Selkirk Sport LLC, founded in 2014 by the Barnes family in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has rapidly grown from a small pickleball-products manufacturer operating out of a 10,000-square-foot space to a leading brand in the booming sport. Now employing over 200 people and spanning 150,000 square feet across five buildings, the company recently opened its first hometown pro shop, offering a full range of branded pickleball gear. The Barnes family’s deep involvement in the sport, including governance and grassroots advocacy, reflects their commitment to preserving pickleball’s integrity and ensuring its long-term growth beyond the pandemic-driven surge in popularity.
The company’s success is rooted in its focus on high-quality equipment and innovation, resisting industry pressures to lower product standards for market parity. Selkirk has developed a comprehensive ecosystem of pickleball products and services, including domestic manufacturing and software applications, positioning itself as a trusted and loyal brand among players. Co-owner Tom Barnes emphasizes that their products are designed by players for players, prioritizing durability and performance to foster customer loyalty and support the sport’s sustainability.
Looking ahead, Selkirk Sport aims to maintain its cutting-edge product offerings while increasing local manufacturing in Idaho. With a 70% growth rate in 2024 and nearly 1,900% growth since the pandemic began, the company is confident that pickleball is not a passing fad but a lasting sport that people will enjoy for years to come. The Barnes family’s dedication to quality, community, and sport governance underscores their belief that Selkirk Sport is well-positioned for continued success in the expanding pickleball market.
