It’s no secret: managing a tennis or pickleball club comes with a unique set of joys and challenges. If you run a club today, maintaining a cutting-edge approach is essential to recruiting new members and retaining current ones.
That’s where court reservation software (also known as member or club management software) comes in. So, what is it? Imagine an all-in-one digital solution that makes your day-to-day operations simpler—both for you and your members.
Wondering why you need it? These software tools exist to automate tasks, increase connectivity between members, promote member retention, and modernize your club to keep it competitive. Utilizing court reservation software can also help you stay proactive and avoid common pitfalls as your club scales.
There are dozens of viable options for pickleball and tennis court reservation software on the market, but the choice is unique to your club.
Choosing the best tennis & pickleball court reservation software depends on:
- Club or facility size (number of available courts, members, locations, etc.)
- Ease of use (court booking process, member portal, etc.)
- Customization and branding capabilities
- Event management (classes, lesson appointments, clinics, etc.)
- Online payment methods and billing features
- Communications with members (reservation confirmations, announcements, email marketing, etc.)
- Availability of mobile apps in Google and Apple app stores
- Analytics (court utilization, club member data, finances, etc.)
We’ve broken down these 12 options by their “Match Points” (unique benefits), their “Points to Note” (potential considerations), as well as the ideal club type for each.
Read on to discover the top 12 club management solutions to consider for your club, in no particular order.
Best Court Reservation Software for Tennis & Pickleball Clubs:
- CourtReserve
- Club Automation
- UTR Sports
- Plan2Play
- FacilitEASE
- PlayByPoint
- 360Player
- RacquetDesk
- PicklePlanner
- Upper Hand
- EZFacility
- PodPlay
- BONUS: Honorable mentions
What Makes the Best Court Reservation & Club Management Software?
📌 How we kept this guide unbiased
We understand that as creators of CourtReserve, our recommendation for club management software could appear biased. That’s why we’ve included a comprehensive, balanced overview of 12 software providers across the industry, highlighting their strengths and limitations–using information available publicly. Our goal is to empower you to make an informed decision based on your unique need–not to persuade you to choose our platform unless it’s genuinely the best fit for your club. As always, we encourage you to explore all your options and even take advantage of free trials where available to see what works best for you.
We also recommend the following comparison guides:
+ Pickleheads: Best pickleball court reservation software in 2024
+ Pickleball Brief: Court Reservation Software Comparison (Requires subscription)
Choosing the best court reservation and club management software depends on understanding your club’s specific needs and goals. While the market offers a variety of solutions, the best software should check a few key boxes:
- User-Friendly Design: Both club staff and members should find the platform intuitive and easy to navigate. Whether it’s booking a court, managing memberships, or analyzing data, usability matters.
- Comprehensive Features: Look for a solution that covers all bases, such as court scheduling, membership management, event planning, billing, communication, and reporting. A truly great software also offers mobile access for on-the-go convenience.
- Customization Options: Every club is unique, so the software should adapt to your branding and operational requirements. From branded mobile apps to flexible event management tools, customization ensures a tailored experience.
- Integration Capabilities: Seamless integration with tools like payment processors, lock control systems, or analytics platforms can save time and improve efficiency.
- Scalability: As your club grows, so should your software. Opt for a platform that can accommodate an expanding member base, new locations, and additional features without compromising performance.
- Excellent Support: When issues arise, reliable and knowledgeable customer support can make all the difference. Look for platforms with responsive teams and robust training resources.
What’s Not Included in This Roundup?
This list focuses on software solutions specifically designed for tennis and pickleball clubs or those with significant features tailored to racquet sports. We’ve excluded more generalized sports or gym management platforms unless they had compelling features for tennis and pickleball operations.
Here’s what we didn’t include:
• Niche-only solutions: Products solely designed for very specific subsets of racquet sports, such as table tennis, didn’t make the cut unless they expanded their capabilities to other racquet sports.
• Broad industry tools: Platforms like generic CRMs, calendar apps, or project management tools were left out, even if they could be adapted for sports clubs.
• Unvetted newcomers: While we included some newer players, products that lack market feedback or a demonstrated ability to handle club-specific needs were omitted.
