Pickleball Kingdom Expanding in Columbus and Sacramento: Franchisee Secures Multi-Unit Deal
Pickleball Kingdom is set to expand its reign in the Columbus region of Ohio, with a multi-unit deal in the works led by franchisee Steve Niehoff. The indoor pickleball franchisor will offer lounge areas, climate-controlled courts, youth development programs, leagues, tournaments, and professional coaching.
This expansion comes on the heels of a similar multi-unit deal announced earlier this month for the Sacramento area in California. Pickleball Kingdom CEO and founder Ace Rodrigues expressed excitement about bringing the sport to Columbus, highlighting Niehoff’s background in leadership and community engagement as a perfect fit for their mission.
Niehoff, who previously worked in the financial industry, is eager to introduce the rapidly growing indoor pickleball franchise to Columbus and showcase its social element. The indoor courts will provide a welcoming space for the community to connect year-round, attracting individuals, families, and local organizations for various events.
Pickleball Kingdom’s COO, Rob Streett, praised Niehoff’s leadership skills and dedication, predicting success as they expand into Ohio. The franchise is also expanding in other states and Canada, capitalizing on the growing popularity of pickleball as a lucrative franchise opportunity.
In addition to Pickleball Kingdom, other indoor pickleball franchises like PickleRage are also experiencing rapid growth and expansion. The sport has caught the attention of major players in the fitness industry, with luxury athletic country club operator Life Time and shopping network QVC both investing in pickleball.
As the pickleball boom continues, another racquet sport, padel, is gaining traction in the U.S. One couple, Jess and Peter Nicol, are opening a facility in New Jersey that will offer pickleball, squash, padel, and physical therapy services. Padel Haus, another padel facility, is also expanding with ambitions to make the U.S. the number one padel market in the coming years.
With the rise of pickleball and padel, the sports industry is witnessing a shift towards more social and inclusive recreational activities. As these sports continue to grow in popularity, the future looks bright for both players and investors alike.
