---
title: "Pickleball Kingdom Signs Multi-Unit Franchise Deal With MLS Pros"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/55618d2a-a30b-4f0d-bf63-85abd103bac9
source: "Athletech News"
original_url: https://athletechnews.com/pickleball-kingdom-signs-multi-unit-franchise-deal-with-mls-pros/
author: "Courtney Rehfeldt"
category: "Boutique fitness"
industry: "Fitness"
segment: "Boutique fitness"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2025-04-07T18:21:35.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T17:14:58.683Z
image: https://athletechnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/KC_and_St_Louis_press_release_franchisee_photo-e1744050082574.webp
---

# Pickleball Kingdom Signs Multi-Unit Franchise Deal With MLS Pros

**TL;DR:** Pickleball Kingdom has signed a multi-unit franchise deal with MLS pros Justen Glad, Andrew Brody, and business veterans JJ Miller and Calon Heindel to open three indoor pickleball clubs in Utah, Kansas, and Missouri. The new locations will offer professional coaching, youth development programs, and community events.

*By Courtney Rehfeldt, originally published in Athletech News on 2025-04-07. [Read the original](https://athletechnews.com/pickleball-kingdom-signs-multi-unit-franchise-deal-with-mls-pros/).*

## Story

Three new indoor pickleball clubs from Pickleball Kingdom are set to open in Utah, Kansas and Missouri following a multi-unit franchise agreement signed by professional MLS athletes Justen Glad, Andrew Brody and business veterans JJ Miller and Calon Heindel.

The franchisor’s climate-controlled indoor pickleball facilities are geared to players of all ages and skill levels and offer professional coaching and clinics, youth development programs, leagues and tournaments and community and corporate events.

“We’re proud to welcome Justen, Andrew, JJ and Calon to the Pickleball Kingdom family,” Pickleball Kingdom founder and CEO Ace Rodrigues said. “Their unique blend of professional athleticism and business acumen makes them an ideal team to bring our premier indoor pickleball experience to Utah, Kansas and Missouri.”

The new Pickleball Kingdom franchise partners are currently scouting ideal locations across the three states.

“We are truly passionate about pickleball and excited to bring the ultimate indoor pickleball experience to Utah and Kansas,” Glad, Brody, Miller and Heindel said in a joint statement. “Pickleball is growing so rapidly, and the demand has never been higher. Our goal is simple—create a welcoming environment where everyone can learn, play and enjoy the game as much as we do.

For us, pickleball is more than just a game. It promotes health, connection and community. It might sound cheesy, but that’s really what we’re all about—offering a place for all ages and skill levels to thrive and building something meaningful through an active lifestyle and shared experiences.”

The popular sport offers the type of leisure-based experience that has captured the attention of Gen Z, according to a recent note issued by Bank of America.

## Entities

- Fitness (sector)
- Athletech News (publication)
- franchise agreement (topic)
- Courtney Rehfeldt (person)
- multi-unit development (topic)
- expansion (topic)
- Utah (location)
- missouri (location)
- Kansas (location)
- indoor pickleball (topic)
- Pickleball Kingdom (company)
- Ace Rodrigues (person)

---
Originally reported by Courtney Rehfeldt, Athletech News (https://athletechnews.com/pickleball-kingdom-signs-multi-unit-franchise-deal-with-mls-pros/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/55618d2a-a30b-4f0d-bf63-85abd103bac9).