pickleball and sports exclusive
Pickleball4America Merges with US Open Pickleball Championships® and Unveils 2023 Ballpark Festival Series™ with events at Fenway Park and Oracle Park
The US Open Pickleball Championships draws more players and spectators than any other event in the sport.
NAPLES, Fla. /PRNewswire/ — Pickleball4America, a newly formed company focused on developing businesses around America’s fastest growing sport, made a series of announcements today highlighted by its merger with the US Open Pickleball Championships®, the launch of a Ballpark Festival Series™ and the closure of its initial round of funding.
The US Open Pickleball Championships draws more players and spectators than any other event in the sport. This year, “The Biggest Pickleball Party in the World®,” will be held April 15-22 in Naples, FL with a record number of pro and amateur participants from around the world expected to compete for the sport’s most coveted championship title.
Pickleball4America, founded in 2022, is focused on developing an ecosystem around America’s fastest growing sport.Tweet
The Ballpark Festival Series will launch later this year with two of baseball’s most iconic shrines, Fenway Park in Boston and Oracle Park in San Francisco, headlining the schedule. These events will feature professional and amateur tournament competitions as well as open play. More details will be announced in the coming weeks, including additional venues, dates, and prize money. Fenway Sports Management, a global sports management company, is engaged as a strategic advisor to Pickleball4America on the Ballpark Festival Series and national sponsorship.
Funding for Pickleball4America is led by a notable roster of sports and technology investors including Boston Seed Capital LLC, Drive by DraftKings, RA Bowman LLC, Adam, Larry and Jared Franklin, Cowboy Up Investments, Checketts Partners and Knudsen Capital LLC.
The US Open Pickleball Championships was founded in 2015 by Terri Graham and Chris Evon who join Pickleball4America as part of the merger and will continue to operate the event. It attracts over 3,000 amateur and professional players annually. The tournament is held every April in partnership with Collier County at the 65-court, state-of-the-art pickleball facility at East Naples Community Park.
“We are thrilled to integrate the US Open Pickleball Championships into Pickleball4America,” said Mike Dee, investor, co-founder and Chairman. “We thank Terri and Chris for their confidence in us as they had many options. In the end it was a shared vision we all have for the future of this sport that brought us together. We look forward to building upon this amazing event working with the hundreds of volunteers, government, and civic leaders and of course the participants and spectators who together combine to make Naples the capital of the pickleball universe.”
“It has been very clear to both me and Terri that Pickleball4America is fully aligned with our belief that amateur play is the lifeblood of this sport,” said Evon. “We look forward to working together to bring the game to even more players.”
“We care deeply about the future of pickleball and the US Open’s unique place in its fabric. Pickleball4America is the perfect partner to help us build upon the Open’s eight-year legacy as the sport’s most meaningful event for both professional and amateur players,” added Graham.
About Pickleball4America
Pickleball4America, founded in 2022, is focused on developing an ecosystem around America’s fastest growing sport, including events, and digital content, commerce, and community. In 2023, Pickleball4America closed its initial round of funding, merged with the US Open Pickleball Championships® and launched the Ballpark Festival Series™, which is bringing more playing opportunities to amateurs and professionals in iconic venues across the U.S. Join the movement™!
SOURCE Pickleball for America, Inc.
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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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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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