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Senior Pickleball Report

PBX PICKLEBALL NAMES PARITY AS AN OFFICIAL PARTNER AND SIGNS NOTABLE WOMEN OLYMPIANS AND RETIRED PRO ATHLETES FOR INAUGURAL SEASON

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NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — Parity, the platform dedicated to closing the gender income and opportunity gap in professional sports, and PBX Pickleball, a new organization that unites the pickleball community with retired professional athletes, today announced that Parity has been named as an official partner to drive women athlete participation in PBX events. As a strategic partner, Parity will work alongside PBX Pickleball to identify, recruit, and onboard retired professional women athletes across a variety of different sports.

Parity confirmed many notable athletes to become PBX Pros, including Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (1x Olympic Gold Medalist — volleyball), Brooke Bennett (2x Olympian and 3x Olympic Gold Medalist — swimming), Ify Ibekwe (former WNBA athlete and Nigerian Women’s National Team member — basketball), Danielle Scott (5x Olympian — volleyball), Mistie Bass-Boyd (1x WNBA Champion — basketball) and Kara Winger (4x Olympian, former world #1, and current American Record Holder — javelin). They have signed on to participate in the PBX Tour, PBX Pro-Ams, PBX Dream Weekends, and PBX Corporate Events starting later this year.

As part of the partnership, Parity will work in tandem with PBX to recruit athletes for dozens of PBX events throughout the remainder of 2023 and all of 2024. Parity is the latest organization to join PBX Pickleball’s growing list of partners that also includes both the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) and NHL Alumni Association. PBX Pickleball will see retired athletes – spanning across multiple Olympic and professional sports – compete in both Pro-Am and Tour events. Pro-Am will pair individual former athletes alongside non-professionals in mixed teams, whereas the Tour model will be composed of events consisting entirely of retired professional athletes competing with and against one another.

“At Parity, we firmly believe that the future of all sports lies in empowering and embracing the untapped potential of women,” says Parity CEO Leela Srinivasan. “Through this partnership, we will help PBX Pickleball continue its explosive trajectory and elevate the organization’s events to new heights by unlocking a wealth of talent and showcasing the game’s inherent fun and accessibility. Striving for equality and fostering an environment where all athletes can benefit isn’t just a goal; it’s a responsibility—one that we proudly champion. Because of this, Parity is quickly becoming the go-to platform for companies looking to engage with professional women athletes and women’s sports. We are delighted to embrace this exciting movement and support PBX Pickleball by securing notable retired women athletes to compete in the fastest growing sport in the country.”

“PBX Pickleball brings that camaraderie and competitive spirit to the pickleball court and offers the opportunity for fans to play against and with retired professional athletes and even Olympians,” says Jason Clement, chief executive officer of The Sports Facilities Companies, the parent company of PBX Pickleball. “Parity’s robust network of pro athletes along with their comprehensive understanding of the women’s sports landscape made them the natural partner to ensure that PBX Pickleball continues to grow with diversity and equity top of mind.”

The first PBX event is slated to begin this fall and already has dozens of athletes signed up, including notable names like former MLB All-Stars Tino Martinez, Matt Holliday, and Josh Beckett, as well as 4x NHL Stanley Cup champion Kris Draper, and retired NFL Pro Bowler Golden Tate.

About Parity:
Minority-founded in 2020, Parity’s mission is to close the gender income and opportunity gap in professional sports. By developing high-impact collaborations between brands, professional women athletes and their fans, Parity has proudly put more than $2 million in the pockets of women athletes, attracting dozens of brands to the movement in the process. The platform offers connections to more than 850 women athletes from 70+ sports, including well over 200 Olympians and Paralympians. For more information on how to tap into the rapidly rising influence and popularity of women athletes, visit https://paritynow.co or follow us on InstagramLinkedInFacebookX (formerly Twitter) and Threads

