REGINA — Pickleball’s rapid rise in Canada just took a major step forward, with a new agreement set to bring premium indoor facilities to both Saskatoon and Regina.
Canadian-owned The Picklr Canada has signed a multi-unit development agreement with Saskatchewan Pickleball Clubs Ltd., paving the way for a network of high-end indoor pickleball clubs across the province and marking what the companies say is a first-of-its-kind expansion deal in Canada.
The partnership grants Saskatchewan Pickleball Clubs Ltd. the exclusive rights to develop, build and operate a series of Picklr subfranchises in Saskatoon and Regina, with additional locations being considered as demand grows.
At the centre of the local ownership group is longtime Saskatoon pickleball builder Larry Owen, a familiar figure in the provincial scene who has spent years coaching, organizing leagues and helping grow the sport from community courts into a structured competitive network.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with Saskatchewan Pickleball Clubs Ltd. as we expand our footprint into Saskatchewan,” said Rob Lloyd, president of The Picklr Canada. “This agreement underscores our dedication to providing top-tier pickleball experiences and further solidifies Picklr Canada’s position as a leader in the indoor pickleball market.”
Lloyd also called the deal a milestone moment for the brand, describing it as the company’s first multi-unit development agreement signed in Canada.
On the local side, Owen says the partnership reflects years of groundwork already laid in Saskatchewan’s fast-growing pickleball community.
“We have been investigating this business opportunity for several years,” Owen said, “and were most impressed by the comprehensive membership programming, systems and club design that elevates the Picklr player experience above any other options we were considering.”
He highlighted the model’s flexibility, including an unlimited-play membership that allows access to more than 70 Picklr clubs across North America through a single app-based system.
“It has been a lengthy search and we are excited that everything is moving so quickly in both cities,” Owen added.
The first facility is already taking shape in Saskatoon at 830 43rd Street East, where a 31,000-square-foot space is being transformed into a 10-court indoor complex featuring locker rooms, community space and year-round programming for players of all levels.
A 10-year lease has been secured for the site, with an opening targeted for later in 2026.
Regina’s club is expected to follow, with site selection underway. In the meantime, a temporary pop-up facility is being planned for this summer to help meet what organizers describe as strong and growing demand.
Pickleball itself has surged across Canada in recent years, with participation estimated in the millions nationally and courts often struggling to keep up with demand in urban centres. Originally developed in the United States in the 1960s as a backyard family game, the sport has evolved into a competitive, social and community-driven activity played across all age groups.
That growth is exactly what Saskatchewan organizers say they are building for.
Saskatchewan Pickleball Clubs Ltd. says its goal is to create modern, welcoming and accessible facilities designed not just for competition, but for connection, coaching and community growth.
As construction begins in Saskatoon and plans advance in Regina, the message from both sides is clear: Saskatchewan is no longer just catching up to the pickleball boom. It’s stepping directly into it.
“It demonstrates the continued growth of the sport and the region’s readiness for premier indoor pickleball options,” Owen said.
