Life Time Announces Patent Filing for "The Ultimate Pickleball"
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Life Time has announced the filing of a patent for its latest innovation, "The Ultimate Pickleball." This new ball is designed to address common issues faced by players, such as inconsistent speed, bounce, and durability. The official unveiling of this patent-pending pickleball is scheduled for August 19 during an exclusive event at Life Time’s PENN 1 location in New York City, featuring tennis legend and avid pickleball fan Andre Agassi.
Bahram Akradi, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Life Time, spearheaded the development of this new pickleball in collaboration with his engineering team. Akradi, who is both an engineer and an enthusiastic pickleball player, identified an opportunity to enhance the quality of gameplay by creating a ball that would provide consistent performance across various skill levels.
"Life Time has elevated the game of pickleball since 2021 and rapidly grown the number of courts we offer across North America, along with the best lessons, leagues, tournaments, and coaches," said Akradi. "A clear opportunity that emerged was to advance the quality of gameplay and participants' experiences with a vastly improved pickleball. I always welcome the opportunity to solve challenges and am excited to launch our Ultimate Pickleball as a solution to offer the combination of improved weight, speed, hole distribution, and material to support consistent play and durability."
The Ultimate Pickleball has already undergone extensive trials by some of the top players within and outside Life Time. The ball is set to debut exclusively in Life Time clubs later this month and will be featured in all of the company’s Pickleball Classic tournaments. Following its debut, the ball will be available for purchase at Life Time’s racquet sports pro shops and online at LT Shop.
Life Time's commitment to pickleball is reflected in the company's extensive facilities and programming. With over 700 permanent pickleball courts across its locations, Life Time serves thousands of members and guests, hosting multiple Major League Pickleball and Professional Pickleball Association tournaments nationwide. The company also organizes its own spring and fall Pickleball Classic tournaments for members.
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