CHANHASSEN, Minn., Feb. 27,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- There is no slowdown in sight in
the growth of pickleball and tennis at Life Time (NYSE: LTH), and
the passion among those playing is at an all-time high. With the
goal of charting the Company's future in these areas, 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 – the
fastest growing sport in America.
With an illustrious career that includes eight Grand Slam titles
and an Olympic gold medal, Agassi is an internationally renowned
icon in the tennis world. His passion for the sport, combined with
his commitment to promoting active lifestyles, aligns perfectly
with Life Time's mission to help people live healthier, happier
lives. More recently, Agassi has nurtured a passion for pickleball,
playing multiple times each week with a level of excitement that
has since extended to investments in the sport and product
design.
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 racquet 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," said Agassi.
In his role as Chair, Agassi will bring his unmatched expertise
and enthusiasm to the hundreds of racquet 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 racquet 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 racquet sports
enthusiasts, fostering connections both on and off the court.
"I have enjoyed Andre's illustrious career for more than four
decades. He continues to be an inspiration to me and millions of
others, both on and off the court," said Akradi. "As a long-time
friend and business partner, having Andre lead our Life Time
Pickleball and Tennis Board is a true honor. Together, I foresee
endless possibilities for the impact we will have in the racquet
community."
Life Time members can look forward to all the Board will bring
over the coming months. To learn more about Life Time racquet
sports, visit www.lifetime.life.
About Life Time®
Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people
to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of more than 170
athletic country clubs across the United
States and Canada. The
Company's healthy way of life communities and ecosystem address all
aspects of healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment
for people 90 days to 90+ years old. Supported by a team of more
than 37,000 dedicated professionals, Life Time is committed to
providing the best programs and experiences through its clubs,
iconic athletic events and comprehensive digital platform.
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SOURCE Life Time, Inc.