Ballers is ballin’ thanks to a $20m series A headlined by tennis star Andre Agassi.
Oh, what’s Ballers? It’s a social club for people who like to play sports, set to open its first location in Philadelphia this summer.
Pickleball, squash, padel, golf, and soccer, with memberships ranging between $99 and $499, per Sportico.
The concept comes via husband-and-wife duo David Gutstadt and Amanda Potter, according to Sports Business Journal. They met while working corporate jobs at luxury gym chain Equinox and later co-founded gym/co-work concept Fitler Club, also in Philly.
Potter has described it as “an urban version” of a country club, and there are already plans to expand to Boston, Miami, and LA, with the goal of 50+ additional US locations in the next 7-10 years.
People love swinging rackets around these days:
… people today are also looking to make friends, especially outside of traditional third spaces.
As consumers — especially younger generations — drink less, bars and night clubs are out, while social clubs that prioritize wellness are on the rise, whether that’s a communal sauna, indoor golf club, or the good ol’ climbing gym.
To that end, Ballers will also have a restaurant and bar, plus activations like art installations, DJs, or other incentives to mingle off the court.
Fun fact: Private padel courts have apparently become a status symbol for luxury homes and buildings, according to Fox Business, with one real estate agency saying they’re replacing the allure of the private basketball court.