Nick Kyrgios Appointed as Investor and Ambassador for North America's Largest Indoor Pickleball Franchise 'Picklr'
Nihon Pickleball Holdings (NPBH) announced that global tennis icon Nick Kyrgios has joined 'Picklr', North America's fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise, as a shareholder and ambassador. His signature gear will also be available in Japan.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 6, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 6, 2026 at 09:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 03:52 (354h 51m after Collected)
Nihon Pickleball Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Charles Steer, hereinafter NPBH) announces to the Japanese market that global tennis icon Nick Kyrgios has joined 'Picklr', North America's largest indoor pickleball franchise, as a shareholder and athlete ambassador.
Known as a Wimbledon finalist and with tennis fans worldwide from the Australian Open and beyond, Nick Kyrgios is already a shareholder in the pickleball brand Vulcan and Stack Athletics. With his participation in 'Picklr', the fastest-growing indoor pickleball brand in North America with over 500 clubs nationwide, he will further expand his ownership and influence in the pickleball world.
In Japan, 'Paddle Up', operated by NPBH, has started carrying the Kyrgios pro model paddle 'The Kyrgios'. Paddle Up also carries Vulcan brand paddles, bags, and balls—a brand in which Kyrgios has ownership—making it the only shop in Japan where pickleball fans can obtain gear associated with Kyrgios.
NPBH has been developing the domestic rollout as the master franchisee of Picklr in Japan since last year and plans to open its first facility in Tokyo by the end of 2026.
## Comment from Nick Kyrgios
"Pickleball is the most fun when you're with family and friends. Before we knew it, it became a part of our lives. Playing at Picklr is just on another level. The facilities, the courts, the community—everything makes you a better player. You realize that a place that truly brings people together is something special. That's exactly why I wanted to be a part of this."
## Comment from George Barragan (Co-founder and CEO of Picklr)
"Nick Kyrgios is an athlete for whom I have held the utmost respect for many years. His exceptional talent, passion, and overwhelming presence on the court are truly one of a kind in the sports world. Beyond his appeal as an athlete, Nick genuinely believes in what Picklr is building right now. That resonance is exactly what this partnership
Known as a Wimbledon finalist and with tennis fans worldwide from the Australian Open and beyond, Nick Kyrgios is already a shareholder in the pickleball brand Vulcan and Stack Athletics. With his participation in 'Picklr', the fastest-growing indoor pickleball brand in North America with over 500 clubs nationwide, he will further expand his ownership and influence in the pickleball world.
In Japan, 'Paddle Up', operated by NPBH, has started carrying the Kyrgios pro model paddle 'The Kyrgios'. Paddle Up also carries Vulcan brand paddles, bags, and balls—a brand in which Kyrgios has ownership—making it the only shop in Japan where pickleball fans can obtain gear associated with Kyrgios.
NPBH has been developing the domestic rollout as the master franchisee of Picklr in Japan since last year and plans to open its first facility in Tokyo by the end of 2026.
## Comment from Nick Kyrgios
"Pickleball is the most fun when you're with family and friends. Before we knew it, it became a part of our lives. Playing at Picklr is just on another level. The facilities, the courts, the community—everything makes you a better player. You realize that a place that truly brings people together is something special. That's exactly why I wanted to be a part of this."
## Comment from George Barragan (Co-founder and CEO of Picklr)
"Nick Kyrgios is an athlete for whom I have held the utmost respect for many years. His exceptional talent, passion, and overwhelming presence on the court are truly one of a kind in the sports world. Beyond his appeal as an athlete, Nick genuinely believes in what Picklr is building right now. That resonance is exactly what this partnership