Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-144 authorizing a Sponsorship and Advertising Agreement with Pickleball Intermediate, LLC, 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 Sponsorship and Advertising Agreement establishes the benefits provided to the City in connection with the 2026 event. These benefits include City branding and signage, resident ticket discounts, event tickets and hospitality access, a Farmers Branch Community Day, an information booth, community programming opportunities, and other promotional recognition described in the agreement. The sponsorship fee is $60,639 and is identified in the agreement as the City's local Event Trust Fund match.
Resolution No. 2026-144 authorizes the City Manager to execute and administer the Sponsorship and Advertising Agreement with Pickleball Intermediate, LLC.
This item is related to a companion resolution, Resolution No. 2026-143, which addresses an Event Trust Fund Support Contract. 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. 2026-144 as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-144 with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2026-144
2. Exhibit A - Sponsorship and Advertising Agreement