Ace Pickleball Club

Ace Pickleball Club operates as a franchise-based business providing indoor pickleball facilities to accommodate the sport's growing demand. The company was founded in 2022 by Jay Diederich and Joe Sexton, two veterans of the franchise industry. Their collective experience includes significant roles at established franchise brands such as Sky Zone Trampoline Parks, GNC, and Mathnasium Learning Centers. The founders' journey into this venture was sparked by personal passion; Diederich discovered pickleball during the pandemic and, at his wife's suggestion, recognized the market gap for year-round, indoor courts that eliminate weather-related disruptions.

The business operates on a franchise model, with the parent company offering franchises for clubs that provide pickleball courts, leagues, tournaments, and special events. Revenue is generated primarily through a simplified membership model, where a single monthly fee typically grants members unlimited access to open play, clinics, tournaments, and other events without additional charges. This all-inclusive approach simplifies operations and is designed to build a loyal community. The company also generates revenue from an initial franchise fee of approximately $60,000, ongoing royalty fees of 7%, and a 1% marketing fee from franchisees. Clubs are strategically located in retail spaces of 25,000 to 40,000 square feet, housing between eight and sixteen professional-grade, cushioned courts.

Ace Pickleball Club's core service is providing a high-quality, accessible playing experience. A key differentiator is its "open play" model, which allows members to drop in and join games at their convenience without needing to reserve a court in advance. This system caters to the majority of players who seek flexibility and social engagement. The facilities feature climate control, professional-grade courts to reduce player strain, and technology like PlaySight cameras for instant replays. In addition to court time, clubs host a variety of programs including free "Pickleball 101" clinics for newcomers, leagues, social mixers, and even glow-in-the-dark pickleball events. While some locations have grab-and-go refreshments and a pro-shop, the business model intentionally avoids complex food and beverage operations to maintain a lean, scalable structure focused on the sport itself.

Keywords: pickleball club, indoor sports facility, franchise business, membership model, open play, sports franchise, Jay Diederich, Joe Sexton, cushioned courts, pickleball leagues, pickleball tournaments, community sports, recreational sports, franchise development, Sky Zone, sports facility management, year-round sports, professional courts, pickleball community, athletic clubs