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Pickleball has taken the world by storm, and Memphis is no exception. As one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, it’s attracting players of all ages and skill levels with its unique blend of accessibility, energy, and community. At the heart of this movement lies Pickleball 901, a Memphis-based club transforming paddles and passion into a vibrant local phenomenon.
Founded in 2023 by two longtime friends—a former enterprise software sales executive, Adam Clay, and digital marketing entrepreneur, Jakob Eliason—Pickleball 901 was born out of both opportunity and vision.
“I was playing pickleball to lose weight and realized there weren’t nearly enough pickleball courts in the Memphis area to satisfy the growing demand,” Clay said. “I had some money tucked away and decided I would explore opening one on my own.”
The club made its public debut in 2023 with a “Summer Series,” a string of high-energy pickleball parties hosted at local breweries and downtown on Beale Street. These events helped shape the club’s identity as a welcoming, family-friendly space with a bit of edge and a lot of heart.
"Our goal is to listen and learn about what people want, so we can develop in the way that best suits the people of the city of Memphis."
Co-founder
Pickleball 901
From the beginning, the focus has been on building a community, especially for beginners.
“We welcome beginners and see them as our main path to long-term success,” Clay said. “We do everything we can to make it easy for people who have never played to quickly and easily learn the game, so they can fall in love with the sport the way I did.”
Pickleball 901 hosts regular beginner sessions, social events, and leagues, all promoted through its website and social media.
The club’s approach is intentionally flexible and feedback-driven. This mindset has helped Pickleball 901 grow steadily while staying grounded in its mission. Even with a player base of more than 8,000, the founders make a point to meet players, hear their stories, and support their pickleball journeys.
“This isn’t about building a pickleball empire,” Eliason said. “Our goal is to listen and learn about what people want, so we can develop in the way that best suits the people in the city of Memphis.”
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about the sport, Pickleball 901 offers a place to play, connect, and be part of something bigger.
Visit pickleball901.com to learn more, sign up for events, or find your first game. In a city known for its rhythm and soul, Pickleball 901 is adding a new beat—one paddle at a time.
At the heart of every great city are people who care — and in Memphis, that purpose runs deep. These local organizations are weaving connections, growing opportunity, and proving that when mission and community align, everyone moves forward.