⛫ The Pickleball Franchise Boom - Where is it now?

We’re back with another episode of Empires - this time with the CEO and co-founder of Ace Pickleball Club, Jay Diederich.

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Jay Diedrich is the co-founder and CEO of Ace Pickleball Club.

The brand was the first to start franchising in 2023, before watching the floodgates open as other pickleball brands began piling into the sector.

While Jay believes the sport is stronger than ever today, he says there is an “avalanche” coming for many of the pickleball concepts today.

In our conversation, we discuss why clubs are struggling despite the sport’s popularity, why Ace paused franchising for now, AND why they’re expanding into media.

Jay talks about why he believes the sector is in for some pain before things get better.

> “I do think there's an avalanche coming. I really do.”**“It wouldn't shock me if at least half of existing operating clubs change hands, de-brand, close. It needs to do that to mature and take that next step.”

> “Pickleball is stronger than ever before…”“It’ll be in every high school within the next five years. It's moving very quickly in ways that I never would have thought. The pro scene has done nothing but grow”“I do think it's gonna be an Olympic sport.”"

> ““I think it's about which model wins out, not ‘do we have too many facilities or too many courts?’. And there will be brands that emerge, and I think they are gonna get a loyal following.”

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