Pickleball’s new home to rise soon

The Philippines took a major step toward becoming a regional pickleball hub after Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corporation (KAVC) signed a partnership with US-based Johns Design and Consulting (JDC), a firm cofounded by pickleball stars Ben and Collin Johns.

The agreement, signed July 28 at Atleta 63 in Bridgetowne, Pasig City, covers the design and technical planning of the Helios Pickleball Center, a 25-court complex scheduled to open in 2028.

The facility, to be built in Bridgetowne under Robinsons Land Corp., will feature 25 tournament-grade courts and a 2,000-seat championship court designed to host major international events, including Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) competitions.

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Former Philippine Sports Commission chairman and KAVC head of operations Richard Bachmann said the project aims to capitalize on pickleball’s rapid growth in the country.

“We have seen the sudden rise of the sport in the country and we are aware of new courts appearing everywhere,” Bachmann said. “If we can sustain this popularity, maybe we can also give the Philippines an instant foothold in the sport worldwide.”

Bachmann said Helios is envisioned as both a community sports hub and an international tournament venue, adding that KAVC plans to develop similar facilities elsewhere in the country.

JDC will provide architectural design, facility planning and technical consulting to ensure the venue meets international standards.

“Pickleball is experiencing explosive growth globally, and the Philippines is poised to become a major hub for the sport in Asia,” said JDC cofounder Collin Johns.