pickleball and sports exclusive
First Premier Pickleball Facility Launches Nationally
Last Updated on February 9, 2023 by Daily News Staff
Looking for Dreamers and Doers
CHANDLER, Ariz., Feb. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Pickleball Kingdom is the first dedicated indoor pickleball facility, with a proven successful working model, to offer franchises.
“We all know how fun pickleball is. What’s not fun is waiting for a court, playing in the heat or cold with the sun in your eyes, and having the wind affect your game. We’ve solved all those problems in Arizona. Now we’re exporting it, first to the rest of the country… then the world.”
– Ace Rodrigues, Founder & CEO of Pickleball Kingdom
The idea for Pickleball Kingdom was birthed on a dirty public court, while Ace and his friends were standing in the sun waiting to get onto a court on a windy day.
From idea to conception, Pickleball Kingdom has been around for two years. It took a year to build out their model and flagship facility in Chandler, AZ. Since the indoor facility has been opened, Ace and his team have been gathering data on what to do and what not to do and compiling it in a 120 plus page operations manual that they call, “The Keys to the Kingdom.”
“It would have been irresponsible of us to have launched franchising earlier. Indoor pickleball is a brand-new industry. It’s not a gym, it’s not a giant playground. There was so much to learn and mistakes needed to be made and fixed. The heavy lifting is done. I didn’t want franchisees paying us while we were still figuring it out. That learning curve happened on our dime. Now we’re ready to bring Pickleball Kingdoms to cities everywhere across the country.”
– Ace Rodrigues
As industry veterans know, a franchise opportunity needs five elements to enhance its chances for success. First, there needs to be a market that desires the product or service. Second, it needs a working proof of concept. Third, it takes a vision and plan for a path forward. Fourth, industry specific knowledge is needed. And fifth, the team needs franchising experience. Pickleball Kingdom checks all the boxes.
Pickleball Kingdom’s Leadership Team is loaded with experience. A serial entrepreneur, Ace Rodrigues has been running companies since his early 20’s. The Kingdom’s Leadership Team includes:
Jon Brovitz has over 20 years in the franchising industry as a large multi-unit franchisee with Massage Envy and Amazing Lash. He is also an investor and advisor to the franchisor, Scissors and Scotch.
David Haynie is a professional pickleball player and coach. Originally from Puyallup, Washington, he has been playing pickleball for over 40 years. David’s Pickleball World Ranking reached as high as 11th in the world. David is the head pro and general manager of Pickleball Kingdom in Chandler.
Steve Holmes built a business that served the staffing needs for franchisees and franchisors for over 30 years. Steve took his company public on the NASDAQ.
“Our Team is both fans and ambassadors of the great sport of pickleball. One of our core beliefs is, ‘Life is better with pickleball.’ If players want a free introductory lesson, courts without waiting, or a better environment to play in, there will soon be a Pickleball Kingdom nearby. We’re now on an all-out talent hunt to find teammates who want to bring the Kingdom home to their cities.” – Ace Rodrigues
For more information on Pickleball Kingdom, Franchising, or media requests visit:
www.PickleballKingdom.com
SOURCE Pickleball Kingdom
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Senior Pickleball Report
Top Pickleball Holiday Gifts for Pros and Beginners
Find the perfect holiday gifts for both pickleball pros and beginners, with a wide selection of gear and accessories for this popular sport.
Last Updated on November 24, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Pickleball Holiday Gifts
Looking for the perfect holiday gifts for pickleball enthusiasts? Look no further! As “America’s fastest-growing sport,” pickleball appeals to all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re shopping for a pro or a beginner, there are plenty of options to choose from. Consider gifting them a high-quality pickleball paddle tailored to their playing style, with options ranging from control paddles to power paddles. Don’t forget to consider factors like weight, grip, and shape. In addition to paddles, there’s a wide array of pickleball-related merchandise available, from apparel to accessories. This holiday season, surprise your pickleball-loving friends and family with the best gear and accessories that’ll enhance their playing experience and keep them entertained for hours on the court.
Discover an exciting range of merchandise by visiting the web stores of Sleeves SPR’s friends. From trendy clothing to stylish accessories, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out – start browsing today! https://sleeves-spr.store/friends-of-spr/
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Foodie News
National Pickle Day: Celebrating the Tangy Delights of Pickles
Celebrate National Pickle Day on November 14th, indulging in the tangy delights of pickles. Discover fascinating pickle facts and try different varieties! #NationalPickleDay
Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Why did the pickle take up Pickleball? Because it wanted to be a “dill-lightful” athlete on the court! Just like the versatile and pickle-icious sport of Pickleball, pickles themselves bring a tangy twist to any dish they’re added to. So, whether you’re smashing shots on the Pickleball court or enjoying a pickle-infused snack, let’s pickle our way to fun and laughter! Happy National Pickle Day and may your Pickleball skills be as sharp as a perfectly brined gherkin!
