Tennis legend Andre Agassi is in Maryland this week as part of a multi-day filming project with JOOLA, the global pickleball and table tennis brand that recently relocated its U.S. headquarters to Pike & Rose. The company also opened a retail store in the development on Black Friday, sitting just steps away from several popular restaurants.
Agassi shared an Instagram reel from Kusshi Sushi, the acclaimed local sushi restaurant that opened its first location at Pike & Rose. Sitting at the bar, he joked that he was ordering a cucumber salad to go for his wife, tennis icon Steffi Graf, along with seared toro and “anything else that may make her realize how excited I am.”
His visit highlights the growing partnership between Agassi and JOOLA. The collaboration, announced in August 2024, includes the development of a signature line of pickleball paddles and accessories. Agassi has been directly involved in the design of key products, including the Agassi Edge and Agassi Pro paddles, which incorporate a unique shape and technology influenced by his tennis background. The product line has since expanded to include a signature paddle for Graf as well. Both athletes also serve as brand ambassadors for JOOLA.
The partnership includes a philanthropic component. A portion of the proceeds from the Agassi x JOOLA line supports charitable organizations, including Graf’s Children for Tomorrow and the “Agassi x JOOLA Let’s Play!” initiative, which donates paddles to non-profits to expand access to pickleball in underserved communities.
“Montgomery County has always been part of the JOOLA story, and opening our signature store here is a reflection of our deep roots and our future ambitions,” said Richard Lee, CEO and owner of JOOLA. “This space is a celebration of how far pickleball has come and a commitment to supporting the players and communities driving its growth worldwide.”
The opening of the Pike & Rose store follows JOOLA’s move from Gaithersburg to its new headquarters in March 2025. The consolidated space allows players to demo paddles, apparel, and accessories in person with help from staff trained in the brand’s equipment. Agassi is expected to continue filming in the area for the next couple of days.
