The Picklr, the indoor pickleball franchise, is entering Australia and New Zealand with a plan to open 50 clubs across the region — 44 in Australia and six in New Zealand — over the next several years.
The Picklr signed a master franchise agreement with TPM Partners Pty Ltd, founded by Robert Pistilli, Anthony Liveris and Brett Clark.
The Picklr’s first Australian facility is set to open in Sydney, with all facilities modeled after those in the U.S. Facilities will be developed in big-box retail and warehouse-style spaces, ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 square feet, and located near densely populated residential neighborhoods.
“Australia and New Zealand have been on our radar since we began thinking about international expansion. Pickleball is no longer just a trend – it’s a global movement redefining how people connect through sport,” said Jorge Barragan, CEO of The Picklr. “Both Australia and New Zealand are rapidly growing their pickleball communities, with new clubs, courts, and players joining the game every day. These are markets that understand the power of sport to build connection and community. With TPM Partners leading the charge locally, we’re confident we can deliver the same premium Picklr experience that’s been fueling our momentum across North America.”
“Originally from the U.S., I witnessed first-hand the explosive growth of pickleball in America as the sport surpassed both golf and tennis in terms of participants in a very short period of time,” said Pistilli, CEO of TPM Partners (dba “The Picklr Australia and New Zealand”) … I am excited to partner with Jorge and his team to bring The Picklr and the world’s fastest growing sport Down Under.”
Year-to-date, The Picklr has expanded into Japan and Canada, with over 500 locations planned worldwide in the next few years.
Image courtesy The Picklr
