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Senior Pickleball Report

Wilson and Swing Join Forces to Create the Future of Racquet Sports

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Wilson to Sponsor Swing Campus to Revolutionize Racquet Sport Experience and Grow Global Player Base

RALEIGH, N.C. /PRNewswire/ — Swing Racquet + Paddle (Swing), in line with their mission to drive the evolution of sport through a first-of-its-kind dedicated multi-racquet & paddle sport and Sportstainment™ venue, is proud to announce Wilson Sporting Goods Co. (Wilson) as a leading sponsor. Swing and Wilson plan to revolutionize the racquet and paddle sport experience, growing the player base for racquet sports in the United States and beyond. Through its sponsorship of Swing, Wilson will continue to lead innovation in the industry while fueling growth and participation in racquet and paddle sports.

Swing Racquet + Paddle Raleigh Campus Rendering

“Wilson is thrilled to align with Swing…it is just what the industry needs,” Joe Dudy, president and CEO of Wilson

“Wilson is thrilled to align with Swing to bring multiple racquet and paddle sports under one roof; it is just what the industry needs. We are very bullish about this project and feel Wilson can play an integral role in Swing’s movement,” said Joe Dudy, president and CEO of Wilson Sports Goods. “We cannot wait to see Swing come to life in Raleigh and beyond.”

Swing’s Raleigh campus will include a Wilson Stringing Bar for tennis racquets and act as a testing ground for Wilson’s new consumer experiences, driven by technology including AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and gamification. The space will offer a brick & mortar Wilson branded multi-racquet sport retail experience, showcasing the latest innovations in Wilson equipment and sportswear; act as a destination for national and international tournaments and events; and continue efforts to grow the player base in the U.S. and beyond. The multipurpose venue will also be home to a satellite hub of Wilson Labs, the brand’s R&D arm responsible for industry-leading Racquet Sports innovation.

“We have created a new platform that will truly accelerate the growth of racquet + paddle sports by pushing the boundaries on what has traditionally been a highly fragmented consumer experience. With Wilson’s dedication to innovation, we are one step closer to delivering an experience unlike any other destination in the world,” said Rob Autry, founder and CEO of Swing Racquet + Paddle. “Swing is proud to announce Wilson as a strategic sponsor to not only develop and execute this concept but continuously support the further evolution of the industry.”

Additionally, Swing and Wilson will align on community programming in and around Raleigh, offering steady tennis, padel and pickleball programming. Wilson will also sponsor scholarships for youth development and other charitable initiatives that align with their objective of increasing access to and growing participation in racquet sports.

Swing’s first flagship location is a 45-acre campus headquartered in Raleigh, N.C. that will break ground in 2023 and open to the public in late 2024. The Swing campus will serve up tennis, pickleball, padel, table tennis, and beach tennis courts adjacent to retail and an innovative food and beverage experience. To learn more about Swing, please visit SwingNC.com.

About Swing:

Swing Racquet + Paddle, led by entrepreneur Rob Autry and business partner Jason DeGroff, is the first multi-racquet + paddle Sportstainment facility designed to scale nationwide and will feature a 45-acre flagship campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. Swing addresses an unmet need in the racquet sports space through a first of its kind Sportstainment experience. The flagship location, slated for completion in late 2024, will be the largest, multi-racquet sports facility in the world. Swing is a place that combines the best in racquet + paddle courts, tournament play, sports fitness, technology, and eatertainment- with a goal of producing players with a lifelong love of the game. More than a facility, Swing is an experience. An approachable and fun way to play. A place that brings people together through a common connection centered on sustainability, social good, and inclusion. For more information, please visit www.SwingNC.com.

About Wilson

Chicago, USA-based Wilson Sporting Goods Co., a subsidiary of Amer Sports Corporation, is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company brings more than a century of innovation, history and heritage across many sports including Racquet Sports, Baseball, Softball, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Golf. 

In Racquet Sports, Wilson is a global leader in tennis, padel, racquetball, badminton and pickleball. The brand also offers Wilson Sportswear inclusive of lifestyle and performance apparel for all to live like an athlete. Leveraging player insights to create products that push equipment and apparel innovation into new territories, Wilson empowers athletes at every level to perform at their best. Visit www.wilson.com for more information. 

SOURCE Swing Racquet + Paddle

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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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Boston Pickle Club Opens First Facility in Hyde Park

Local residents gain access to a new category of pickleball facility centered on inclusiveness and community

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BOSTON /PRNewswire/ — The city of Boston welcomes a game-changing addition to its sports and recreation landscape with the grand opening of indoor pickleball facility, Boston Pickle Club. As pickleball surges in popularity, the state-of-the-art facility will cater to the growing demand in the Greater Boston area.

Located at 91 Sprague St in Hyde Park, the 20,000 square foot facility boasts cutting-edge amenities for players including seven indoor courts, state-of-the-art lighting and premium court surfaces. Co-founded by esteemed platform tennis professionals Johan du Randt and Stephen Mitchell, and entrepreneur Steven Hauck, the trio brought Boston Pickle Club to life with the goal of creating an inclusive environment that is the ultimate destination for pickleball aficionados.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of our inaugural indoor pickleball facility in Boston,” said Steven Hauck. “Pickleball is a sport that brings people together and fosters a sense of community. With the Boston Pickle Club, we introduce a new category: a membership-based club with diverse programming for all levels and ages and the best pros in the region.”

The facility opened its doors at the end of February and the activity is growing daily. There will be a ribbon cutting event held on Saturday, April 27 at 5 p.m. ET. The event will feature local Boston and Hyde Park officials and will be followed by a professional exhibition, where attendees can enjoy impressive matches with top-ranked professional players in Boston. Sponsors Skechers and Joola will be in attendance and all proceeds from the sale of Boston Pickle Club merchandise will be donated to Good Sports, a Massachusetts nonprofit that drives equitable access to youth sports and healthy physical activity.

Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for competitive play or a beginner looking to make friends and get a sweat, there is programming for you at the Boston Pickle Club.

Players enjoy:

  • Two membership tiers for individuals and families featuring benefits that include advanced court booking, league play, club championships, contract court time and members only events.
  • Private lessons with top professionals.
  • Level-based DUPR Open Play.
  • After-school junior classes for age groups ranging from 5-14+.
  • Clinics for varying experience levels designed to develop your skills.
  • League play for those eager to take on some serious competition.
  • Additional programming includes round robins, tournaments, camps, special events and more!

For more information about Boston Pickle Club and its opening, visit www.bostonpickleclub.com.

About Boston Pickle Club:
Boston Pickle Club is the premier indoor pickleball facility in Boston, located at 91 Sprague Street in Hyde Park. Outfitted with seven premium indoor courts featuring state of the art lighting and court surfaces, we provide our members an unrivaled pickleball environment. Open daily from 6 AM – 10 PM ET. Learn more at www.bostonpickleclub.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

SOURCE Boston Pickle Club

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