In the heart of New York City’s bustling pickleball scene, Gotham Pickleball has seen strong early traction and positive community feedback in its first year of operations. Launched on December 5, 2024 after a four-month buildout, the four-court venue blends autonomous technology, thoughtful programming and a community-first approach.
At the helm is David Goldberg, a former finance professional who fell in love with the game during the pandemic. “I started playing probably about two and a half years ago and like most people, I got really addicted to it,” recalled Goldberg. “I think, like many others, I had the observation that this is a major opportunity.”
That opportunity turned into action. Goldberg partnered with PodPlay to fully integrate its autonomous court access system and video replay features into Gotham’s model. “It really transforms what you can do as a smaller operator in a smaller space,” he said.
Technology That Extends Access and Reduces Overhead
The PodPlay system enables members to play early in the morning or late at night without requiring staff to be on site — an advantage in a high-cost urban market where efficient use of space and time is essential. While the system makes full autonomy possible, Gotham almost always has staff present because programming runs most of the day.
“You don’t have to worry about what’s going on at a dead time,” Goldberg explained. “We don’t have someone sitting around doing nothing, and it gives our coaches flexibility.”
This setup has been especially useful for maximizing use during typically slow mid-morning hours and allows the facility to operate with lean staffing while maintaining quality service.
Prioritizing Programming Over Just Court Rentals
Unlike some autonomous models that operate as bare-bones court rentals, Gotham offers a full slate of programming including open play, leagues, clinics and private lessons. That decision has paid off in more ways than one.
“In my view, you need to offer that type of programming to keep customers engaged,” said Goldberg. “The majority of our revenue actually comes from programming, not private court booking.”
He noted that many players in New York are still finding their community and don’t have consistent playing partners — making drop-in options and instruction a critical component of their engagement.
Gotham’s 10-person coaching staff has played a key role in creating what Goldberg calls a “third space” for its members — somewhere between home and work that people genuinely want to spend time.
“It has started to feel like a team,” said Goldberg.
Exploring the Limits — and Potential — of Autonomy
While Gotham is a four-court facility, Goldberg has thought deeply about how autonomy could scale. His second venue, Pickleville in New Haven, Connecticut, is a three-court space that was converted to an autonomous model after acquisition. Although often staffed in the daytime because of an adjoining coffee shop, Pickleville now operates roughly 6 a.m. to midnight with leaner staff support.
When it comes to larger clubs, Goldberg advises a hybrid approach.
“I think facility operators who are building large spaces should think about whether they can subdivide the space so that they can make part of it autonomous at off hours,” suggested Goldberg. “There’s an interesting model to be explored there.”
Know Your Market
Perhaps the most critical lesson Goldberg has learned is the importance of knowing your local pickleball community. It’s not enough to simply have a great location and smart tech.
“You should not do this if you don’t know and understand the micro market that you’re operating in at a pickleball community level,” said Goldberg. “Ideally you’re a player — you know the coaches, the players, what level they are.”
He admitted that while Gotham benefited from his local insights, Pickleville was more challenging due to unfamiliarity with the New Haven community.
A Career Built on Joy
For Goldberg, leaving the finance world behind to create something tangible and joyful has been the ultimate reward. “I love the fact that my hobby is now my career,” he said. “It’s glorious. I love being there, my customers are so happy to be there. It’s a very satisfying career.”
More than six months in, Gotham Pickleball stands as proof that smart operations, paired with a deep understanding of the local market and a commitment to community, can lead to success.
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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.
