If there was any doubt that pickleball is most definitely big business and is very much here to stay, look no further than the runaway success story that is The Picklr.
The franchise operator is North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball facility and ended 2023 with 154 new locations signed across 23 states. With the locations it signed in 2023, The Picklr believes it will meet the growing demand for indoor pickleball courts by bringing more than 1,800 to the U.S. over the next few years.
A Substantial Increase In Revenue
In the latter half of 2023, The company experienced a substantial increase in revenue by 144%, coupled with a 292% surge in new memberships. Remarkably, the top-performing clubs achieved an average unit volume (AUV) of nearly $1.2 million, maintaining a 42% earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization or EBITDA.
As the demand for cutting-edge indoor pickleball facilities escalates across North America, The Picklr has kept pace adroitly with consumer needs, rapidly expanding its presence by adding new locations. This expansion firmly solidifies its position as the leading franchise in the global pickleball industry.
154 New Locations
Ending 2023 with the signing of 154 new locations across 23 states and with plans to construct more than 1,800 courts in the coming years, The Picklr continues its ascendancy as the fastest-growing indoor pickleball facility in North America.
This growth has been notably driven by an alignment with consumer demand and an aggressive strategy to meet it.
The recent revenue surge of an additional 43% in the last six months (Q3-Q4) can be attributed to innovative membership offerings and nationwide branding campaigns. Among these initiatives was the “Picklr Your City” campaign, featuring Katy Perry, which resulted in an impressive 10 million social media impressions and over $1.4 million in earned media.
“Beat A Pro”
Notably, the campaign culminated in the awarding of a Picklr franchise to Omaha, Nebraska, as we reported in this article.
Additionally, The Picklr made its mark at F1’s United States Grand Prix in Austin, TX, alongside Sports Illustrated, showcasing a three-day onsite court with professional pickleball players Tyler Loong and Dekel Bar engaging in the exciting “Beat A Pro” contest.
Moreover, the creation of a new brand anthem entitled Winner Stays On garnered over 1.5 million views on social media, further enhancing The Picklr’s brand presence and engagement.
New Executive Leadership Team
The international brand’s rapid expansion has been supported by a new executive leadership team, including COO Jonathan Fornaci, Chief Brand Officer James Hurlock, Chief Growth Officer Scott Schubiger, Chief Financial Officer John Shelby, and Senior Vice President of Marketing Kathryn Bullough.
This team brings a wealth of experience from Fortune 500 companies and international franchises, contributing significantly to the sales and expansion strategies of The Picklr, inclusive of fostering strategic partnerships and executing marketing initiatives.
“Exceeded Expectations”
CEO Jorge Barragan was delighted with The Picklr’s remarkable growth over the past year: “The phenomenal growth of The Picklr business over the past 12 months has exceeded our expectations.
“With the successful establishment of new franchise locations, expansion of our dedicated team, and remarkable revenue growth, we couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding year.
“As we eagerly anticipate the opportunities ahead, we are excited to see what 2024 brings to The Picklr.”
