This Pickleball Franchise Is Changing the Game With Flexible Access and No-Hassle Court Time
With the pickleball boom driving up demand for court time, Ace Pickleball Club offers a refreshing alternative. This innovative pickleball franchise allows players to focus on their game — not the schedule.
“Members don’t need reservations or a set roster of friends to play. Instead, they drop in whenever it suits them, rotating into matches quickly and easily,” says Conor Hawks, vice president of franchise growth at Ace Pickleball Club.
The company’s all-day open-play model allows maximum flexibility and limits wait times, as new players rotate in after every game. Courts are divided by skill levels for beginner, intermediate and advanced players, which fosters an inclusive environment, Hawks says.
“Pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a movement bringing people together. We’re building spaces where players of all skill levels can connect, compete and grow in an environment that is as simple as walking into a gym and playing,” he says. “Our incredible growth in 2024 shows the demand for high-quality, accessible pickleball experiences.”
Flexible Membership Model
Last year, Ace Pickleball Club opened 11 new locations in just its second year in business. Building on that momentum, the brand aims to open 25 to 30 new locations this year. So far, it has awarded 125 locations, with many in various stages of development.
“We’re building a brand by delivering an exceptional experience to both our Members and our franchisees,” says Joe Sexton, co-founder and president of Ace Pickleball Club. This fast-growing pickleball franchise provides top-quality facilities with cushioned, professional-grade courts and convenient amenities.
“At Ace Pickleball Club, we’re serious about creating an experience that players won’t find anywhere else,” says Mookie McDevitt, vice president of strategic partnerships. “We offer a single, easy-to-understand membership that keeps the focus on what matters — playing pickleball and having fun.”
The all-inclusive membership plan is straightforward, with no hidden fees. Members get unlimited access to facilities from open to close, including use of ball machines, clinics and tournaments — at no extra charge.
“Exceeding our Members’ expectations results in a rewarding business, and that combined with exceptional systems, training and support leads to passionate franchisees who want to continue to grow with us,” Sexton says.
Franchise Growth
As part of its expansion, the brand is looking for franchise partners who are community-minded. Although experience isn’t required, Ace Pickleball Club franchise owners should share its commitment to enhancing the player experience. Unlike other concepts, it doesn’t follow the traditional area developer model and awards both single and multi-unit territories.
This forward-thinking pickleball franchise offers predictable, recurring revenue for owners. New franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, including virtual and in-person support, from a team with deep experience in building global recreation brands.
APC Championship Series Impact
Ace Pickleball Club is also raising the sport’s profile through its second annual APC Championship Series. Qualifying events began this spring and will culminate at the National Championship in January.
More than 2,200 APC Members competed in last year’s qualifiers, with 500 players advancing to the championship, where they vied for $250,000 — the largest prize pool ever in amateur pickleball. This year, APC expects 12,000 competitors, up from seven clubs last year to 11 — with more clubs expected to join.
“We were thrilled to see the excitement and enthusiasm our Members showed in the first year of these events,” says Brian Noble, vice president of pickleball experience at Ace Pickleball Club. “As we continue to expand nationwide, we are excited to add more players and new communities to continue growing the APC Championship Series. We are ready to welcome the next wave of Members at all skill levels to compete for the chance of being named APC National Champion.”
As the pickleball boom continues, a report in Market.us News says that participation in the sport in the U.S. grew by more than 50 percent between 2022 and 2023, with new players of all ages drawn by the game’s accessibility. An estimated 25,000 new courts are likely to be needed in the coming years to meet demand, the report adds. And revenue related to pickleball in North America for 2024 is estimated at more than $570 million.
Ace Pickleball Club is positioned to capitalize on this demand, but growth alone is not the company’s main goal, says Sexton. “Our goal is not how many locations we open and how quickly,” he says. “Our goal is to be the best part of our Members’ day and the most rewarding business in our franchisees’ portfolio.”
For more information about the Ace Pickleball Club franchise opportunity, visit the company’s website.
