Pickleball Kingdom Inks Massive Lease in Fort Worth

Pickleball, too, is bigger in Texas.

That’s a point Dan Jenkins and his Chandler, Arizona-based Pickleball Kingdom is making to the benefit of commercial real estate landlords in the DFW market, where the paddle entrepreneur is planning its biggest venue yet, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.

The move comes as the sport that had the buzz of a fad a couple of years ago settles into seeming staying power — enough for Jenkins to lease a 48,000-square-foot facility near the boundary line between the north side of Fort Worth and the suburb of Keller. The venue, under the banner of the franchiser’s Pickleball Kingdom-North Texas territory — is expected to open in the first quarter of next year at 5650 Kroger Drive.

The Fort Worth location will have 17 courts open to members and walk-ins, with a pro shop, locker rooms, lounge and a snack bar. The place is expected to serve as a hub of the sport, hosting lessons, leagues and tournaments.

Pickleball Kingdom-North Texas is expected to open a smaller location at Galleria Dallas shopping mall later this year.

Jenkins also has plans for Pickleball Kingdom for Haltom City on Fort Worth’s northern flank.

Pickleball Kingdom started with a single, company-owned location in Arizona two years ago and now has 100 franchise operations in 13 states. Its growth locally is spread throughout the Texas Triangle, with locations in the Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and College Station markets.

Its expansion comes as the DFW market sees tight demand for retail and entertainment space, with a vacancy rate under 5 percent, according data from Partners Real Estate.

The Kroger Drive building is a warehouse, owned by an LLC with an address in Tyler. The 79,000-square-foot building received a property tax appraisal of $4.4 million this year.