PickleRage, an emerging leader in indoor pickleball franchising, has taken a significant step in its nationwide expansion by partnering with the Johnson family, widely recognized as the “First Family of Pickleball.” This multi-year, multi-faceted agreement is poised to accelerate PickleRage’s growth as it aims to establish over 500 locations across the U.S. within the next five years.
The Johnson family, comprising reigning National Singles Champion JW Johnson, No. 1 APP Tour Senior Pro Julie Johnson, and seasoned coach and instructor Jack Johnson, will serve as brand ambassadors for PickleRage. Their involvement will extend beyond mere representation; they will play an active role in shaping the company’s membership engagement, program development and overall expansion efforts. PickleRage will also receive a variety of branding, marketing and engagement benefits throughout the term.
“We’re delighted to join forces with JW, Julie and Jack Johnson as we advance our mission to foster community connection through the widespread enjoyment of pickleball,” said Mike Law, the SVP of marketing at PickleRage, in a statement. “Beyond their impressive on-court achievements, the Johnson family’s deep expertise and passion for the sport make them invaluable partners as we strive to deliver state-of-the-art facilities and unparalleled experiences for players of all levels to enjoy the sport year-round.”
The Johnson family brings not only their impressive credentials but also a deep commitment to promoting pickleball at all levels.
The Johnson family’s journey into the world of pickleball began during the pandemic when they relocated to Florida from Kansas. What started as a family activity quickly transformed into a professional endeavor, with JW Johnson becoming a dominant force in the sport. Today, the family is considered a cornerstone of the pickleball community, with JW Johnson holding titles such as USA Pickleball Nationals Singles Champion and US Open Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles Champion.
“We’re thrilled to partner with PickleRage in bringing the joy of pickleball, a sport we hold dear as a family, to communities nationwide,” said Julie Johnson. “Working alongside PickleRage and its franchisees, we’re committed to promoting a shared love for the game and delivering exceptional experiences for players of all ages and skill levels.”
The partnership will kick off with the Johnsons’ first club appearance at PickleRage’s West Bloomfield location on September 7th, where they will host clinics throughout the day.
“As the fastest growing sport in the U.S., we couldn’t think of better ambassadors to propel the sport forward and shape our offerings as we expand into new markets, complementing our existing and planned locations in Maryland, Florida and Michigan,” said Eric O’Connor, the VP of franchise development for PickleRage.
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.
