Spikeball Shark Tank Update | Spikeball Net Worth

Spikeball, a outdoor sports game, was showcased on Season 6 of the hit American reality television series, “Shark Tank.” This sport is a fast-paced, high-energy game often described as a hybrid between volleyball and four square, offering players a unique and exciting exercise experience.

The Spikeball kit includes a round net on a circular frame, four balls, and a carrying bag, allowing players to easily transport it to a beach, park, or backyard gathering. The game is played with two teams of two players, who take turns hitting the ball onto the net.

The game’s object is to hit the ball so the opposing team cannot return it, earning points when the other team misses or makes a mistake. Spikeball’s portability and ease of setup make it a popular game.

The net and frame can be quickly disassembled and packed into the carrying bag, making it perfect for trips and outdoor gatherings. Additionally, it’s adaptable to different skill levels, so both beginners and advanced players can enjoy the game.

Spikeball benefits those seeking a fun, active, competitive outdoor game. It provides an excellent workout, improves hand-eye coordination, and encourages teamwork.

The game has grown in popularity since its appearance on “Shark Tank,” not only because of its fun and competitive nature but also for its potential to build community.

From casual games at the beach to organized tournaments, Spikeball provides an engaging and entertaining way to stay active and socialize.

What Is Spikeball?

Spikeball is an outdoor game that combines elements of volleyball and four square. It’s played with two teams of two players, using a small round ball and a round net set up like a small trampoline.

Spikeball aims to hit the ball onto the net so the opposing team cannot return it. Each team is allowed up to three touches of the ball to return it onto the net. The game continues this way until a team fails to return the ball to the net, scoring a point for the other team.

Spikeball has gained significant popularity for its fast-paced nature and the fact that it can be played in various settings – from beaches and parks to backyards and gyms. It’s played recreationally and at a competitive level with leagues and tournaments.

Who Is The Founder Of Spikeball?

Spikeball was founded by Chris Ruder, a visionary entrepreneur who saw an opportunity in outdoor games. Ruder has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Marquette University and had a successful career in the advertising industry before his entrepreneurial venture.

The idea of Spikeball emerged from a game Ruder played during his childhood in the 1980s called “roundnet.” When he could not find an existing kit to play the game as an adult, Ruder decided to create his version, which he named “Spikeball.”

He launched the company in 2008 with a clear vision to reinvent the game and bring it to the masses, aspiring to make it the next great American sport.

Before appearing on “Shark Tank,” Spikeball had grown steadily, gaining popularity in the United States and beyond. Ruder spent considerable time building a community around the game, often giving away Spikeball sets to PE teachers and encouraging grassroots tournaments.

This strategy helped in not only create a market for the product but also nurturing a community of players who were passionate about the game.

However, the company was facing challenges related to marketing and scaling up. This is where “Shark Tank” came into the picture.

The appearance on the show provided Spikeball with a significant boost in publicity and led to a substantial increase in sales. The televised pitch, combined with the compelling nature of the product itself, resonated with audiences and helped elevate the brand to new heights.

How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Spikeball?

When Spikeball appeared on “Shark Tank” during Season 6 in 2015, it was a pivotal moment for the company. Founder Chris Ruder presented the business to the Sharks, demonstrating the game’s unique, active, and engaging nature.

Ruder walked onto the “Shark Tank” stage with a clear objective, seeking $500,000 in exchange for a 10% stake in Spikeball, valuing the company at $5 million.

His pitch included a live demonstration of the game, showing its portability, ease of use, and competitive yet fun aspects.

He also highlighted the growth of the Spikeball community, with organized leagues and tournaments popping up all over the country.

The Sharks were intrigued by the presentation. They saw potential in the product and were impressed by the company’s growth and Ruder’s marketing strategy, especially his efforts to cultivate a passionate Spikeball community.

However, some Sharks expressed concerns about the company’s valuation and the longevity of the game’s popularity.

After a bit of negotiation, Daymond John, a Shark known for his expertise in branding and marketing, offered $500,000 for a 20% stake in the company. This was double the equity Ruder initially proposed. Ruder tried to counter with a 15% offer, but John stood firm at 20%.

Recognizing the value of having a Shark on board, especially one as experienced in consumer products and branding as Daymond John, Ruder accepted the offer.