If you’re looking for platforms tailored to general fitness or class-based businesses, options like Roller or Momence might better fit your needs.
Ok, let’s begin.
1. CourtReserve
Since its 2016 launch, CourtReserve has become a leading choice for tennis and pickleball club management—and for good reason.
Renowned for its efficiency, flexibility, and reliability, CourtReserve’s product was created by tennis fanatics and pickleball club owners who understand the unique nuances of the racquet sports industry.
CourtReserve operates in over 1,600+ clubs across the United States, Canada, and the world with over 3.5M users signed-up.
Match Points:
- All-in-one solution for court, member, staff, food and beverage, payments, and event management
- Member satisfaction rate of 95.21%
- Official DUPR integration add-on available for advanced players
- 30-day free trial (that can be generously extended based on your needs)
- No hidden fees or long-term contracts; pay month-to-month
- Dedicated customer support and smooth onboarding process with training library
Points to Note:
- Branded Mobile App is available for Scale and Enterprise pricing plans (but standard mobile apps are included with any plan)
- Access Control integration is compatible with locks
- New clubs will need to bring your own hardware options
- Not as suitable for athletic clubs with non-racquet sports
- Multi-Location Management only available on Enterprise plan, and charged per location
Who It’s For: The Member Magnets
Tennis and pickleball clubs, from startups to scaling franchises, who want to streamline their operations, satisfy existing members, and attract new ones.
2. ClubAutomation
ClubAutomation is an established provider of club management software in the sports industry.
Since its inception in 2007, Club Automation has become integrated into countless sports clubs across the United States and beyond. In 2018, they were acquired by tech giant Daxko, further cementing their status in the industry.
Match Points:
- Tailored for large-scale clubs with multiple locations and sports represented
- Automated bookings for classes, lessons, billing and fees, and more
- Targeting messaging via email and SMS
- Strong reporting and analytics features built-in to the software
Points to Note:
- Mobile app is a separate product from their club management software
- Not designed specifically for racquet sports; may be missing unique features you need
- Dense software platform that requires a steep learning curve
- Unclear pricing and reports of hidden fees from customers
Who It’s For: The Multi-Sport Maestros
Multi-sport facilities and health clubs with large member bases who don’t require a mobile app
3. UTR Sports
Since 2008, UTR Sports has been on a mission to digitize the racquet sports industry with its efficient software product.
Their name alludes to their integration with the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) system, which allows players to strategically identify areas for improvement and connect with similarly-skilled peers.
With a strong focus on player ratings and advanced league management, UTR Sports offers a club management platform for sports facilities.
Match Points:
- Well suited for multi-location clubs, as well as academies and universities
- Regarded for managing large-scale tournaments and leagues
- Strong emphasis on skill-level matching with players
- Integrated with Google Analytics and QuickBooks
Points to Note:
- Cannot be integrated with DUPR (only UTR-P)
- Very limited support options (no phone support available, limited live chat functionality)
- Limited functionality for additional features like pro shops, on-site bars, etc.
- May not be as practical for smaller clubs with more amateur players
Who It’s For: The League Legends
Organizations with skilled players mainly interested in competitive play, leagues, and tournaments
4. Plan2Play
Designed for pickleball and tennis clubs as well as universities, gyms, and more, Plan2Play is a versatile club management software that offers a variety of features for clubs.
Since 2019, Plan2Play has been providing sports clubs a comprehensive digital solution to streamline their event management, member recruitment, club marketing, and more.
They operate within the A.R.C. framework: Attracting members, Running your business, and Connecting members.
Match Points:
- Three-tiered pricing structure
- After-school/camp registration feature for youth players
- Custom mobile app available for all tiers (for additional fee)
- Payroll tracking feature for staff/pros
- Monthly and annual contracts available
Points to Note:
- Restaurant/retail point-of-sale integration only available as add-on for top pricing plan
- Club website and online registration portal is an additional fee for lower two plans
- Largest plan caps out at 500 members, which could limit some multi-location facilities
Who It’s For: The Digital Dinkers
Pickleball club owners with smaller member bases who are very comfortable with a mobile-first solution
5. FacilitiEASE
Founded in 2021, FacilitEASE is a versatile software solution that supports clubs of multiple kinds, including racquet sports.
