テニス元世界13位のニック・キリオス（Nick Kyrgios）が、米国で急成長中のピックルボール施設チェーン「The Picklr」にエクイティパートナー（出資者）兼アスリートアンバサダーとして参画することが発表された。あわせてThe Picklr限定の共同ブランドパドル「The Kyrgios」の先行販売も実施され、ピックルボール界に新たな話題をもたらしている。
Who is Nick Kyrgios—the former tennis star the pickleball world is watching
ニック・キリオスはオーストラリア出身のプロテニス選手（現在テニスからの引退を表明）。2022年ウィンブルドン準優勝の実績を持ち、コート上外問わず常に注目を集めてきた。
He has openly stated a switch to pickleball after retirement, and this investment in The Picklr signals a full-scale entry as a business. Kyrgios already holds investments in the pickleball equipment brand Vulcan (paddles) and Stack Athletics (apparel), and is involved in the pickleball industry across multiple ventures.
What kind of facility is The Picklr
The Picklr is a pickleball-focused facility chain with more than 100 locations, mainly in the U.S. Its model is characterized by featuring multiple indoor courts and providing lessons, tournaments, court reservations, and community activities all in one. With a business model like a pickleball version of a tennis club, it has rapidly expanded its number of locations in the 2020s.
Through this partnership, Kyrgios will take part in promotional events, produce collaborative social media content, and develop co-branded products.
The “The Kyrgios” paddle—early sale exclusive to The Picklr
The Picklr-exclusive “The Kyrgios” paddle had an early sale window at each Picklr location and on the official website (March 11-17). It's a model combining a high-performance carbon face with a proprietary core, with a design inspired by Kyrgios' aggressive playing style.
Famous athletes entering one after another—the wave of pickleball investment
In the pickleball world, the entry and investment of famous athletes has accelerated in recent years.Anna Leigh Waters's sponsorship deal with Nike, pro team ownership by LeBron James and others—moves that show the growth as a sports business is real keep coming. Kyrgios' entry looks set to become one of the factors accelerating this trend.
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FAQ
Q. Will Nick Kyrgios compete in matches as a professional pickleball player?
A. At this point there is no specific announcement of a pro tour entry, but appearances in exhibition matches are planned. More players are moving back and forth between tennis and pickleball, and future developments are worth watching.
Q. Is The Picklr coming to Japan?
A. There is no announcement of a Japan rollout at this point, but the successful model in North America could serve as a reference for an Asia expansion. A similar pickleball-specialist facility chain could emerge in Japan too.
Q. Where can I buy the “The Kyrgios” paddle?
A. It's a limited sale on The Picklr's U.S. official website and at each location. For international shipping to Japan, please check the guidance on the official website.