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Senior Pickleball Report
Unstoppable Dominance: The Picklr Unleashes 70-Club Expansion with Proven Construction Giant
The Picklr, North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise, partners with NFC Contracting Group to support ambitious expansion plans, targeting 70 new locations within a year. This alliance promises consistency and quality in facilities, reflecting pickleball’s soaring popularity and community-building efforts.
Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Strategic partnership positions North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise for unprecedented expansion
The pickleball boom shows no signs of slowing down, and The Picklr is making sure it stays ahead of the curve. The Salt Lake City-based franchise just announced a game-changing partnership with NFC Contracting Group, a move designed to support the brand’s ambitious nationwide expansion as it races to open 70 new locations over the next year.
With 52 clubs already serving players across North America and demand continuing to surge, The Picklr needed a construction partner who could deliver consistency, quality, and speed at scale. Enter NFC Contracting Group, a national general contractor with more than three decades of commercial construction expertise under its belt.
Building on Proven Success
This isn’t a blind partnership. NFC has already proven its worth by successfully delivering multiple Picklr facilities in Arizona, demonstrating an understanding of the brand’s standards and vision that goes beyond typical contractor relationships.
“As we scale across the country, it was critical to align with a construction partner who shares our vision and commitment to excellence,” said Chris Walker, Chief Development Officer at The Picklr. “NFC has already proven its expertise by successfully delivering multiple Picklr clubs in Arizona. Their precision, reliability, and alignment with our values make them the ideal partner for this next phase of growth.”
Why This Partnership Matters
For franchisees and pickleball enthusiasts alike, this partnership means something important: consistency. Whether you walk into a Picklr facility in Phoenix or Portland, you’ll experience the same world-class standards that have made the brand a leader in the indoor pickleball space.
NFC’s track record in large-scale, multi-state commercial projects positions them perfectly to support The Picklr’s rapid rollout. Their expertise in retail, sports, and franchise buildouts means they understand the unique demands of creating facilities that need to function flawlessly from day one while maintaining brand integrity across hundreds of locations.
“NFC strives for excellence, and our goal is to build these facilities with the quality and consistency that franchisees expect,” said Nick Crisci, Principal of NFC Contracting Group. “We know The Picklr brand and take pride in protecting its reputation while building strong relationships and supporting the success of every franchisee.”
Meeting Demand Where It Matters
The Picklr’s growth trajectory reflects the explosive popularity of pickleball itself. What started as a backyard pastime has evolved into one of America’s fastest-growing sports, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. The Picklr has capitalized on this momentum by creating premium facilities that go beyond just courts—they’re building communities.
With professional-grade courts, comprehensive programming from beginner clinics to competitive tournaments, and a membership model that provides access to all club locations nationwide, The Picklr has positioned itself as more than just a place to play. It’s become a destination for anyone serious about the sport.
What’s Next
With 70 new clubs planned for the next 12 months and more than 500 locations sold nationwide, The Picklr’s partnership with NFC Contracting Group ensures that rapid growth doesn’t come at the expense of quality. Each new facility will be built to the same exacting standards, protecting the brand reputation while creating lasting value for franchisees and exceptional experiences for players.
For a sport that’s still relatively young, having infrastructure partners who can scale with demand is crucial. The Picklr’s decision to formalize its relationship with NFC signals confidence not just in the company’s growth trajectory, but in pickleball’s staying power as a mainstream sport.
As communities across North America continue to embrace pickleball, partnerships like this one ensure that players will have access to world-class facilities no matter where they live. And for The Picklr, it means staying at the forefront of an industry that’s just getting started.
Related Stories
The Picklr Official Website – Find locations, membership info, and franchise opportunities
The Picklr Franchise Information – Learn about owning a Picklr franchise
NFC Contracting Group – Meet the construction partner behind The Picklr’s expansion
Find a Picklr Location Near You – Sea
SOURCE The Picklr
More Pickleball News on Sleeves-SPR
Latest Pickleball Facility News – Coverage of new courts and venues
Indoor vs Outdoor: What Senior Players Need to Know – (Link to relevant existing article if you have one)
Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa’s Take on Pickleball’s Growth – (Link to Sleeves commentary/opinion pieces)
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