How The Reply Club is standing out in an increasingly crowded marketplace by focusing on luxury, premium experiences and diversified offerings.
Nestled in the heart of Palm Beach County, Florida, The Replay Club offers an unparalleled sports and social experience that seamlessly blends luxury, community and cutting-edge amenities.
Featuring an expansive 70,000-square-foot facility with ten Padel courts, seven pickleball courts, a spa, a 7,000-square-foot gym and more, The Replay Club sets a high standard for what modern sports clubs can be, attracting pickleball pros such as Ann Leigh Waters, Gabe Tardio and more.
From its members-only mezzanine lounge — complete with a full bar serving beer, wine and food — to its spa amenities, including cold plunges and a sauna, The Replay Club is more than just a facility; it’s an experience.
“We’re unlike any other operating facility in the U.S.,” said Brian McMahon, the club’s chief operating officer. “We are a luxury community-focused brand that’s a private club. We have a lot of community interaction, a lot of community events.”
The club’s dedication to detail, from luxury toiletries to sustainable practices like eliminating plastic, reinforces its high-end appeal. Events like wine tastings and corporate gatherings not only enhance its offerings, but also cultivate a strong sense of community among members.
The explosion of pickleball has led to a crowded marketplace, with facilities popping up nationwide. McMahon notes that simply building courts is not enough to ensure success.
“’If you build it, they will come’ is a myth,” said McMahon, emphasizing the importance of having a unique value proposition. “It’s got to be more than that, otherwise you’re probably not going to survive.”
The Replay Club’s strategy includes diversifying its offerings by integrating Padel, a sport growing in popularity in the U.S., but less saturated than pickleball. Globally, Padel is one of the fastest growing sports, with over 25 million active players across 110 countries, according to Padel FYI.
“We don’t have all of our eggs in one basket,” McMahon explained.
Additionally, the club emphasizes quality over quantity in its membership approach. “Set the pace and do things right and slowly because then it’ll build,” McMahon advised.
This deliberate strategy ensures the infrastructure, programming and member experience are flawless before scaling up.
The Replay Club’s concierge-level staff, including pickleball and Padel professionals, personal trainers and a robust management team, ensures that members feel supported and valued. Technology also plays a vital role, with an app for court reservations and communication, simplifying operations and enhancing the member experience.
McMahon’s years of experience have given him a keen perspective on what works — and what doesn’t — in the pickleball industry. He highlights the importance of adapting to trends, from paddle technology to keeping an eye on what’s happening at the pro level.
“The game is changing so quickly,” said McMahon. “You have to stay on the front edge.”
In the future, The Replay Club plans to embrace innovations like AI-enabled court video cameras that allow players to analyze their games and share highlights on social media, fostering engagement and creating buzz.
For aspiring operators, McMahon offers clear advice:
- Focus on community: Build strong relationships with a core group of members and let them become ambassadors for your club.
- Prioritize quality: Don’t cut corners or go the easy route for the sake of getting open.
- Diversify offerings: Incorporate other sports or activities to mitigate risks associated with a single focus.
- Stay adaptable: The fast-paced evolution of pickleball requires operators to remain agile and forward-thinking.
As the sport continues to grow, The Replay Club stands as a model for how facilities can thrive by balancing luxury, community and innovation.
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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.
