“It’s become part of our life”: Nick Kyrgios expands pickleball push with The Picklr partnership

Nick Kyrgios continues to broaden his involvement in pickleball after signing an investment and sponsorship agreement with The Picklr, one of the fastest-growing pickleball club operators in the United States. The Australian tennis star joins the company as both an equity partner and athlete ambassador, marking another step in his growing business presence within the sport.

The partnership will see Kyrgios participate in promotional events, social media engagement and co-branded content designed to increase visibility for the company. The Picklr, which operates more than 100 locations across the United States, has rapidly expanded as interest in pickleball has surged in recent years.

Kyrgios’ involvement in pickleball has grown steadily alongside his tennis career. The former Wimbledon finalist has already invested in equipment manufacturer Vulcan Sporting Goods and apparel brand Stack Athletics, building a portfolio that reflects his increasing commitment to the sport’s commercial development.

The latest agreement also includes a product component. As part of the deal, The Picklr will receive an exclusive sales window from March 11 to March 17 for Kyrgios’ co-developed pickleball paddle, known as The Kyrgios, which was recently previewed during a media event in Las Vegas.

The Picklr confirmed the agreement on Tuesday, announcing that Kyrgios will join its professional team as both an investor and public ambassador for the brand. The company views his global profile as an opportunity to bring wider attention to pickleball and expand its reach beyond its core North American market.

In his role, Kyrgios will collaborate with the organisation on promotional campaigns while appearing at events organised by the brand. His presence is also expected to help strengthen engagement with members and fans across digital platforms as the company seeks to position itself at the centre of the sport’s rapid growth.

The partnership was welcomed by The Picklr’s leadership, with CEO and co-founder Jorge Barragan highlighting both Kyrgios’ sporting credentials and his enthusiasm for the sport. "Nick Kyrgios has been someone I've admired for years — his talent, his passion, and the way he commands a court are unlike anything in sports. But beyond the athlete, Nick genuinely believes in what we're building at The Picklr, and that's what makes this partnership so powerful. Together, we're going to introduce pickleball to a global audience in a way this sport has never seen."

Kyrgios has increasingly embraced pickleball as part of his off-court activities, often speaking about his enjoyment of the sport outside the demands of the ATP Tour. The 2022 Wimbledon finalist has frequently highlighted the social nature of pickleball, describing it as an activity he shares regularly with friends and family.

The Picklr partnership aligns with that personal connection while also reinforcing his broader commercial involvement in the sport. The company currently operates a growing network of indoor clubs and aims to expand further as participation numbers continue to rise across the United States.

The agreement also includes the launch of Kyrgios’ signature paddle, which will be available exclusively through The Picklr during the initial release period. Both members and non-members will be able to test and purchase the paddle at Picklr locations or through the company’s online store before wider distribution begins.

Kyrgios said the community aspect of the facilities played a major role in his decision to partner with the organisation. "When I play pickleball I enjoy it most when I am with my friends and family. It's become part of our life. And when we're at The Picklr, we're playing at a different level. The facilities, the courts, the community — it makes me a better player. When a place does that and brings people together at the same time, you know it's something special. That's why I wanted to be part of this."

With the agreement now in place, both Kyrgios and The Picklr expect the partnership to strengthen the sport’s visibility and accessibility. As pickleball continues its rapid expansion globally, the involvement of established tennis figures such as Kyrgios reflects how athletes are increasingly investing in the sport’s commercial future.