North America’s Fastest-Growing Indoor Pickleball Facility to Open 65 Clubs in Canada
Winnipeg, MB. December 10 , 2024 – The Picklr, North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball
franchise, announced its first international expansion into Canada through its Master Franchisee,
Winnipeg based TPC Development Corporation (TPC). This strategic partnership plans to open over 65
new indoor pickleball clubs in Canada to meet the needs of a rapidly growing pickleball community.
“With more than 400 Picklr locations already sold across nearly every state in the U.S., and with the
sport’s popularity continuing to explode on both sides of the border, expanding to Canada was a no brainer,” says Jonathan Fornaci, Utah-based president and chief operating officer at The Picklr.
“Partnering with TPC brings a wealth of experience to the table. Led by a proven executive team, TPC
recognized the adoption rate of pickleball in Canada was approaching the same accelerated trajectory as
in the US. We are thrilled that Canadian players of all ages will soon benefit from the industry-leading
premier indoor pickleball playing experience.”
According to a recent report by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball has been the
fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for the last three years, with nearly 40 million participants. Nearly 30
per cent of all players are now in the 18-34 age bracket. There are an estimated two million active
picklers in Canada and while participation rates lag those in the U.S. by several years, the trend lines are
moving along the same trajectory.
The first Picklr franchise in Canada will open in 2025 as interest in franchise opportunities across the
country has far exceeded initial expectations. Over the next five years, it’s expected The Picklr Canada
franchisees will develop more than 500 courts at 65 facilities occupying more than two million square
feet of light industrial and retail space across the country.
The Canadian expansion is being facilitated by TPC Development Corp., the Master Franchisee of The
Picklr in Canada. Bernie Plett, Winnipeg-based CEO of TPC, says the Picklr has established a clear “first mover advantage” in the fast-growing market. TPC recently acquired the exclusive rights to develop,
open, operate and sub-franchise all of The Picklr Canada clubs from coast to coast, excluding Quebec.
The plan is to open 65 locations across British Columbia, Albert, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario,
Atlantic and Northern Canada by 2030.
A typical Picklr Club features between 8 and 14 indoor courts, dependent on real estate availability and
lease rates for appropriate properties, size of the local pickleball community and several other factors. A
population of 100,000 that meets a threshold mean income level would normally support a Picklr Club.
This proven franchise model unlocks exciting business opportunities for local sub-franchisees across
over 50 Canadian cities with many larger metropolitan areas expected to support multiple Picklr
locations.
The Picklr is now one of the largest tenants of commercial and retail space in the U.S, and Canadian
franchisees are expected to consume over 2 million square feet of high quality industrial and retail
space over the next 5 years. “Picklr Franchisees receive support identifying, leasing and constructing
the finest indoor facilities on the market.” commented Chris Walker, Chief Development Officer,
Picklr Inc. “Our proprietary location selection tools, construction experience and partnerships with
industry leading commercial real estate partners Colliers International and JLL help unlock locations
that others may not be able to access.”
The Picklr Canada will deliver the most consistent high-end courts available in Canada and is planning
to host top tier professional and amateur competitions across the country in partnership with the
Canadian National Pickleball League and future events on the PPA Tour.
ABOUT THE PICKLR:
The Picklr is North America’s fastest-growing network of premium indoor pickleball courts, offering an
unparalleled experience for players of all skill levels. With more than 400 state-of-the-art clubs sold
nationwide, The Picklr provides programs for beginners to pros, and a vibrant atmosphere. Membership to The Picklr includes access to all club locations nationwide, free court reservations, four clinics per month, and unlimited participation in leagues, competitive play/events and tournaments. Follow The Picklr and The Picklr Canada on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok for news on locations and
tournaments, or visit https://thepicklr.com/franchise/ to learn more about owning a franchise.
ABOUT TPC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION:
TPC Development Corporation is headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The company was founded by
Bernie Plett who has a combined 40-year career in investment banking, finance and investment counseling and a love of sports, and Robert Lloyd, an experienced technology leader, education advocate, and sports investor with a distinguished career that includes serving as president of development and sales at Cisco Systems, and as CEO of Los Angeles based Virgin Hyperloop One. TPC brings a world-class team of investors and leadership to deliver an exceptional customer experience for Canadian Picklr franchisees and members alike.
Picklr Canada Contact:
Mark Arndt, Chief Growth Officer
The Picklr Canada
mark.arndt@thepicklrcanada.ca
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