New Tennessee location to join franchises in Nashville, Hendersonville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Murfreesboro.
By Andrew Carlo
Pickleball Kingdom is maintaining a full court press in the sports franchise community.
The company announced that Knoxville, Tennessee will be the home of one the franchise’s latest locations. A new, state-of-the art facility will be helmed by franchisees Bappa Mukherji, Anjali Mukherji Doria, and Jake Doria.
Knoxville’s club joins Pickleball Kingdom’s growing presence in Tennessee, with additional locations already underway in Nashville, Hendersonville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Murfreesboro.
“Knoxville is the perfect place for Pickleball Kingdom to take root,” said Ace Rodrigues, founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom. “Bappa, Anjali, and Jake share a passion for pickleball and building strong community connections. Their leadership and commitment to excellence will make this location a centerpiece for players in the region.”
This facility will feature climate-controlled indoor courts, modern lounge spaces, and comprehensive programs for players of all ages and skill levels. The club will offer coaching, clinics, youth programs, tournaments, and league play.
“Pickleball is more than a sport – it’s a way to bring people together,” said Mukherji.
Anjali Mukherji Doria added, “Our goal is to create a space where everyone feels welcome, whether they’re experienced players or picking up a paddle for the first time.”
Anjali is the executive director of the Dava Foundation where she helps open and operate charities for rural hospitals. Additionally, she is the Chairman and President of Coffee Cares, a local nonprofit organization that helps relieve medical debt in Coffee County, Tennessee.
Jake, a healthcare professional with extensive business experience, according to Pickleball Kingdom, describes the club as “a hub for fun, fitness, and fostering new friendships in Knoxville.”
A timetable for a grand opening has yet to be revealed.
The news in Knoxville follows announcements that Pickleball Kingdom has plans for new franchised locations in Birmingham, Alabama and Little Rock, Arkansas. Pickleball Kingdom previously announced expansion moves in Washington, Wisconsin, Texas, New Jersey, and South Carolina.
Since Pickleball Kingdom opened its first location in Chandler, Arizona in 2022, about 100 franchises have been awarded. Click here for a full slate of Pickleball Kingdom locations in development.
Visit pickleballkingdom.com/franchise/ for more information about opportunities.
