DILL DINKERS White Marsh , Maryland ( Courtesy of Dill Dinkers )
confusing playing on gym floors that are also marked for basketball and volleyball . So many lines !)
Mackie cites two main reasons why the number of indoor courts has increased by approximately 40 percent in three years :
1 . Space Availability . “ It ’ s often easier to find existing infrastructure that can be converted to pickleball , like warehouses , vacant retail space at malls , [ closed ] Bed Bath & Beyond stores . There can be savings from leveraging existing parking lots . In some markets like New York and L . A ., finding existing outdoor space is almost impossible .”
2 . Consistency . “ You can offer players a consistent experience year-round and control the weather , seasons , wind , etc .”
Hundreds of indoor clubs have opened recently or will open during the first half of 2025 . By the end of this year , the indoor pickleball scene will look vastly different than it does now . A few larger cities will have two indoor pickleball clubs . The facilities will open as early as 6 a . m . and close as late as midnight , depending upon location .
This is exciting news for pickleball players who want to control exactly when they play and have short or no wait times , prefer playing indoors and don ’ t mind paying for it . Membership fees range from $ 40 per month to $ 200 or more depending on the club and membership tier . For example , you might have to pay for reserving courts if your membership fee is lower . A higher membership tier might include more perks , like unlimited play without booking fees and some free clinics .
Most indoor clubs offer lessons , leagues and tournaments . Some will allow you to rent a ball machine if you want to practice . Many clubs will set aside certain courts based on player level . Club owners say they want no beginner to feel intimidated .
Pickleball Magazine contacted representatives of several of the larger indoor pickleball clubs and all said that business has met or exceeded their initial goals , though none would discuss specific revenue numbers or projections .
There are currently at least four major players nationwide in the indoor pickleball club business : Ace Pickleball , Dill Dinkers , Pickleball Kingdom , and The Picklr . There are smaller indoor clubs as well ( in terms of the number of current locations ) including The Pickle Pad and PickleRage . These clubs are for both hardcore advanced players and those completely new to the game . They focus primarily on open play , and food and drink offerings will be minimal . Some will have a pro shop and offer demo paddles .
The Picklr has opened 23 clubs . Co-founder Austin Wood said 60 more will open this year , and that a whopping 390 franchises have been sold across the U . S . and 65 in Canada .
Some indoor clubs such as Dill Dinkers set a limit on memberships to avoid wait times . A spokesperson said , “ We cap memberships to maintain quality playing conditions , avoid overbooking and provide a positive experience for our members .” Dill Dinkers has a dozen open clubs and 385 committed locations .
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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2025 | MAGAZINE 43