Inside Canada’s Pickleball Market Through the Lens of IPOP

While many pickleball operators are focused on fast expansion and filling warehouse space, Chris White took a different approach in Canada. He built IPOP as a partnership-driven model — one that works alongside nonprofits, municipalities and local communities to solve one of the sport’s biggest challenges: access to courts. The result? A pickleball concept that’s less about real estate arbitrage and more about infrastructure, inclusivity and long-term growth. From public-private partnerships to health-focused programming and culturally inclusive leagues, IPOP is an example of what a pickleball facility can be in an underserved market. In this episode, Chris shares: -Why IPOP was built as a for-profit working with nonprofits — not against them -How public-private partnerships are unlocking new facility opportunities -The reality of operating in a high-cost, low-supply market like Canada -Why programming — not just courts — is the key to long-term success -How inclusive, community-based initiatives are driving retention and growth -The opportunity to position pickleball as a health and wellness solution -His concerns around saturation — and why “if you build it, they will come” doesn’t work Whether you’re an operator, investor or pickleball entrepreneur, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to grow sustainably — especially in markets where the traditional playbook doesn’t apply. 🎙️ Guest: Chris White, Founder & CEO, IPOP To stay in the loop on the latest trends in the pickleball club space, subscribe to the Pickleball Innovators newsletter: pickleballinnovators.com/subscribe