The Picklr pickleball franchise files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

The Picklr, a rapidly expanding indoor pickleball franchise, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Founded in 2021, the company operates over 70 locations in the United States, as well as clubs in Australia, Canada, and Japan.

CEO Jorge Barragan attributed the filing to the company acting as a guarantor for facility lease payments for approximately 40 early franchisees, which created an unmanageable financial burden. The company reported a net loss of $4.4 million on $10.3 million in revenue for 2025, with total liabilities reaching approximately $19 million as of late March. The bankruptcy process is intended to allow the company to renegotiate lease agreements with landlords.

Despite the filing, investors have expressed confidence in the brand's future. Tom Neale, CEO of Arete Sports Group, has committed $4.8 million in financing to sponsor the reorganization. Notable investor and franchisee Drew Brees is also expected to remain involved. The company stated it does not expect individual locations to be affected by the proceedings.