Life Time Takes Pickleball to the Next Level with Exclusive New Ball
In response to growing frustration with inconsistent pickleball balls, Life Time, a luxury fitness club company, has created its own "ultimate pickleball" to improve the sport’s experience for its members. The new ball, set to debut exclusively at Life Time clubs later this month, was developed under the guidance of Life Time's CEO and founder, Bahram Akradi, who has been deeply invested in pickleball's rapid rise. Akradi's commitment to the sport is part of Life Time's broader strategy, which has already seen significant returns, including a 57% rise in the company's stock this year.
Life Time’s dedication to pickleball is evident not just in its new ball but in its massive investment in the sport. The company has already poured between $50 million and $100 million into expanding pickleball facilities across its "athletic country clubs," boasting over 700 permanent courts with plans to reach 1,000 by 2025. The creation of this specialized ball is another step in Life Time's mission to enhance the pickleball experience, ensuring consistency and quality for all players. The ball will soon be available in Life Time's racquet sports pro shops and online, though pricing details are still being finalized.
In addition to improving the player experience, Life Time is making significant strides in promoting pickleball on a professional level. The company hosts tournaments for Major League Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association and has formed partnerships with prominent figures like tennis legend Andre Agassi and top pickleball player Ben Johns. With these efforts, Life Time aims to solidify its role as a leader in the sport, with hopes that its new pickleball will become the standard across professional organizations in the near future.
