The Picklr Expands to Japan with Plans for 20 New Clubs

Pickleball’s international footprint just got bigger.

The Picklr, the world’s largest indoor pickleball franchise, announced plans this week to open 20 new clubs in Japan over the next five years.

The Picklr, a major U.S.-based indoor pickleball franchise, announced plans this week to open 20 new clubs in Japan over the next five years.

The company’s first Japanese facility is expected to open in the Tokyo metro area, with additional locations targeted in cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka.

The move comes through a master franchise agreement with Nippon Pickleball Holdings Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-based company already involved in local pickleball growth through brands like Mino Pickleball and Pickle Tokyo.

According to The Picklr CEO Jorge Barragan, Japan’s culture of precision, wellness, and community aligns well with what the brand offers—namely, modern indoor facilities, structured programming, and a social atmosphere for players of all levels.

The facilities are expected to follow the same format as those in the United States: a mix of retail and purpose-built venues that house competitive leagues, clinics, and drop-in play. The Picklr’s U.S. headquarters will offer operational support while the local franchise adapts to the Japanese market.

Year to date, The Picklr has sold more than 500 locations globally, with plans for more than 80 to open by the end of 2025—a sign that demand for structured indoor pickleball is growing just as fast as the sport itself.

Asia’s Broader Pickleball Momentum

This expansion is one of several recent moves pointing to the sport’s growth across Asia.

The Dink Minor League Pickleball launched in China in late 2024 through our partners at Full Send Pickleball (孚信匹克球) and Track Ops Media.

In just a few months, they ran over 30 events across DUPR 12, 14, and 16 divisions—and in 2025, they're set to expand to 300+ events in 15 cities, with hopes of sending a Chinese team to this year’s The Dink MiLP National Championship.

And while we’re on the subject of global growth, we’ve had the chance to work with The Picklr before. Back in 2023, we teamed up with Katy Perry's Firework Foundation and The Picklr for the biggest giveaway in pickleball history: an entire pickleball facility gifted to one lucky city.

Yup, Katy Perry LOVES pickleball, and yes, that really happened.

The Picklr’s expansion into Japan shows just how global pickleball is getting. Brands and organizers are rushing to keep up building new courts, launching national events, and setting up international tournaments.

With Japan’s strong sports culture, dense cities, and solid infrastructure, it’s well-positioned to lead the charge outside North America.

Don’t be surprised if things start shifting in a big way.