North American chain of indoor pickleball facilities, The Picklr, has announced that Drew Brees, a 20-year NFL veteran and renowned quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, has joined them as an ambassador, investor, and franchise owner.
A Diverse Business Portfolio
Brees, a Super Bowl Champion in 2009, will incorporate The Picklr into his diverse business portfolio, which already includes ownership in various multi-unit franchises.
In his new role, he will act as the national brand ambassador and area developer, overseeing the development of 30 locations across the Midwest.
Emphasizing his commitment to fostering a community and promoting a healthy lifestyle through pickleball, Brees said, “We have created a community and environment where everyone can build relationships, compete, develop skills, and have fun while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle through one of the most popular sports in the world.
“Pickleball is for everyone, and there is no better place to be than The Picklr.”
Providing Exceptional Experiences
Highlighting his business philosophy, Brees stated, “My mission in business and franchising is to work with top-tier organizations and people to create a best-in-class culture and provide exceptional experiences. I saw that immediately with The Picklr.”
In his capacity as a national brand ambassador, Brees will collaborate closely with The Picklr to promote the brand’s mission of offering state-of-the-art sports facilities for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
Additionally, he will become an owner of multiple facilities and serve as the Area Developer for 30 Picklr franchises spanning Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. A member of Purdue’s Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame, Brees anticipates opening his flagship Picklr location in Indianapolis in 2024.
Football Field Prowess
Reflecting on this collaboration, Scott Schubiger, Chief Growth Officer of The Picklr, acknowledged Brees’s franchising expertise, stating, “Everyone recognizes Drew’s prowess on the football field, but many may not realize that he has built franchising expertise for over a decade.
“Getting to know Drew over the last few months has made it abundantly clear that our collective passion and vision for the sport of pickleball are perfectly aligned.
“We are truly honored and could think of no better person than Drew Brees to join The Picklr family as an investor, brand ambassador, and 30-unit, multi-state franchisee.”
About The Picklr
The Picklr has nearly 175 state-of-the-art clubs offering professional coaching and professional-grade outdoor surfacing, cutting-edge technology, and access to free leagues, tournaments, and clinics.
Stay updated on The Picklr’s news, locations, and tournaments by following them on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok, or visit thepicklr.com/franchise to learn more about owning a franchise.
