We’re in a Pickle
Kings of the court.
By Seattle Mag January 20, 2026
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2026 issue of Seattle magazine.
Unlike some trends, the popularity of pickleball has only increased with time. Here in Washington, the birthplace of the game, we’ve seen a recent wave of new facilities dedicated to the state’s official sport.
Last October, Sideout Tsunami Pickleball Center opened in Mt. Baker with 26 state-of-the-art courts that offer instant video replays sent straight to your phone (it’s also home to the Seattle Tsunami, a founding franchise of the National Pickleball League). Soon after, Picklewood debuted in SoDo: a paddle club with a restaurant by chef Ethan Stowell, offering lessons, leagues, and open play for all ages.
Earlier last year, Pickleball Kingdom Northwest entered the game with locations in Poulsbo and Lynnwood; two more are on the books for 2026. Pickleball Kingdom is a great choice for beginners: they offer two free Pickleball 101 classes every day, and plan to offer kids clinics over the summer.
On the Eastside, Bellevue Pickleball Club brought 13 indoor courts (with four in signature pink) to the downtown core, complete with free parking, and this month, the long-anticipated Picklr will open its 10 indoor courts in the former Theo Chocolate Warehouse in Fremont. “The Picklr redefines the sport with state-of-the-art facilities, all-inclusive, one-price memberships, and a ‘player-first’ approach that creates the perfect environment for players of all levels,” says Rajiv Khatri, co-founder and owner of the Picklr Fremont.
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