Binghamton backs 24/7 indoor pickleball facility as winning business plan

The Paddle House just gave Binghamton pickleball a concrete next step: a planned 24/7 indoor venue that could keep players on court long after outdoor seasons shut down. The concept won the city’s 2026 Business Plan Competition on May 27, putting founders Kai Chen, Jason Moeller and Brian Ng in position to turn a former retail space into Broome County’s first and only dedicated pickleball facility.

Mayor Jared Kraham, the Binghamton Local Development Corporation and SUNY Broome’s Entrepreneurial Assistance Program announced the result, capping a contest the city says is the longest running in the Greater Binghamton area. The competition was announced March 5 and awarded $10,000 in total prizes, with $7,000 for first place, $2,000 for second and $1,000 for third. Beyond cash, the winners also received practical help that can make or break a small buildout, including accounting, legal, sign creation, website, branding, chamber membership, makerspace access and coworking time, with support tied to the Binghamton Local Development Corporation, SUNY Broome Entrepreneurial Assistance Center, Binghamton University’s Koffman Southern Tier Incubator and other partners.

The Paddle House is aiming well beyond simple court rentals. The plan calls for five courts, locker rooms, a lounge, memberships, leagues, tournaments, coaching, private rentals and a pro shop, plus extras like cornhole, ping pong and pool. Members would enter through an app for around-the-clock access, while staff would be on site during peak hours. The founders have not picked a specific location yet, but they say the project will convert an existing retail property into a dedicated sports venue. Presale memberships are expected to open by July 31.

That timing matters in a region where weather can cut off outdoor play for much of the year. It also fits a sport that keeps expanding fast. A Sports & Fitness Industry Association and Pickleheads report said pickleball participation grew 51.8% from 2022 to 2023 and 223.5% over three years, with the 25-34 age group reaching 2.3 million players and more than 1 million children under 18 added in a single year.

Binghamton already has signs of demand. Broome County opened Grippen Community Park in Endicott in 2025 with five covered pickleball courts, and Binghamton University lists more than 2,000 student-athletes across 40-plus club sports teams. If The Paddle House gets built, it would add the kind of year-round indoor access that can turn a local pickup scene into a repeat destination.