7 Things You Must Know Before Creating A Pickleball Facility

7 Things You Must Know Before Creating A Pickleball Facility

Pickleball facilities are popping up everywhere, but not all of them succeed. While demand for the sport continues to grow, profitability depends on far more than just building courts and opening the doors. Before you commit significant capital, here are seven things you absolutely need to understand.

1. Court Count and Layout Drive Everything

The number of courts you build affects nearly every part of your business: revenue potential, staffing needs, rent affordability, and even customer experience. Too few courts can cap growth quickly, while too many can create underutilization and cash flow strain early on.

2. Indoor vs. Outdoor Changes the Risk Profile

Indoor facilities typically command higher pricing and consistent year-round demand, but come with significantly higher build-out and operating costs. Outdoor facilities are cheaper to launch, but revenue is more seasonal and weather-dependent. Many operators underestimate how much this decision affects long-term stability.

3. Court Rentals Alone Are Rarely Enough

Facilities that rely only on hourly court rentals often struggle to cover fixed costs. The strongest operators layer in memberships, leagues, tournaments, lessons, and events to increase utilization and smooth revenue volatility.

4. Utilization Matters More Than Price

Raising prices doesn’t fix low utilization. What matters most is how many hours per day each court is actually booked. Peak vs. off-peak demand, league scheduling, and membership access all play a role. This is where realistic assumptions matter more than optimistic ones.

5. Labor and Operating Costs Add Up Quickly

Front desk staff, instructors, cleaning, maintenance, and extended operating hours can quietly eat into margins. Many first-time owners focus on build-out costs and underestimate ongoing expenses that persist regardless of demand.

6. Lenders and Investors Expect Real Numbers

If you’re seeking financing, passion for pickleball isn’t enough. Banks and investors want to see how assumptions like court usage, pricing, staffing, and growth translate into revenue, expenses, and cash flow over time. Clear projections can be the difference between approval and rejection.

7. The Best Operators Model Before They Build

Successful facility owners test different scenarios before committing capital. What happens if utilization ramps slower than expected? What if staffing costs rise? Modeling these questions early helps avoid expensive mistakes later.

Final Takeaway

Building a pickleball facility can be a strong opportunity, but only if the numbers work. The most successful owners take time upfront to understand demand, costs, and cash flow before committing to leases or construction. Doing this groundwork early gives you clarity, confidence, and a far better chance of long-term success.