Being a mobile-first solution, FacilitEASE places emphasis on an intuitive user experience and customizable features. From membership management to reporting and more, this software is an agile companion for your sports club.
Match Points:
- Affordable, four-tiered pricing structure
- Emphasis on simple, easy-to-use interface
- Customized, white label app available in top two tiers
- Family membership feature available
- Option for padel clubs
Points to Note:
- Fairly new to the market, which limits their expertise
- Not specifically tailored for racquet sports
- Not optimal for desktop users
- Not able to integrate point of sale features (for pro shops, cafés, etc.)
Who It’s For: The Sport Shufflers
Clubs with multiple sports seeking a basic, mobile solution to maximize court usage
6. PlayByPoint
Founded in 2016, PlayByPoint is another ‘look-alike’ club management software for clubs.
Available for multiple types of sports and fitness facilities, PlayByPoint offers court reservations, payment automation, membership management, and more.
This software is available on both desktop and as a mobile app, offering several features for sports club operations.
Match Points:
- Affordable, four-tiered pricing for different needs
- 24/7 support for current clubs
- Direct two-way messaging between you and your members (available in top-tier plans)
- Monthly and annual contracts available for flexibility
Points to Note:
- Many of the most vital features are only available in the priciest plans (POS, advanced reporting, etc.)
- May not be as viable of an option for large, multi-location clubs
- Unclear if they offer access control integrations for doors and gates, but they do list a ‘Priority Access System’ add-on.
- No free trial currently available
Who It’s For: The Simple Solution Seekers
Smaller, multi-sport facilities wanting a simple and approachable digital solution
7. 360Player
360Player may have its roots in Stockholm, Sweden, but this product is being utilized by sports clubs all across the world.
Designed for sports clubs of all sizes and types, 360Player is a tech-forward solution for club management.
They have a tennis facility feature available within their product, complete with several features that could help digitize and streamline your club’s processes.
In addition, this product has an emphasis on player development, with built-in analytics designed to keep your members improving.
Match Points:
- Offers Video Analytics feature for player review, development, and social sharing
- Provides Development add-on with player statistics, performance reviews, and skill matching
- Website-building feature available to integrate with platform
- Variable pricing based on number of user accounts/club members
Points to Note:
- Offers tennis-specific platform, but not pickleball
- Players will see ads within platform unless clients pay extra fee to remove them (for bottom-tier plans)
- Could quickly become an expensive investment for multi-location clubs
- Some features may feel extraneous for tennis-only clubs
- No free trial available
Who It’s For: The Player Progress Pros
Tennis or multi-sport clubs (who don’t offer pickleball) with smaller member bases and an emphasis on player development
8. RacquetDesk
Tennis, pickleball, and beyond: RacquetDesk is another court reservation software for racquet sports of all kinds.
Founded in 2007, this product helps clubs streamline their processes with features like court reservations, electronic billing, point-of-sale, and more.
RacquetDesk is available on mobile and desktop.
Match Points:
- No maximum number of members or courts for clubs
- Affordable pricing (available in three tiers)
- Branded, white label software available in all tiers
- Full-service setup option available for installation and onboarding
Points to Note:
- Second pricing tier (RD Standard) is 50% more expensive than the first tier, but only offers one additional feature (electronic billing)
- Majority of features are only available in top tier (calendars, inventory management, etc.)
- Relatively small support team available
- Does not offer a free trial
Who It’s For: The Quick Court Clickers
Racquet sports clubs seeking a simple, inexpensive solution for court reservation
9. PicklePlanner
Though relatively new to the market, PicklePlanner is one of the few court reservation products on the market geared towards pickleball clubs.
This simple, user-friendly platform offers several features that can simplify the club management process.
Waiver integration, online payments, and email marketing tools are some of this platform’s primary features.
Match Points:
- Designed specifically for pickleball clubs
- Customizable website included with plans
- Modern, intuitive user interface
- Inexpensive pricing structure based on number of courts, add-ons, etc.
