Ballers, a U.S.-based startup creating upscale indoor sports and entertainment venues, has raised $20 million in a Series A round from venture firms and a star-studded roster of professional athletes. Investors include tennis legends Andre Agassi, Kim Clijsters, and Sloane Stephens, alongside NBA star Tyrese Maxey and retired NFL safety Malcolm Jenkins, Forbes reports.
The company's first 55,000-square-foot facility will open in Philadelphia next month at Battery, a mixed-use development built on the site of a former power plant in the city's Fishtown neighborhood. According to Forbes, the facility will include six pickleball courts, three padel courts, two squash courts, four golf simulators, a turf field, and a putting green with sand bunkers.
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Guests will also enjoy a full-service restaurant and two bars. Forbes says that the concept is designed for urban professionals, competitive players, and casual athletes seeking elevated recreation.
Founders with Deep Roots in Finance and Real Estate
Ballers was co-founded by Daniel Bassichis of Vero Capital and David Gutstadt of Good City Studio, two former Goldman Sachs GS colleagues. According to Forbes, their vision connects hospitality, athleticism, and socialization to reflect a broader cultural trend toward lifestyle-driven venues.
Bassichis has worked with athletes since 2008 when he partnered with NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson to launch Admiral Capital Group, which later became Vero Capital. His experience helped draw athlete investors including FC Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes, Arizona Cardinals lineman Beachum, and Professional Pickleball Association standout Connor Garnett, Forbes says.
Sharp Alpha and RHC Group led the round, offering both capital and strategic backing to help Ballers expand into key U.S. markets. According to Forbes, the funding follows a $7 million raise that supported the construction of the Philadelphia venue.
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Ballers is Positioned to Lead in Pickleball, Padel, and ‘Sportainment'
Forbes says that some of Ballers' athlete-investors are taking an active role in shaping the brand's community presence. According to Bassichis, several players are blending philanthropy, lifestyle, and visibility with their capital commitments. "They're not just passive investors. They want to get involved. They want to help. They want to promote it," Bassichis said. "They want to weave in philanthropy and community into the investments."
Maxey is set to host an event at the Philadelphia venue to support low-income families and other personal causes. Stephens will host foundation-related events and plans to sell her own beauty care line through Ballers, and Garnett will lead clinics at various future club locations, according to Forbes. Beachum, also an art collector, intends to use Ballers as a platform to display curated pieces from his collection.
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In addition to athlete-led initiatives, Ballers plans to monetize access through a hybrid model. Memberships will be available for those looking to use high-end gym facilities, locker rooms, and other exclusive perks. At the same time, Forbes says that the clubs will remain accessible to the public for individual court bookings, dining, and private event rentals, creating a flexible ecosystem that appeals to both casual guests and serious athletes.
Ballers plans to open a second location in Boston's Seaport District in August, with Miami and Los Angeles venues scheduled by the middle of next year. Each site will replicate the flagship format, positioning the company firmly in the emerging ‘sportainment' category, Forbes reports.
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