From 80s Dustbin to $45 Million: The Spikeball Story You Won’t Believe
Have you heard of a sport that thrived in the 80s, then disappeared, only to return as a global hit? That’s Spikeball’s journey, thanks to Chris Ruder, the CEO. This is not just a fluffy business tale; it shows how something neglected turned into a $45 million empire in 2023. Yes, $45 million!
Chris Ruder: The Man Who Said “Let’s Spike It Up!”
Who is Chris Ruder? He is the visionary behind the game called roundnet, from 1989 by Jeff Knurek. Think volleyball meets foursquare. It sounds odd, but Ruder and his friends didn’t just play; they popularized it as Spikeball. In 2008, Chris Ruder founded Spikeball Inc. with its iconic black and yellow net. This was about reviving a forgotten game.
Today, Chris Ruder is still the CEO of Spikeball. He appeared on Shark Tank in 2014 seeking $500,000 for a 10% stake. He aimed for sharks Mark Cuban and Nick Woodman. He did not get those sharks, but Daymond John invested $500,000 for 20% of Spikeball.
Spikeball’s Bank Account: Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s discuss numbers. They often speak louder than words. In Spikeball’s first year, it earned $10,882. Now, they reported $45.2 million in 2023. That’s explosive growth. Shark Tank Blog reported their January 2023 revenue at $19 million a year. Regardless of how you look at it, the growth is substantial.
Furthermore, even without that Shark Tank deal closing (there’s more on that later), Spikeball’s net worth stands at $45 million. The whole market for Spikeball equipment? About USD 150 million in 2023, expected to grow to USD 300 million by 2031. This shows effectiveness. It proves reimagining something old can yield great results.
For a detailed look, Zippia provides insights about Spikeball’s revenue: Spikeball Revenue: Annual, Quarterly, and Historic – Zippia. Spoiler: numbers impress.
From Backyard to Global Domination
Roundnet, now known as Spikeball, originated in 1989. Jeff Knurek created it based on volleyball. It had its moment in the 80s, but then faded away. Enter Chris Ruder in 2008. He revived it and sparked a sport. The official Spikeball website claims over 4 million people play globally, with more than 150 tournaments yearly. Mission accomplished.
Spikeball has reached far beyond just America. The sport is worldwide, with the US leading in player numbers. Its resurgence shows consistent growth over the past decade, now having a global audience of 4 million players. User-generated content fuels its popularity. They rank #139 on the Inc 5000 list, proving this success story is real.
Shark Tank: The Deal That Wasn’t (But Still Was)
Ah, Shark Tank. A place where startups thrive or fail on screen. Spikeball entered the tank in 2014 (aired May 15, 2015) during Season 6. Chris Ruder sought $500,000 for 10% of the company. Daymond John offered $500,000 to invest. Deal done, right?
Not exactly. Daymond wanted 20% and control over manufacturing and retail. Ruder agreed initially. But then, like a rally in Spikeball, things shifted. Differences appeared, and the deal fell apart before airing. Ouch. However, that “failed” Shark Tank pitch was invaluable. The exposure gained was beyond price. As Forbes noted: What Happened When Spikeball’s $500,000 Shark Tank Deal Fell Apart. Sometimes, losing a deal leads to gains.
Even without Daymond’s cash, the Shark Tank exposure pushed Spikeball into households nationwide. Surprisingly, seven million viewers are worth more than $500,000. And Daymond John did just fine too – check out Daymond John’s Net Worth 2024. Sometimes a non-deal can build an empire.
Spikeball: More Than Just a Backyard Game
Spikeball is not simply casual fun; it is a real sport. It features a two-on-two team format that mixes volleyball with foursquare. Age does not matter. Anyone from age 6 to 90 can play. You may hit the ball with any body part as long as it’s a clean hit – no catching or throwing allowed.
Think it’s just for casual players? Wrong. The Spikeball Tour Series shows its competitiveness. While it’s unsalaried (for now), elite players can earn big through prizes and sponsorships. Victors of major events can win up to $100,000. That’s great for bouncing a ball.
What’s Next for Spikeball? Mammoths and Paddles
Spikeball won’t just sit idle. They plan to release new products. The “mammoth” set features a wider base and higher height with a modified ball. They are also testing paddles, inspired by the rising popularity of pickleball. Ruder and his team seem ready for change.
Spikeball is inspired by pickleball, hinting at more paddles and maybe court expansions. Despite their success, Spikeball’s CEO sticks to organic growth over paid advertising, relying on the committed fanbase. Smart move or risk? Time will tell, but given their history, they likely have a winning strategy.
Spike vs. Spiking vs. Spike… Too Many Spikes?
To clear up confusion, Spikeball is not alone in the “Spike” realm. Spiking exists, led by Dr. Clemen Chiang in finance. Then there’s Spike by SpikeNow LTD, with Dvir Ben Aroya in tech. Spike Electric Controls has Cole Attaway as CEO. Don’t forget the original “Spike” – Shelton “Spike” Lee, the well-known filmmaker. Even Spike energy drinks are represented by Tim Patterson. So, while many “Spike” ventures exist, we’re focusing on Spikeball, the roundnet game led by Chris Ruder. It’s crucial to keep it sorted!
So that’s it. The Spikeball tale – it shows how nostalgia, effort, and Chris Ruder’s leadership turned an old pastime into a $45 million enterprise. Who knew hitting a ball off a net could be so… spectacular?