Points to Note:
- Inability to configure family memberships
- Limited analytics dashboard
- No POS integration for retail or food & beverage
- Inability for users/club members to set up recurring monthly/annual memberships
- Limited support team available to support clients
Who It’s For: The Pickleball Purists
Smaller, pickleball-only clubs with limited budgets
10. Upper Hand
Since 2012, Upper Hand has established itself to be a robust software solution in the club management industry.
Though not engineered specifically for racquet sports, they offer several features that could be relevant to your club’s needs.
Upper Hand is commonly used in multi-sport organizations, including universities, academics, and parks and recreation facilities.
Match Points:
- Leverages AI for data insights and predictive analytics
- Offers Custom Website Builder for additional fee
- Affordable pricing structure that varies based on club size and needs
Points to Note:
- Not tailored specifically for racquet sports, which may limit its capabilities in your club
- Has option for tennis club configuration, but not pickleball
- Can have a steep learning curve
- No free trial available
Who It’s For: The Big Data Ballers
Larger, multi-location sports facilities seeking a data-driven digital solution
11. EZFacility:
A division of Jonas Software, EZFacility is a court reservation software for sports facilities of all kinds, including both tennis and pickleball clubs.
Clubs with a variety of sports facilities evaluate this product, due to its flexibility and generalized abilities.
EZFacility has been in business since the early 2000s.
Match Points:
- Point of sale integration for retail
- Secure platform (PCI DSS Level 1 certified)
- Website offers online hardware store for recommended product integration
- Can be particularly useful for community recreation centers
Points to Note:
- May be less useful for smaller, racquet-specific clubs that only require a few features
- Requires in-depth training for new users
- Can be more difficult to customize
- Some features are not compatible on mobile
- Does not offer extended free trial
Who It’s For: The Play-It-All Pros
Large community/athletic clubs with multiple types of sports facilities on-site
12. PodPlay
A relative newcomer to the industry, PodPlay was founded in 2023.
This company was born from another product, PingPod, which was initially designed for ping-pong clubs.
PodPlay’s software was engineered for other racquet sports, known for its sleek user experience, and emphasis on video and social media integration.
PodPlay also promotes an autonomous booking feature that minimizes the amount of staff employed to run your club’s daily operations.
Match Points:
- Can record videos of matches to save and share; for user-generated content
- Ability to integrate hardware options like scoreboards
- Option for customized, branded app
- Sleek, modern app interface
- Integrations with DUPR as well as other digital tools (Tableau, MailChimp, etc.)
Points to Note:
- Can be one of the more expensive options, especially for smaller clubs
- Locked into a 12-month contract
- No point-of sale-integration
- Door access feature is only available in top payment plan
- Less optimized for tennis clubs
- No free trial available
Who It’s For: The Cyber Smashers
Tech-savvy pickleball clubs with smaller (or no) staffs and a strong digital presence
Honorable Mentions
We curated this list of software providers specifically for tennis and pickleball facilities seeking a comprehensive solution for club management.
Because of this specific audience, there were several viable providers that weren’t included.
Even still, these options (among others) may be worth exploring depending on your club’s needs:
- Roller — Business management software equipped with CRM, POS, and analytics tools
- Momence — Management platform designed for gyms, dance studios, spas, and more
- ClassManager — AI-powered platform for class and lesson-based businesses
- MatchTime — Racquet sports club software with a special emphasis on leagues and teams
Score Big with CourtReserve
Choosing the right pickleball and tennis court reservation system for your club is a complex decision. As you can see, many solutions are robust, but lack the unique functionality required for tennis and pickleball clubs. On the other hand, other products may be specific to racquet sports, but offer bare-minimum features (locking the rest behind a paywall of add-ons). Ultimately, the choice will vary based on your club’s unique pain points, goals, and future plans.
At CourtReserve, we’re here to serve you as you discern the best route for your business. Our goal is to help your club win — and we think our club management platform is positioned to do just that.
We understand the unique nuances of managing tennis and pickleball clubs. (Our founders, Tim and Ashley Owens, even run their own club!) We believe club management software is an investment, not a line item. That’s why we’re proud to be the definitive digital solution for racquet sports club management – offering you the customization options you need to see your club soar, all at affordable price points.
Take your first step today with CourtReserve to see how partnering with us can drive revenue, satisfy your members, and scale your club to new heights.
