The Picklr Expands to Japan, Plans 20 Clubs

The indoor pickleball franchise has sold 500+ locations. Now it’s setting its sights on Asia

The Picklr, an indoor pickleball franchise backed by former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, is expanding to Japan through a master franchise agreement with Nippon Pickleball Holdings Co.

The first location is set to open in the Tokyo metropolitan area, building on The Picklr’s rapid rise — the franchise has sold more than 500 locations, with over 80 expected to open by year-end.

Over the next five years, the company plans to open 20 clubs across Japan in a mix of retail, office, light-industrial and purpose-built spaces.

“Japan is known for valuing precision, wellness and community — all things built into The Picklr DNA,” The Picklr CEO Jorge Barragan said. “Expansion into this market allows us a chance to help shape what pickleball looks like on a global stage. For us, Japan is more than a market — it’s a launchpad for how The Picklr can lead the charge in Asia, just like we’ve done in the U.S. We’re not just creating courts; we’re creating a culture. And we believe that culture will resonate in Japan.”

The Picklr’s Japan sites will maintain the same design, amenities, programming and membership structure as its U.S. and Canadian clubs, but the team will have leeway to forge local partnerships, the company says.

“Our mission is to set a new standard for the sport in Japan, combining professional-grade facilities, top-tier programming and a scalable model that can support long-term growth,” Nippon Pickleball Holdings CEO Kenton Stehr said. “Japan deserves a world-class pickleball experience, and it was clear, based on what The Picklr has built in the U.S., that we will be able to deliver that to the Japanese market.”

Last year, The Picklr closed a Series B funding round at a $59 million valuation, bringing its total raise to $9 million.