Pickleball is rapidly growing into a national pastime, and forward-thinking developers are capitalizing on the trend by bringing the sport indoors. This shift makes sense, considering the long-standing tradition of playing tennis and squash in climate-controlled environments year-round.
Indoor Pickleball Expansion in the Tri-State Area
While towns like Clarkstown and Orangetown focus on building outdoor pickleball courts, a trio of siblings is leading the charge to develop 20 Dill Dinkers locations in Rockland, Westchester, and Bergen Counties. Dill Dinkers, a Maryland-based indoor pickleball franchise founded in 2022, has quickly expanded, operating five locations in Maryland and Virginia. Since launching its franchising program in September 2023, the company has signed over 375 developers nationwide.
Recently, Dill Dinkers secured a regional development agreement with AGM Pickleball Clubs LLC, run by the Fiala siblings. This group has a business background in Preschool Playhouse, a company their parents founded in Blauvelt in the 1970s.
“We are the regional developers for Bergen, Rockland, and Westchester,” said Adam Fiala, who, along with his siblings Michael and Janine, holds exclusive rights to the territory. Their plan includes opening a flagship location, followed by 19 additional franchises.
Pickleball’s Explosive Growth
Pickleball has been likened to a Labradoodle—a sought-after hybrid of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. Initially popular among older adults, the sport has evolved into a cross-generational favorite.
“It’s fun, low-impact, and community-based,” said Adam Fiala, who comes from a hotel and restaurant management background. “Pickleball is a sport to watch. I hope to see it in the Olympics one day.”
The data backs up pickleball’s meteoric rise. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in America for three consecutive years. From 2022 to 2023, participation surged by 51.8%, marking a staggering 223.5% increase over three years.
While many associate the sport with an older demographic, SFIA reports that the largest participant group—2.3 million people—is actually between the ages of 25 and 34. Additionally, over 1 million children under 18 joined the sport between 2022 and 2023, signaling a broadening appeal.
Dill Dinkers and the Future of Pickleball Franchising
The Fiala siblings’ journey into pickleball began when Adam attended a franchise trade show at the Jacob Javits Center, where he met Dill Dinkers‘ founder, Will Richards. Intrigued, he visited the company’s Maryland locations and soon convinced his siblings to join the venture.
“I feel like it’s time to branch out, and I am madly in love with pickleball,” said Fiala. “All three of us have business experience. We are equal partners, sharing the responsibilities.”
As regional developers, the Fialas are responsible for recruiting franchisees and supporting local Dill Dinkers operators. Their immediate priority is securing their first location—a challenge given the need for large indoor spaces.
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“We’ve been looking at everything from retail spaces to warehouses in all three markets, but it’s been tough to find the right fit,” said Fiala. They are targeting 15,000-square-foot spaces for six courts or 30,000-square-foot facilities for twelve courts, with minimum 18-foot ceilings and column-free layouts to ensure smooth gameplay.
Ideal locations include West Nyack, New City, or North Rockland, though Fiala notes that visibility on major roads like Route 59 isn’t essential, as “pickleball courts are a destination, and people will find us.”
Real Estate Meets Pickleball: A New Market Opportunity
Pickleball’s boom is also creating opportunities in the real estate sector. Landlords struggling with vacant retail spaces, underperforming malls, and empty warehouses are increasingly repurposing properties into sports and entertainment venues. Private companies are also partnering with municipalities to sponsor and subsidize courts.
The Fialas plan to operate streamlined facilities focused on high-quality courts rather than large-scale entertainment venues. Their locations will include locker rooms and pro shops, with annual memberships estimated at $400.
Pickleball’s Future: More Than Just a Sport
According to SFIA, over 13.6 million people played pickleball in the U.S. in 2023—an 85.7% year-over-year increase from 2022. This rapid growth is attributed to the sport’s accessibility, social nature, and appeal across all age groups. In fact, the average age of players has dropped from 41 in 2020 to 38.1 in 2021, reflecting its increasing popularity among younger demographics.
Fiala believes that indoor pickleball clubs will thrive year-round, offering leagues, kids’ clinics, and community events.
“Pickleball is not just a sport—it’s a community. Leagues build friendships, and these clubs will be gathering places,” he said.
With pickleball’s unstoppable growth and Dill Dinkers’ ambitious expansion, the sport’s future in Rockland, Westchester, and Bergen Counties looks brighter than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, there’s never been a better time to pick up a paddle and join the fun!
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