Ballers, a new hospitality-forward sports concept, is aiming to shake up how Americans connect through athletics, with its first location set to open in Philadelphia this July at 1325 N. Beach Street.
The flagship facility will feature pickleball courts, three premium padel courts, two squash courts, a multipurpose turf field, four Golfzon simulators, a full-sized contoured putting green with real sand bunkers, dedicated recovery spaces and elevated dining.
But that’s just the start. Backed by a $30 million development pipeline, Ballers plans to expand into Boston’s Seaport and Miami by 2026, betting on the rising demand for racquet sports and social fitness experiences. Over the next seven to ten years, the team plans to open more than 50 locations in markets including Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Connecticut and Toronto, with its facilities outfitted with equipment from sports brands like Babolat and Joola. On the culinary side, Ballers has tapped award-winning chef Mitch Prensky to develop elevated menus with local specials tailored for each location.
“Ballers is more than a sports facility – we’re merging sport and culture, creating a social hub for fashion, art and community,” creative chief officer Potter said. “We believe that by tapping local tastemakers in every Ballers city and infusing each space with our own personal touches, we can craft experiences that feel truly one-of-a-kind.”
The idea for Ballers comes from industry veterans David Gutstadt and Amanda Potter, who cut their teeth at upscale lifestyle and fitness brand Equinox and its luxury hospitality offshoot, Equinox Hotels. Partners in both business and life, the duo developed the concept alongside Daniel Bassichis of Vero Capital and Good City Studio.
The team has already secured $20 million in Series A funding led by Sharp Alpha and RHC Group. The round drew a roster of high-profile backers, including tennis legends Andre Agassi, Kim Clijsters and Sloane Stephens, World No. 3 pickleball player Connor Garnett, MLS goalkeeper and padel enthusiast Maarten Paes and Philadelphia 76ers co-owner David Blitzer.
“Having played tennis in college, racquet sports have always been a passion of mine,” Ballers CEO Gutstadt said. “So when we saw the opportunity to marry the powerful trend and innovations in urban social sports, including pickleball, padel and golf, with our unique expertise in design and community-building, we went all in on Ballers. The incredible response to our Philadelphia pop-up last year showed us that people are craving this connection through sports, and we’re excited to show that when paired with unparalleled hospitality, athletics can go beyond just leagues, lessons or court time.”
Ballers will offer tiered memberships ranging from $99 to $499 per month, with perks including luxury locker rooms and access to fitness and recovery amenities like saunas, cold plunges and compression therapy. Members will also get early access to court bookings, exclusive programming and events with partner athletes. The venues won’t be members-only, though; non-members will be able to book courts, host events, and enjoy the social spaces on a drop-in basis.
“Consumers are prioritizing meaningful shared experiences and lasting connections,” Sharp Alpha managing partner Lloyd Danzig said. “Competition is the fastest-growing centerpiece for socialization. Modern urban country clubs sit right at the intersection of these trends. We are excited to back the veteran team behind Ballers at this important inflection point.”