The deal benefitted Spikeball, providing them with capital, valuable mentorship, and a significant publicity boost. This Shark Tank appearance helped Spikeball further increase its popularity and solidify its position in the outdoor games market.

Final Deal: Daymond John invests $500,000 for 25% equity of Spikeball.

What Happened To Spikeball After Shark Tank?

After appearing on “Shark Tank,” Spikeball experienced a remarkable transformation and achieved significant success. The exposure from the show led to a surge in sales and boosted its popularity, turning the game from a home-based activity into a national sensation.

Chris Ruder, the founder, successfully secured a $500,000 investment from Daymond John in exchange for a 25% stake in the company, valuing it at $2 million. This investment gave Spikeball the necessary capital and mentorship to navigate its growth effectively.

The game, described as a competitive mix of volleyball and foursquare, gained rapid popularity, with over 250,000 players and 1,000 top-ranked teams in the US.

The company expanded its leagues across North America, fostering a passionate and engaged community of players.

Spikeball’s business continued to thrive after “Shark Tank.” The company reported selling over a million sets and earning $6 million annually, and it maintained a loyal fan base.

With its continued success, it generated $19 million in annual revenue by January 2023 and had plans to become an Olympic sport. The game’s unexpected and widespread success surpassed the founder’s initial expectations.

Throughout its journey, Spikeball demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Although the deal with Daymond John on “Shark Tank” didn’t close, the exposure from the show helped the company secure a patent, expand its product distribution, and solidify its position in the market.

The game’s success also translated into the company’s financial growth, employing 40 people as it made a global impact.

Spikeball’s appearance on “Shark Tank” catalyzed its rapid expansion, turning it into a thriving business with a substantial following and global reach.

The game’s popularity, combined with a strong online presence and active social media following, allowed the company to successfully establish itself as a major outdoor sports and entertainment player.

Spikeball Shark Tank Update

Spikeball’s appearance on “Shark Tank” marked a significant turning point for the company. The exposure from the show gave the brand a significant publicity boost, and its sales skyrocketed as a result.

In addition to the increase in sales, the company also saw a surge in interest in the sport. More and more people started playing Spikeball, leading to a proliferation of informal games in parks, beaches, and backyards and organized tournaments around the country.

The Spikeball community continued to grow, further bolstering the company’s success. The investment and mentorship from Daymond John also helped Spikeball navigate its growth more effectively.

His expertise in branding and marketing added valuable insights to the company, allowing them to develop strategies to reach a wider audience and further solidify their brand image.

Chris Ruder founded Spikeball to establish the game as a mainstream activity. The company continued its efforts towards this goal post-“Shark Tank,” investing in the development of competitive leagues and tournaments. By fostering a passionate and engaged community of players, Spikeball has continued to thrive.

Spikeball is considered one of the most successful companies to emerge from “Shark Tank,” its products are available in thousands of retail locations across the U.S. and beyond, and the game continues to grow in popularity.

Is Spikeball Still In Business?

Yes, Spikeball is still in business. Spikeball Inc. remains an active sports equipment company based in Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in 2007 by Chris Ruder and has experienced significant growth since its inception.

The company is known for being the largest provider of roundnet equipment, and it sponsors tournaments in multiple countries, further promoting the game’s popularity.

Throughout the years, Spikeball has achieved notable success, earning over $1 million in annual revenue, and has obtained a US patent for the game of roundnet.

The game has gained a dedicated following, especially among college-age enthusiasts, and it has attracted a global community of players and fans.

Spikeball’s tournament tour expanded to various locations across the United States, and it even had a tournament aired on ESPN2 in May 2018.

Additionally, the company’s involvement in the Spikeball Roundnet Association, with a ranking system introduced in 2016, has further boosted the game’s competitive nature and engagement.

Spikeball continues to innovate and expand its offerings, with new products like the MAMMOTH kit designed and made in the US from 100% recycled plastic.

The company’s commitment to bringing people together through fun and competitive sporting activities remains at the forefront of its mission.

What Is the Net Worth of Spikeball?

According to our research, the net worth of Spikeball is estimated to be $50 million. The valuation of Spikeball was $2.5 million after securing an investment from Daymond John on Shark Tank.

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