CityPickle Lands 20-Year, $100 Million Deal to Keep Pickleball in NYC's Central Park

The decision was made by NYC Parks following a competitive RFP process.

A stroll across Bow Bridge. A visit to Bethesda Fountain. Or just a weekend afternoon spent people-watching among the trees.

Now, you can add another fixture to New York City’s Central Park: CityPickle will operate pickleball courts at Wollman Rink for the next 20 years.

According to CityPickle:

“In total, the value of this deal to the City will exceed $100 million, including a record cumulative minimum fee offer of $91 million alongside a minimum capital investment of $10.9 million."

NYC Parks seems to have a sweet spot for pickleball. The sport’s relentless appeal among residents and tourists alike probably played a pivotal role.

In the past three years, more than 180,000 players have swung a paddle at Wollman Rink. The site was also home to the 2025 Major League Pickleball Finals, which drew sellout crowds all weekend.

For CityPickle, this is the latest in a series of heavy investments into pickleball infrastructure and real estate:

They’re opening a new flagship HQ in the heart of Times Square
CityPickle Brooklyn Bridge will debut in Spring 2026
Boca Paddle, a 25-court pickle and padel facility in Boca Raton, FL, is in the works

“We are thrilled for the vote of confidence from NYC Parks. This is an unprecedented moment for the sport of pickleball," said CityPickle Co-Founder Mary Cannon.

"A 20-year home in the world's most iconic park speaks to pickleball’s popularity and reflects New York City’s commitment to accessible recreation for all.”

No official word yet on whether next year’s MLP finals will return to Central Park. But our Magic 8 ball is saying, “Outlook good.”