Opening a pickleball business can be an exciting venture given the sport’s rising popularity. According to the Sports & Fitness Association, it is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.
For those wishing to capitalize on this opportunity, here are 10 tips for opening a pickleball business.
- Research the Market:
Demand: Assess the demand for pickleball in your area. Look for trends, such as increasing searches for pickleball courts or equipment.
Competition: Analyze existing pickleball businesses and facilities. Identify what they offer and any gaps in the market.
Target Audience: Determine who your customers will be. Is there a large senior population, or will you target a younger demographic?
- Spend Time on Business Planning:
Business Model: Decide if you’ll focus on court rentals, lessons, leagues, equipment sales, or a combination.
Business Plan: Draft a detailed business plan outlining your vision, objectives, strategies, and financial projections.
Legal Considerations: Choose an appropriate business structure (LLC, S Corp, etc.), and get the necessary licenses and insurance.
- Choose an Ideal Location:
Visibility and Accessibility: Select a location that’s easily accessible and visible to your target market.
Facilities: Ensure there’s enough space for the number of courts you plan to have, as well as amenities like parking, restrooms and seating.
- Include the Right Set Up
Design: Design courts to meet official pickleball specifications. Consider hiring a consultant or contractor with experience in building sports facilities.
Surface: Pickleball can be played on different surfaces; choose one that’s durable and suitable for your climate.
- Consider Equipment and Amenities:
Quality Equipment: Invest in high-quality nets, paddles and balls. Consider offering equipment rentals for new players.
Amenities: Provide amenities such as lighting for night play, water stations, shaded areas, and even food and beverage.
- Choose Your Programming:
Leagues and Clinics: Organize leagues, clinics and tournaments to attract regular players and create a sense of community.
Lessons: Offer lessons for different skill levels, possibly hiring or partnering with professional instructors.
- Spend Time on Marketing and Promotion:
Branding: Create a strong brand identity with a logo, color scheme and slogan that resonates with your market.
Online Presence: Develop a professional website and active social media profiles to engage with your community.
Local Community: Get involved with local schools, community centers and senior centers to promote your business.
Opening Event: Consider having a grand opening event with free play, clinics or demonstrations to draw initial customers.
- Provide a Great Customer Experience:
Service: Provide excellent customer service to encourage repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.
Feedback: Actively seek customer feedback to improve your offerings and address any issues.
- Financial Management:
Pricing Strategy: Set competitive pricing for court time, memberships and services.
Budgeting: Keep detailed records and manage your budget closely to ensure profitability.
Revenue Streams: Diversify your income with retail sales, food and beverage offerings, or hosting events.
- Sustainability:
Growth: Plan for growth with scalable solutions for expanding your facilities or services.
Innovation: Stay abreast of trends in the sport and consider offering innovative technology, like online booking systems or live-streaming of matches.
Remember, while pickleball might be a passion, as a business, it must be managed with sound financial and operational strategies to ensure long-term success. Networking with other business owners in the sports and fitness industry can also provide valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration. However, these 10 tips for opening a pickleball business are a great start.
With over a decade spent covering the business side of sports and fitness, Rachel Chonko brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for active communities to Peake Media. As Editor-in-Chief, she’s focused on helping pickleball clubs and fitness facilities thrive, from guiding growth strategies to showcasing the latest industry trends. Rachel also hosts the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, where she interviews leaders in fitness and pickleball to share insights and success stories with the wider community to give her listeners a competitive edge.
After taking up pickleball herself, Rachel has come to appreciate the sport’s unique blend of social connection and active living — a mix that’s perfectly in line with her editorial philosophy. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or check out her articles below for a deep dive into the energy and culture driving pickleball’s rapid rise.
