Life Time Founder, Chairman and CEO, Bahram Akradi, has named tennis legend and pickleball enthusiast, Andre Agassi, as the inaugural chair of Life Time's newly formed Pickleball and Tennis Board. Together with Akradi, who will serve as the board co-chair, Agassi will spearhead the company's efforts to elevate the profile, programming, leagues, and community of tennis and pickleball.
Life Time entered the tennis scene in 2002 and has since established more than 260 courts across nearly 30 of its athletic country clubs nationwide. As for pickleball, Akradi made the commitment in 2021 for Life Time to become the nation's leader in pickleball courts and programming. This has become a reality with the company now operating 630 courts at 130 of its clubs — with more to come.
The Life Time Pickleball and Tennis Board will serve to further elevate a vibrant racket sports community within Life Time clubs and across the country by fostering awareness, excitement, and support for the sports among people of all ages and skill levels. Life Time already boasts lessons, leagues, clinics, tournaments and more for kids and adults. "I strongly support the ongoing growth of tennis and pickleball and could not be more excited to partner with Bahram and Life Time as we work to elevate these sports as staple element for millions of people living healthy, active and happy lives," says Agassi.
In his role as Chair, Agassi will bring his expertise and enthusiasm to the hundreds of racket sports professionals who are part of the Life Time team — many of whom have played at the collegiate and professional levels. His vision includes:
- Expanding Access: Making racket sports accessible to all ages and experience levels – from beginners to seasoned players and beyond.
- Enhancing Programming: Collaborating with Life Time's expert coaches and instructors to develop innovative programs, clinics, events and tournaments.
- Community Building: Building on the power of community to create a sense of camaraderie among all racket sports enthusiasts, fostering connections both on and off the court.