Dill Dinkers achieves a major expansion milestone with over 300 dedicated indoor pickleball clubs in development, including five new regional deals for growth in key markets.
Dill Dinkers, a leader in the dedicated indoor pickleball club industry, has reached a significant milestone in its rapid expansion, with over 399 locations now in development across the U.S. The company recently announced five new regional development deals that will contribute 70 more units to its growing network in key areas such as New Jersey, Florida and Pennsylvania.
These latest agreements highlight the explosive growth of the brand, which has seen remarkable interest from franchisees and regional developers alike. In New Jersey, developers have committed to building more than 20 clubs in Union, Middlesex and Monmouth counties. Florida will see the addition of 10 clubs in Orlando, 10 in Pinellas County and 10 along the Space Coast. Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, 20 clubs are set to open in Pittsburgh.
Construction is already well underway for many of these new locations. Dill Dinkers has secured leases for 18 clubs, with plans to open several by the end of the year. Among the first to launch will be sites in Cockeysville, Frederick and White Marsh, Maryland, as well as Lansdale and Hatboro, Pennsylvania. Other communities slated to welcome Dill Dinkers locations include Simsbury, Connecticut; Crowley, Texas; and Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Founded by pickleball enthusiasts Will and Denise Richards, Dill Dinkers was born from the founders’ frustration with weather-related disruptions, long wait times and mixed-use facilities that were not ideal for pickleball play. The couple envisioned a dedicated indoor environment for players of all levels to enjoy the game without these common barriers. In 2023, Dill Dinkers expanded its operations through franchising, quickly becoming a recognized leader in the industry.
“We started Dill Dinkers because of our unwavering passion for the sport and the community it has provided us,” said co-founder and CEO Will Richards. “As a former Dominos multi-unit franchisee, it was crucial for us to build a strong network of support ahead of our franchising launch, and now with our 22nd regional developers on board, we are always thrilled to welcome new, experienced operators who are just as passionate about spreading the joy of pickleball.”
Since its first club opened in Columbia, Maryland in November 2022, Dill Dinkers has expanded its footprint rapidly. International expansion is also on the horizon, with locations expected in Australia, Canada and India.
Looking ahead, the company expects to have at least 30 open locations by the end of 2024, with a total of 500 units in the pipeline. Dill Dinkers’ franchise model offers both regional territories and single-unit opportunities, supported by a comprehensive system of nine revenue streams, a proprietary management platform and a turnkey marketing program.
Dill Dinkers’ recent national partnerships with pro players Collin Johns and Martina Kochli further reinforce the brand’s commitment to delivering a top-tier pickleball experience. Each club is staffed with a dedicated pickleball director and equipped with industry-leading paddles, nets, and other gear through its partnership with JOOLA. The company also boasts a partnership with CourtReserve, an intensive training system and a turnkey marketing program for grand opening and membership development.
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.
