Paula Tudoran
Sat, Jun 14, 2025, 8:02 AM 4 min read
Ballers, a U.S.-based startup creating upscale indoor sports and entertainment venues, has raised $20 million in a Series A round from venture firms and a star-studded roster of professional athletes. Investors include tennis legends Andre Agassi, Kim Clijsters, and Sloane Stephens, alongside NBA star Tyrese Maxey and retired NFL safety Malcolm Jenkins, Forbes reports.
The company's first 55,000-square-foot facility will open in Philadelphia next month at Battery, a mixed-use development built on the site of a former power plant in the city's Fishtown neighborhood. According to Forbes, the facility will include six pickleball courts, three padel courts, two squash courts, four golf simulators, a turf field, and a putting green with sand bunkers.
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Guests will also enjoy a full-service restaurant and two bars. Forbes says that the concept is designed for urban professionals, competitive players, and casual athletes seeking elevated recreation.
Ballers was co-founded by Daniel Bassichis of Vero Capital and David Gutstadt of Good City Studio, two former Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) colleagues. According to Forbes, their vision connects hospitality, athleticism, and socialization to reflect a broader cultural trend toward lifestyle-driven venues.
Bassichis has worked with athletes since 2008 when he partnered with NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson to launch Admiral Capital Group, which later became Vero Capital. His experience helped draw athlete investors including FC Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes, Arizona Cardinals lineman Beachum, and Professional Pickleball Association standout Connor Garnett, Forbes says.
Sharp Alpha and RHC Group led the round, offering both capital and strategic backing to help Ballers expand into key U.S. markets. According to Forbes, the funding follows a $7 million raise that supported the construction of the Philadelphia venue.
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Forbes says that some of Ballers' athlete-investors are taking an active role in shaping the brand's community presence. According to Bassichis, several players are blending philanthropy, lifestyle, and visibility with their capital commitments. "They're not just passive investors. They want to get involved. They want to help. They want to promote it," Bassichis said. "They want to weave in philanthropy and community into the investments."
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