Pickleball Japan: Picklr to Launch 20 Clubs
- The Picklr, the world's largest indoor pickleball club network, is bringing its pickleball franchise to Japan.The company announced plans Thursday to open 20 locations across Japan over the...
- CEO Jorge Barragan is pursuing an aggressive growth strategy amid the sport's surging popularity.
- Barragan noted the company has sold over 500 franchises slated to open in the U.S.,Canada,and Japan.
The Picklr, the world’s largest indoor pickleball club network, is aggressively expanding its pickleball franchise, setting its sights on Japan with 20 new locations slated to open over the next five years. This move, a partnership with Nippon Pickleball Holdings, capitalizes on the sport’s explosive growth, with a reported 223% increase in pickleball participation. CEO Jorge Barragan views Japan as a gateway to the broader Asian market, leveraging the country’s emphasis on health and community. Offering court reservations, clinics, and tournaments, The Picklr aims to replicate its success across the Pacific. News Directory 3 is watching this international splash. Discover what’s next for this burgeoning pickleball trend.
Pickleball Franchise The Picklr Expands to Japan
updated June 01, 2025
The Picklr, the world’s largest indoor pickleball club network, is bringing its pickleball franchise to Japan.The company announced plans Thursday to open 20 locations across Japan over the next five years through a partnership with Nippon Pickleball Holdings.
CEO Jorge Barragan is pursuing an aggressive growth strategy amid the sport’s surging popularity. The Sports and Fitness Industry Association reported a 223% increase in pickleball participation over three years, calling it the fastest-growing sport.
currently, The Picklr operates 40 clubs in the U.S. and Canada, with plans to reach 80 by year’s end. Barragan noted the company has sold over 500 franchises slated to open in the U.S.,Canada,and Japan.
These clubs offer court reservations, clinics, leagues, tournaments, and private events, operating on a membership model averaging 500 to 700 members per club.
Barragan sees Japan as a springboard into the broader Asian market. He emphasized Japan’s focus on health,community,and love for racket sports as key factors in choosing the country for expansion.
The first Japanese picklr facility will open in the Tokyo metro area, followed by others nationwide, located in retail, office, and light-industrial spaces.
Barragan believes the pickleball trend will continue, noting the company still receives over 220 leads monthly, many from international locations.
“For us,it was vital to go to a country that was ready and primed to be ready to except the growth of The Pickler,especially like a country like Japan that focuses primarily on health and community,but they have a love for racket sports,” Barragan said.
What’s next
The United Pickleball Association also announced plans to expand its tour to include events in Australia, India, Canada, Asia and Europe, signaling further international growth for the sport.