Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-143 authorizing an Event Trust Fund Support Contract with Pickleball Holdco LLC, doing business as Professional Pickleball Association, for the 2026 Pickleball World Championships; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
City Manager's Office - Tourism
BACKGROUND:
The City of Farmers Branch has served as the host city for the Pickleball World Championships since 2023. The 2026 event will be held at Brookhaven Country Club from October 30 through November 8, 2026, and will include Major League Pickleball and the 2026 Pickleball World Championships.
The City applied to the Texas Governor's Office of Economic Development and Tourism for support through the Event Trust Fund Program. The State estimates that the event will generate an incremental increase in eligible tax revenue sufficient to support a state contribution of $378,993. A local contribution of $60,639 is required, resulting in an estimated total Event Trust Fund amount of $439,632.
In prior years, Council considered the Event Trust Fund and sponsorship arrangements together under one resolution. For 2026, the agreements are presented as separate agenda items to simplify administration and documentation for State reimbursement.
DISCUSSION:
The Event Trust Fund Support Contract establishes the process for receiving, documenting, and disbursing Event Trust Fund proceeds for eligible event expenses. The City will remit the required $60,639 local contribution to the State. The State's estimated contribution is $378,993, resulting in an estimated total fund amount of $439,632. The City's obligation to distribute Event Trust Fund proceeds is limited to amounts approved and received from the State. The agreement also requires the event organizer to provide supporting documentation, comply with audit requirements, and reimburse the City for Police services provided for the event.
Resolution No. 2026-143 authorizes the City Manager to execute and administer the Event Trust Fund Support Contract with Pickleball Holdco LLC, doing business as Professional Pickleball Association.
This item is related to a companion resolution, Resolution No. 2026-144, which addresses a Sponsorship and Advertising Agreement. Although Council is considering two resolutions, the agreements do not authorize two separate City contributions. The same $60,639 payment is identified as the City's local Event Trust Fund match and the sponsorship consideration.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Budgeted financial impact of $60,639 from the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund. The City's single $60,639 contribution is expected to leverage an estimated $378,993 State contribution, for an estimated total Event Trust Fund amount of $439,632. Approval of this resolution and its companion resolution does not authorize duplicate City payments.
DISTRICT:
District 5
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-143 as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-143 with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2026-143
2. Exhibit A - Event Trust Fund Support Contract