In recent months, the pickleball franchise announces expansion moves in three states.
By Andrew Carlo
Pickleball Kingdom has revealed numerous growth moves including the opening of its latest club in Lynnwood, Washington.
The Lynnwood facility is expected to open in early 2025 in a former Bed Bath & Beyond location. The 37,0000-square-foot location will include 12 indoor courts. John and Mara Hylton are the franchise duo behind the new club.
“The community is incredibly excited to have a Pickleball Kingdom in Lynnwood,” said John Hylton. “With the rain being an issue most of the year and the large number of pickleball players and limited outdoor courts in the community, we are so excited to bring an indoor location to the area.”
John and Mara are siblings with strong ties to the Pacific Northwest who bring a wealth of experience to their roles. John, owner and CEO of the Lynwood courts, has over two decades while developing and managing real estate projects throughout the region. Mara, head of operations, brings decades of experience as a business owner serving the tech industry, excelling in HR, marketing, and business development.
“When we learned the Bed Bath & Beyond building was available, we were super excited,” Mara said. “It was a 10/10 for what we were looking for. It is a landmark in the North Seattle area and is surrounded by some great residential and retail areas.”
The Lynnwood club will feature:
- State-of-the-art indoor courts that are engineered to deliver the best playing conditions, combining outdoor court surfaces with indoor benefits to ensure perfect play regardless of the weather.
- Professional coaching and clinics: Catering to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned players.
- Youth programs: Inspiring the next generation to take up and enjoy the sport.
- Leagues and tournaments: Designed for players seeking competitive play opportunities.
- Community and corporate events that can promote a sense of camaraderie and community among members.
According to Ace Rodrigues, founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom, the region of the new facility is no stranger to the sport.
“The state of Washington is renowned for its passionate pickleball community, Lynnwood is an excellent choice for Pickleball Kingdom,” Rodrigues said. “John and Mara Hylton bring extensive experience and are committed to providing top-tier facilities and a welcoming environment. We’re thrilled to bring our brand to this vibrant community.”
Pickleball Kingdom said it offers franchisees the highest industry AUV (average unit volume) per location, underscoring the strength of its business model and the comprehensive support provided to franchise owners.
The franchise opened its first location in Chandler, Arizona in 2002. After a year of operations and perfecting its system, Pickleball Kingdom was ready to expand nationally through franchising. The company began reviewing franchise applications in May of 2023. About 6 months later, nearly 100 franchise clubs had been awarded.
“John and Mara have a deep commitment to their community, which is at the heart of what we strive for at Pickleball Kingdom,” said Rob Streett, COO of Pickleball Kingdom. “Their leadership will be key in elevating the player experience and ensuring the success of our expansion in the Lynnwood area.”
In recent months, Pickleball Kingdom has announced openings slated for Huntsville, Alabama along with North Dallas, North Fort Worth, and Pflugerville Texas.
For more information on the franchise process Pickleball Kingdom, click here.
