Ballers, a new hospitality-infused social sports venue, will make its debut this July in Philadelphia, introducing an experience-forward take on the racquet sports boom.
Founded by wellness entrepreneurs David Gutstadt and Amanda Potter—alumni of Equinox and Fitler Club—and developed by Good City Studio and Vero Capital, the concept pairs world-class courts with dynamic design, recovery spaces, and elevated dining to create a next-generation third space.
The Philadelphia flagship is the first of several planned locations. Venues in Boston (August 2025) and Miami (early 2026) are set to follow.
A $20 million Series A round led by Sharp Alpha and RHC Group—with support from athletes and celebrities including Andre Agassi, Kim Clijsters, and 76ers owner David Blitzer—underscores the brand’s bold expansion plan, which aims to open 50 locations over the next decade.
A new kind of sports club
Housed inside Philadelphia’s landmark Turbine Hall, the 55,000-square-foot spaces features six pickleball courts, three padel courts, squash, turf, and golf simulators, all beneath soaring 75-foot ceilings.
Designed for both casual players and serious athletes, the venue also includes a full-service restaurant, bar, and lounge areas that are configurable for private events.
The experience extends beyond sport with a luxe wellness lounge outfitted with saunas, cold plunges, and compression therapy. Members can access fitness and recovery zones, premium locker rooms, and curated programming, while non-members are welcome to book courts and enjoy the social amenities.
Forthcoming Ballers locations
Ballers Boston, set to open in August in the Seaport, will introduce the city’s first padel courts alongside seasonal programming (including an ice rink in winter). Miami will launch in early 2026, bringing the brand’s signature combination of sport, style, and social energy to a tropical setting near downtown.
“Having played tennis in college, racquet sports have always been a passion of mine,” says Gutstadt, founder and CEO of Ballers. “So when we saw the opportunity to marry the powerful trend and innovations in urban social sports including pickleball, padel, and golf with our unique expertise in design and community-building, we went all in on Ballers.”
“The incredible response to our Philadelphia pop-up last year showed us that people are craving this connection through sports, and we’re excited to show that when paired with unparalleled hospitality, athletics can go beyond just leagues, lessons, or court time,” he adds.
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