About PBX Pickleball:
PBX Pickleball creates memorable experiences by uniting well-known retired professional athletes with amateur pickleball players and fans. Established in 2023, PBX Pickleball consists of four experiences: the PBX Tour, PBX Pro-Ams, PBX Dream Weekends, and PBX Corporate Experiences. The company is part of The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), the nation’s leading resource for the management and development of sports, recreation, wellness, and events facilities. To learn more about PBX Pickleball, go to https://pbxpickleball.com or follow @pbxpickleball on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Parity

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Pickleball Kingdom: Conquering the World, One Court at a Time

Pickleball Kingdom sets its sights on global dominance, partnering with Franchise India Group to expand into the Middle East. #PickleballPower

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In 2024, the world of sports was on the cusp of witnessing a new era unfold. Pickleball, regarded as the fastest-growing sport in America, was set to take the global stage with Pickleball Kingdom at the helm. Breaking new ground, the premier indoor pickleball facility announced a groundbreaking partnership with Franchise India Group, paving the way for its expansion into the Middle East.

"Photo: A group of enthusiastic pickleball players in action at Pickleball Kingdom indoor facility."
Pickleball Kingdom in Arizona

The Global Ambition:
Ace Rodrigues, the Founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm about this international expansion. His longstanding vision of taking the sport to a worldwide audience was finally becoming a reality. With 140 locations already in queue across the United States, the deal with Franchise India Group would double that number almost overnight.

A Strategic Partnership:
Franchise India Group Chairman, Gaurav Marya, shared in the excitement about partnering with Pickleball Kingdom. Recognizing the sport’s immense popularity and exponential growth, he hailed Pickleball Kingdom as the leader of the movement. Together, they would spearhead the international expansion of pickleball, promising to revolutionize the sport as we know it.

Franchise Opportunities:
Franchise India Group wasted no time in accepting applications from interested parties seeking to become franchisees of Pickleball Kingdom. They sought experienced entrepreneurs who understood the value of being pioneers in this global movement. With key stakeholders established for each territory, Pickleball Kingdom’s expansion would be well-supported.

Explosive Growth:
Pickleball had experienced an impressive growth rate of over 224% in the past three years, resulting in an astounding 36.5 million players in the United States alone. However, the demand for courts had outpaced supply. This is where Pickleball Kingdom’s franchise model created a winning solution. Their climate-controlled indoor facilities not only provided courts but also offered lessons, leagues, tournaments, parties, team-building events, and refreshments.

Strategic Expansion Plans:
Rob Streett, COO of Pickleball Kingdom, highlighted the strategic importance of partnering with Franchise India Group. The collaboration marked only the initial phase of the brand’s expansion plan, focusing on establishing a strong presence in the Middle East. This strategic move would ensure that the sport’s popularity and impact would be maximized in this new region.

Ambitions and Dreams:
Filled with enthusiasm and ambition, Ace Rodrigues declared that the time had come for pickleball to conquer the international stage. The goal was to establish a presence in every country within five years. As he looked ahead, he eagerly anticipated a world where the words “Welcome to the Kingdom!” would be uttered in every language spoken around the globe.


The stage was set, and the world was about to witness the rise of pickleball to unprecedented heights. With Pickleball Kingdom leading the charge and supported by a strategic partnership with Franchise India Group, pickleball was poised to become the first global powerhouse in the sport. From a grassroots phenomenon to an international sensation, pickleball has truly become the sport of choice for millions worldwide. The journey ahead promised excitement, growth, and the universal language of friendly competition: pickleball.

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Pickleball Kingdom Coming to Canada

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ONTARIO, Canada, April 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Pickleball Kingdom, the largest indoor pickleball franchise in the world continues its massive global expansion by coming to Canada. The United States based company confirmed its commitment to opening clubs in Canada, starting immediately with multiple clubs in Ontario.

Founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom, Ace Rodrigues, stated, “Canada gave us hockey and what a blessing that’s been. We’re excited to return the favor and export the fastest growing sport in the world, pickleball, to our neighbors in the north.”


Currently, Pickleball Kingdom has 140+ clubs built or being built out in the United States.  Additionally, early this week, the company announced its agreement with Franchise India Group to open clubs in Dubai, India, and Abu Dhabi, with the rest of the UAE to follow.

