The pickleball boom has fueled ambitious expansion plans for franchises like Pickleball Kingdom and The Picklr, but recent evidence points to significant delays and financial challenges for both. Despite aggressive franchise sales, only a fraction of promised locations are operational, and financial troubles threaten their growth in the competitive indoor pickleball market.
Expansion Delays Hinder Growth
Pickleball Kingdom, with over 350 franchises sold, has only 3% operational as of May 2025, signaling substantial delays. Social media discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight operational struggles, such as low player counts in locations like Seattle and Poulsbo, and a planned Athens, GA, site where owners reportedly backed out. High membership fees ($130/month) and competition from free outdoor courts further complicate openings, with poor timing—such as launching in late spring—exacerbating delays. The Picklr also shows signs of stalling. Its franchise disclosure reveals $12 million in deferred revenue, suggesting unfulfilled franchise obligations. Despite plans for 20 clubs in Japan over five years, operational challenges, including layoffs reported in July 2024, raise concerns about meeting expansion timelines. Negative reviews, as noted by CEO Jorge Barragan on LinkedIn, may further hinder franchisee efficiency and delay openings.
Financial Troubles Mount
Financial difficulties are evident for both franchises. Pickleball Kingdom faces criticism for high operational costs and underperforming locations. Reddit users have reported low attendance and market saturation, predicting “massive consolidation and closures.” A Wefranch review rated the franchise 3.0, citing poor execution and lack of support, while a July 2024 Reddit post raised concerns about overstated earnings, potentially linked to Pickleball Kingdom. The Picklr’s financial health appears even more precarious. A May 2025 analysis revealed $5 million in salaries against $3.3 million in revenue, indicating losses. Layoffs following a $59 million valuation in 2024 further underscore financial strain. Community feedback on platforms like SirShanksALot.com reflects investor skepticism, with users highlighting corporate losses despite potentially profitable franchises. While a shift to a membership-based model in 2023 boosted EBITDA, the salary-revenue gap and layoffs overshadow this progress.
Outlook and Challenges
Both Pickleball Kingdom and The Picklr face significant hurdles in sustaining their growth. Pickleball Kingdom’s low operational rate and high costs suggest a need for better market analysis and franchisee support to avoid closures. The Picklr must address its financial mismanagement and operational inefficiencies to fulfill expansion promises. As the pickleball market grows increasingly competitive, both franchises need strategic overhauls to navigate delays, manage costs, and build sustainable models. Without these adjustments, their ambitious visions risk falling short in the rapidly evolving pickleball landscape.
Sources: Reddit, Facebook, Wefranch, SirShanksALot.com, PR Newswire, CNBC, LinkedIn (as of July 5, 2025).
