adding to an ever-growing lineup of 12 courts across Hong Kong, including new courts in a school in Tseung Kwan O. This expansion is all about making pickleball more accessible, bringing the sport to communities across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area—so get ready for more places to play, compete, and connect.

Albert Fung, Co-founder of Bay Pickle, expressed his excitement for the launch, “The opening is just a beginning. The aim is to elevate pickleball to new heights in Hong Kong and beyond. The academy, facilities, and future expansions are all part of a larger vision to create a thriving pickleball ecosystem that fosters not just athletic skill, but a sense of community and belonging. As Bay Pickle prepares to launch additional courts in Q4 2024, it is poised to solidify its position as the premier destination for pickleball enthusiasts in the region. Embrace the spirit of innovation, connectivity, and athletic prowess as Bay Pickle paves the way for a new era in sports and social engagement in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.”

Ken Deng, Co-founder of Bay Pickle, shared his vision for the academy, “As someone who has coached at six universities in the Bay Area, I’m passionate about developing young talent across Asia. The academy is designed to be a pipeline for aspiring athletes, and it’s exciting to see students excel in regional and international tournaments.”

Alex Chan, Founding member of Bay Pickle, shared his vision for how Bay Pickle is redefining the boundaries of sport and social experience, “Our goal is to not only provide top-tier facilities but also to cultivate a community where people can interact, share, and experience the joy of pickleball together. Whether you’re here to compete or just have fun, with over seven years of experience in F&B, I am excited to leverage my expertise to enhance the social dimension of pickleball at Bay pickle. By fostering connections through play, we will create an environment where meaningful relationships flourish enriching the experience for every member of our community.”

Jenny Wan, Founding Member of Bay Pickle, shared her vision for the strategic partnership with Steve Kuhn, “We are deeply honored that Steve has chosen the Bay Pickle team as his first partner in in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, and we are committed to upholding this trust as we work together to grow the sport in the region. Together, we are not just building courts, but creating a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone—from beginners to seasoned players—can come together and experience the joy of pickleball.”

Bay Pickle Indoor Court: A First in Hong Kong

This September, the newly unveiled Bay Pickle Indoor Court is shaking up the scene in Hong Kong’s vibrant Causeway Bay district, bringing the rapidly growing sport of pickleball right to the city’s doorstep. This cutting-edge facility promises an unmatched pickleball experience, perfect for both casual players looking for fun and competitive athletes hungry for serious action.

Key Highlights of the Bay Pickle Indoor Court:

Size and Location: Spanning 2,000 square feet, the indoor court is conveniently located in the bustling district of Causeway Bay, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. This prime location positions Bay Pickle as the go-to destination for pickleball in the region.
Professional-Grade Facilities: The court features premium flooring designed for optimal play, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. The court dimensions adhere to international standards, offering the perfect environment for both casual games and competitive training.
Multi-functional Space: Beyond pickleball, the venue is designed to host a variety of events, including corporate team-building sessions, kids’ birthday parties and family gatherings, workshops and exclusive social gatherings.
With a flexible layout, the space can be customized for different types of events, ensuring a unique and memorable experience for all attendees.
Bar and Lounge Area: The venue also includes a stylish bar and lounge area, where players and guests can relax and enjoy a handpicked selection of drinks and snacks. Whether cooling off after an intense game or simply socializing with fellow pickleball enthusiasts, the bar offers a perfect complement to the sporting experience.
Professional Coaching Team: Bay Pickle is home to a team of experienced and certified coaches, all of whom are passionate about growing the sport in Hong Kong. Personalized training sessions are available for players of all levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. Corporate team-building exercises, group lessons, and private coaching are also available.
Community-Focused Environment: The indoor court is more than just a place to play pickleball; it’s a hub for the pickleball community. Regular events, meetups, and exclusive competitions foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among players. From monthly social events to drop-in classes for beginners, the court is designed to be a welcoming space for everyone.

Bay Pickle Academy: Developing Future Champions

Bay Pickle Academy is dedicated to helping players take their game to the next level. The professional training regimen is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to become true champions. From perfecting drives and dinking to mastering drops and more, the dynamic curriculum covers all essential techniques. As players immerse themselves in the program, they will not only sharpen their technical skills but also enhance their overall athleticism and build confidence. The academy provides a supportive, growth-focused environment where athletes are encouraged to continually push their limits and achieve new milestones.

To cater to different interests and skill levels, two distinct programs are available. The Recreational Program is tailored for kids who want to have fun while learning the game in a relaxed, engaging setting. For those seeking a more competitive edge, the Elite Program is designed for U16 players with aspirations of professional play. Elite participants may even have the opportunity to represent the Pickleball Association of Hong Kong and compete for the championship at the 2024 WPC Hong Kong, scheduled to take place in Discovery Bay in November 2024. This prestigious event will bring together top players from across the region, paving the way for future success on the competitive stage.

Bay Pickle Club: Bay Pickle Membership Program

Pickleball enthusiasts could immerse themselves in the sport through the Bay Pickle Club, a unique, members-only experience. Membership benefits include monthly social events and pickleball meetups, drop-in pickleball classes for beginners and collaborations with local NGOs to promote wellness through the sport etc. They will enjoy exclusive access to an expanding network of pickleball venues and a robust community of players.

Development Roadmap: A Vision for Growth

Bay Sports is committed to expanding its brand footprint and community engagement through several strategic initiatives:

1. Digital Transformation and Innovation

A Web 3.0 and NFT strategy is being developed to create immersive digital experiences, enhancing fan and player engagement. This includes the development of digital collectibles and other interactive elements to connect with the community in new ways.

2. Sustainability and Corporate Partnerships

Bay Sports remains committed to aligning with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. Corporate partnerships are being explored to promote sustainability initiatives, ensuring that business growth benefits both the community and the environment.

The future is bright for Bay Pickle and the pickleball community in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. With expansion plans, digital innovations, and a commitment to inclusivity, Bay Pickle is poised to become the largest Pickleball Social Club in the region. Public are invited to join in celebrating this exciting new chapter for Bay Pickle and the launch of Hong Kong’s premier indoor pickleball facility.