The Picklr expands Down Under with plans to open 50 indoor pickleball clubs across Australia and New Zealand.
As the global pickleball craze continues to surge, The Picklr franchise is planting its flag in the Southern Hemisphere. The company announced its expansion into Australia and New Zealand through a Master Franchise Agreement with TPM Partners, founded by Robert Pistilli, Anthony Liveris and Brett Clark.
The deal will bring 50 new indoor clubs to the region, with 44 slated for Australia and 6 for New Zealand over the next several years. The first facility is set to debut in Sydney, offering a premium indoor pickleball experience modeled after The Picklr’s U.S. locations.
“Australia and New Zealand have been on our radar since we began thinking about international expansion,” said Jorge Barragan, the CEO of The Picklr, in a statement. “Pickleball is no longer just a trend – it’s a global movement redefining how people connect through sport.”
The new facilities will be located in big box retail and warehouse-style spaces between 1,500 and 3,000 square meters, strategically positioned near dense residential neighborhoods. Each club will feature The Picklr’s signature aesthetic, modern amenities and robust programming — while also incorporating local providers to tailor the experience to regional preferences.
Robert Pistilli, the CEO of TPM Partners, noted the sport’s explosive trajectory and The Picklr’s leading position in the premium indoor market. “Originally from the U.S., I witnessed first-hand the explosive growth of pickleball in America as the sport surpassed both golf and tennis in terms of participants in a very short period of time,” he said, in a statement. “The Picklr is by far the industry leader in the indoor premium facility space, performing leaps and bounds ahead of its peers due to its best-in-class facilities, leading AI technology, and unique pure-play business model.”
The expansion follows The Picklr’s recent moves into Japan and Canada, with more than 500 global locations projected to open in the coming years.
With community at the heart of its business model, The Picklr is betting big that Australia and New Zealand — both countries with rapidly growing pickleball scenes — are ready for the next evolution of the sport.
“These are markets that understand the power of sport to build connection and community,” added Barragan. “With TPM Partners leading the charge locally, we’re confident we can deliver the same premium Picklr experience that’s been fueling our momentum across North America.”
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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.
