KKR-backed Bay Club expands its Greater Seattle campus with the acquisition of Arena Sports, a five-location sports, entertainment and fitness operator in the region
The Bay Club Company is deepening its foothold in the Pacific Northwest, acquiring indoor sports and entertainment brand Arena Sports, which operates five locations across the Greater Seattle area and brings Bay Club’s portfolio to 36 sites in total.
The move marks Bay Club’s fourth announced acquisition this year and adds a new layer of family-focused recreation to its growing Seattle Campus. The company, backed by private equity giant KKR, kicked off its growth push in late 2023 with the purchase of Pro Club’s Seattle and Bellevue locations, followed by Harbor Square Athletic Club in Edmonds, three 425 Fitness sites and, more recently, Griffin Club in Los Angeles.
Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.
“Arena Sports complements our Greater Seattle Campus by providing high-demand, family-centric experiences, which deepens our day-to-day relevance for members,” Bay Club executive vice president of new business development Victor Woo said.
Arena Sports, which has locations in Mill Creek, Magnuson, SoDo, Redmond and Issaquah, is known for its youth and adult soccer leagues, nationally recognized Lil’ Kickers and Skills Institute development programs and seasonal camps. The acquisition doesn’t include Lil’ Kickers Inc., the licensing arm that operates youth soccer and child development programs nationwide. Beyond sports, its facilities feature arcade games, inflatables, climbing walls and laser tag.
The acquisition does include Magnuson Athletic Club, a large fitness club in Seattle’s Magnuson Park area.
“The youth programs, camps and all-ages activities Arena Sports is known for are a natural fit for our merger and acquisition model and ushers in the next chapter of growth in the Pacific Northwest,” Woo said.
He also suggested the Arena Sports deal is only the beginning.
“Expect many more additions to our Greater Seattle Campus,” Woo said. “We’re just getting started — exciting things ahead.”
Arena Sports CEO Don Crowe, meanwhile, noted that joining the Bay Club family marks an exciting new chapter for the brand.
“Our mission has always been to bring families together through play, sports and memorable experiences,” Crowe said. “As we become part of Bay Club, we look forward to continuing that mission on an even larger scale, while maintaining the community feel our customers have always valued.”
Much of Bay Club’s expansion has also been complemented by its Shared Membership model, which allows up to eight people to join under one plan and customize their access to sports, fitness and social amenities.
