The Picklr, the world’s largest pickleball club franchise, is making its official debut in Asia, with Japan set to host 20 new clubs over the next five years.
The expansion, announced on Thursday, is being carried out in partnership with Nippon Pickleball Holdings, the country’s leading pickleball firm.
The move marks a significant milestone in the brand’s global strategy and aligns with a broader trend of growing demand for indoor racquet sports across Asia.
According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball participation in the United States has soared by 223% in just three years.
With over 20 million players now in the US alone, the sport is transitioning from a domestic fitness craze into a structured global business opportunity.
The Picklr, currently operating 40 clubs across the US and Canada, is leveraging this momentum to double its club count to 80 by the end of 2025.
Japan’s role in the Asia expansion strategy
The franchise’s entry into Japan is part of a longer-term plan to establish a broader presence across Asia.
Jorge Barragan, CEO of The Picklr, identified Japan as an ideal starting point due to its population’s strong interest in wellness, community engagement, and racket-based sports.
The first Japanese club will open in the Tokyo metropolitan area, followed by additional locations in retail, office, and light-industrial spaces throughout the country.
Nippon Pickleball Holdings, which will manage the rollout of the new clubs, brings deep local market knowledge and established infrastructure to support the scale and speed of the expansion.
By targeting urban hubs with accessible venues, the venture aims to attract both new players and seasoned athletes, with membership models that cater to individual and group needs.
Franchise growth driven by sustained global interest
The Picklr has already sold more than 500 franchises across the US, Canada, and now Japan, with scheduled openings planned over the next five years.
The clubs operate on a membership basis, typically attracting between 500 and 700 members each.
Facilities include options for court reservations, clinics, tournaments, private events, and league play.
Despite expectations that interest in the sport might level off, franchise interest has remained steady.
According to Barragan, the company continues to receive over 220 franchise leads per month, including a growing number from international markets.
This consistency has prompted the firm to maintain its aggressive growth strategy and explore further entry points across other regions.
Pro pickleball gears up for international tours
The global rise of pickleball has also prompted the United Pickleball Association to extend its competitive footprint.
In July, the group announced it would take its professional tour to multiple regions, including Australia, India, Europe, and other parts of Asia.
This development supports grassroots participation while building a broader fan base through structured events.
The Picklr’s expansion into Japan may act as a model for other markets where indoor space is premium and sports facilities need to adapt to smaller footprints.
With indoor pickleball requiring less space than full-sized tennis courts and offering multi-generational appeal, it fits well into countries with dense urban centres and ageing populations—factors that are increasingly shaping sports infrastructure decisions worldwide.
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