JLL Collaborates with Picklr for Indoor Pickleball Facilities in Japan

JLL Partners with Picklr for Indoor Pickleball in Japan

Tokyo, May 18, 2026 – JLL, a leading comprehensive real estate service provider headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has announced a collaboration with Japan Pickleball Holdings, the master franchisee of indoor pickleball chain Picklr. JLL will handle site selection, lease negotiations, and project management for the interior of dedicated indoor pickleball facilities throughout Japan.

Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has gained substantial popularity in Japan in recent years. JLL, already an established master broker for Picklr in the United States, brings valuable insights from their experience in selecting properties for pickleball facilities both domestically and internationally. In Japan, JLL has proposed the development of a new facility in a large logistics site located in Toyosu, Koto City. They will also oversee the project management of the interior construction, with the facility expected to open in autumn 2026.

Kent Stay, CEO of Japan Pickleball Holdings, expressed gratitude for JLL's involvement, stating, "Securing a property suitable for indoor pickleball in Tokyo has been challenging. However, through our connection with JLL, which has a great relationship with Picklr in the United States, we’ve successfully acquired the site for Japan's first direct-operated pickleball facility. Our mission is to establish a new standard for pickleball in Japan with professional-grade facilities and top-tier programs that mirror what we’ve achieved in the U.S. We aim to introduce a world-class pickleball experience to the Japanese market, and we plan to expand to 20 large pickleball facilities across Japan over the next five years. We are seeking partners among real estate owners, municipalities, investors, and sponsors who can help create new value. With the continued support from JLL in both Japan and the U.S., we are confident that we can realize this vision."

George Baragan, CEO of Picklr, also commented, "Japan’s emphasis on precision, health consciousness, and community aligns perfectly with the DNA of Picklr. Our entry into Japan is a superb opportunity to reshape the global perspective of pickleball. We are not merely setting up facilities; we are crafting a new sporting culture that resonates deeply with the Japanese people."

Hiroto Tanaka from JLL Japan's Logistics & Industrial Leasing Department noted, "Given our established trust with Picklr through our transactions in the U.S., we were able to assist them in searching for properties in Japan. We recommended the upper floors of a large logistics facility that meets the necessary dimensions for the sport while being centrally located. This project represents a new utilization pattern for large warehouses, which is increasingly sought after amidst rising rental prices making traditional warehousing contracts challenging."

Seung-kyun Yun, from JLL’s Project and Development Management Department, emphasized, "This indoor pickleball facility is a rare case of repurposing an existing logistics asset. We are ensuring the project management encompasses all aspects from design to construction management to create a facility that meets both the functionality and comfort expected of a sports venue. JLL is committed to ensuring high-quality facility creation while being cost-effective. We will diligently work with designers and contractors to make sure our client’s vision is realized as the opening approaches."

About JLL

JLL (NYSE: JLL) operates in over 80 countries, employing approximately 113,000 people as of March 31, 2026. For more than 200 years, the company has supported clients in leasing, buying, investing, managing, and overseeing construction projects across various sectors, including offices, retail, industrial, hospitality, and residential. Reporting an anticipated revenue of $26.1 billion in 2025, JLL has also been listed on the Fortune 500®. The company's purpose is to shape the future of real estate for a better world, guiding clients, employees, and communities toward a brighter future. With extensive data and cutting-edge technology, JLL provides comprehensive real estate services tailored to a wide range of industries. Its affiliate, LaSalle Investment Management, offers real estate investment management services tailored to global investor needs.

For further details, visit our website at JLL.