The Pickleball Kingdom experience extends beyond just courts. Members and visitors can participate in a variety of activities, including lessons, leagues, tournaments, and open play sessions. On-site refreshments fuel friendly competition, while a dedicated mobile app allows for easy court reservations and even captures video highlights for players to relive their favorite on-court moments.

COO of Pickleball Kingdom, Rob Streett, added, “Canada is such a beautiful country, but its weather is not ideal to play pickleball outdoors. We’re looking forward to offering Canadians a chance to learn and play the fastest growing sport in the world all year round.  Especially with their families.”

Pickleball Kingdom is now accepting inquiries from interested parties to get involved with the movement. They are seeking seasoned businesspeople who value the advantage that comes with being a first market mover. Those who desire to have a conversation with Pickleball Kingdom should submit their request through their website: www.pickleballkingdom.com/franchise.

Pickleball has seen a growth rate of over 224% over the last three years, resulting in an estimated 36.5M pickleball players in the United States alone. And remarkably, 45% of them say they plan on playing more pickleball over the next year, according to YouGov.

David Haynie, CPO of Pickleball Kingdom, commented, “Universally, the biggest complaint against pickleball is that there aren’t enough courts to meet the demand to play. Once our clubs are built throughout Canada, we will not only meet the existing needs but create an introductory path into this great sport for people who don’t currently play.”  

CEO Ace Rodrigues concluded, “We’ve had people from Canada visit Pickleball Kingdom ever since we’ve opened. And we have more than a few ‘snowbirds’ as members who are Canadian residents. This overwhelming demand expedited the decision to open up the country. Soon there will be Pickleball Kingdoms all over Canada!”

SOURCE Pickleball Kingdom

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PickleRage Expands Reach, Bringing the Thrill of Indoor Pickleball to Jacksonville

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. /PRNewswire/ — PickleRage, a premier indoor pickleball club franchisor, announced its plans to open another corporate-operated club location in Jacksonville, Florida. The 30,209-square-foot club will give the community access to a state-of-the-art indoor facility where they can play pickleball year-round. PickleRage’s expansion into Jacksonville signifies another milestone in its ongoing mission to bring the joy of playing the game of pickleball to communities nationwide.

PickleRage’s Newest Corporate-Operated Club Coming to Jacksonville, Florida.

Located at Avenues Walk near I-95, I-295, and Philips Highway, PickleRage at Avenues Walk is set to redefine the local pickleball scene with its cutting-edge smart courts and premium amenities. With its plan to feature 9 joint-friendly CushionX courts, superior visibility and lighting, and perfect year-round temperature and humidity, the club promises unparalleled playing conditions for pickleball players of all ages and skill levels.

“We’re thrilled to expand our footprint in Jacksonville and introduce PickleRage to this vibrant community,” said Chris Daiss, vp of real estate and construction. “With our advanced facilities and commitment to excellence, we aim to become the go-to destination for pickleball enthusiasts of all levels.”

More than just a pickleball club, PickleRage at Avenues Walk aims to foster a lively community hub. The club will give players of all skill levels the opportunity to connect while improving their gameplay through lessons, tournaments, and leagues. Alongside its top-tier programming, PickleRage at Avenues Walk will feature a court-side lounge where players can unwind and socialize post-game.

Strategically situated alongside prominent retailers including Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Haverty’s at Philips Highway & Southside Blvd, the club benefits from high visibility and accessibility. It is adjacent to the 372-unit Bainbridge Avenues Walk multifamily project and lies in close proximity to the Avenues Mall.

PickleRage is one of America’s fastest growing indoor pickleball franchisors that gives novice & advanced players alike a place to play and connect. With world-class social, tournament, and instructional programing, you can see why pickleball players across the US are calling PickleRage clubs “Pickle-rageous!” With more than 500 locations planned over the next 5 years, PickleRage is set to take the pickleball-world by storm. For more information, visit: www.picklerage.com

SOURCE PickleRage

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