Lyons Take Over Three Maryland Dill Dinkers Clubs
Dill Dinkers transfers ownership of three Maryland pickleball clubs to John and Condit Lyon, who also secure development rights across the state.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Maryland-founded indoor pickleball company Dill Dinkers has transferred ownership of its Columbia, North Bethesda, and Rockville clubs to John and Condit Lyon. The Lyons also secured development rights for remaining Dill Dinkers territory in Maryland.
Why it matters
The deal shifts three clubs from corporate ownership to locally operated franchise locations, and the development rights cover a territory of more than one million people. It sets up the potential for up to seven additional Dill Dinkers locations across Maryland over the next decade.
The transfer covers three clubs in Columbia, North Bethesda, and Rockville, with development rights over a territory of more than one million people. The agreement allows for up to seven additional locations over the next decade, though the specific sites have not been announced.
The players
Dill Dinkers
A Maryland-founded indoor pickleball company that operates clubs under its brand and licenses franchise territory.
John and Condit Lyon
The franchisees who acquired the three clubs and secured development rights for remaining Maryland territory through their company, The Flying Lyon.
The details
The Lyons operate the clubs through their company, The Flying Lyon, and the three locations will continue under the Dill Dinkers name. The Lyons plan to invest in facility improvements, technology, staff development, programming, and player experience, while the company's leadership will focus more on supporting franchisees and expanding into new markets.
Timeline
November 2022: First Dill Dinkers location opens in Columbia.
November 5: Lyons' acquisition of three clubs is announced.
Over the next decade: Potential for up to seven additional Maryland locations.
Market Landscape
Indoor pickleball has expanded quickly through franchise and club models across the United States, and multi-club transfers like this one reflect operators consolidating regional territory. The shift from corporate ownership to local franchisees is a common way such chains grow their footprint in competitive markets.
Players at the three transferred clubs will see the same Dill Dinkers brand under new local ownership. Maryland residents may see new clubs open over the next decade if the development agreement moves forward.
The takeaway
Local franchise ownership can bring facility investment and closer attention to the player experience. Watch for announcements of new Maryland sites as the development agreement takes shape.
Further reading
For other new locations and shutdowns across the state, see Openings & Closings in Maryland business coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The MoCo Show.
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