Chris Ruder, along with his Spikeball team, shows the Sharks the next great American game in Shark Tank Season 6, finale. Spikeball is a 2-on-2, beach volleyball-type game. The “net” is actually a round, trampoline-like disc that opponents spike the ball off for the opposing team to hit and return.
Spikeball isn’t a new thing; it’s been around for over 7 years. There are over a quarter million players and 1000-plus ranked teams. Tournaments are organized by USA Spikeball and there are regional and national championships each “season.” The game is perfect for the beach and can be enjoyed by young and old alike.
Chris is likely looking for a Shark to help with expanding the game as a sport via sponsored venues and for help with mass market awareness and distribution. Can Mr. Ruder spike a Shark and net an investment?
About Spikeball
| Category | Details |
| Founder (Plural if multiple) | Chris Ruder |
| Product Type | Sports |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | Self-funded |
| Investment Asked | $500,000 |
| Equity Offered | 10% |
What Happened on the Shark Tank Episode?
Chris and his team march through the doors of Shark Tank. They are seeking $500,000 for 10% of his company. A spirited game ensues onstage to demonstrate the product. Then, the Q&A starts. They tell the story of how the trademark had expired on this old toy. They renewed it and started making and selling them. To publicize it, they run tournaments.
The entrepreneur brought four players with him on Shark Tank to present a tiny bit of the game. Players were split into two teams, tyro and chico, each with two players. The players were one of the finest of the sport. They played Spikeball in front of the Sharks.
Sharks then started asking their questions about the business model and future plans. They asked the entrepreneur about how he got the ownership of the sport Spikeball, and what their sales are.
So far, they’ve sold 29,000 units in a year. They project sales of $3.2 million for this year (2014). Each unit costs $14 landed and sells for $59. He thinks he can get the cost down to $10. He wants the Shark cash to produce more units as he has a 10,000-unit order from Dick’s Sporting Goods.
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What Makes Spikeball Unique?
Chris Ruder believes Spikeball is going to be the next great American sport. It is very simple to learn but extremely difficult to master. It is both a fun backyard game and a serious hardcore competition.
- Spikeball is ultra-portable. All you need is one ball and one net in a backpack.
- Like volleyball, Spikeball is easy to understand.
- Now, Spikeball tournaments are held all over the country.
- The game has been played for many years but wasn’t popular enough.
Like volleyball, teams have three touches before returning, or spiking, the ball back to the other team. Unlike volleyball, there are no boundaries. The company website describes the game as “kinda sorta like volleyball and foursquare but on steroids.”
Did Spikeball Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Kevin questions the valuation, but elects to see what the other Sharks do. Lori is the first Shark out, saying she can’t come to grips with the valuation. Nick says he’s just not passionate about it; he’s out.
Mark originally thought the idea was dumb, but as the pitch wore on, he grew to like it. Still, he goes out, citing the valuation. Kevin jumps in and offers a $500,000 loan at a 9% interest rate for 10% of the business.
Daymond offers $500,000 for the rights to licensing at 25% equity. Chris counters with 15%, and Daymond goes to 22%. When Chris counters at 20%, Daymond agrees.
What Happened to Spikeball After Shark Tank?
The deal with Daymond never closed. Spikeball runs tournaments all over the country and has been wildly successful since appearing in the Tank. In August 2020, they got a patent for their game. At least two knock-offs will likely be getting letters from Chris’s attorney for IP infringement.
In 2021, the national Spikeball Tournament was carried on ESPN2. As of May 2022, the company employs 40 people, and they’ve sold millions of sets. The first “roundnet” (what the sport is called generically) World Championships will take place in Belgium in September of 2022. There is even a group, the International Roundnet Federation, lobbying to make it an Olympic sport.
As of January, 2023, annual revenue of $19 million. In August, 2023, the company introduced “The Mammoth,” which is designed and made in the US from 100% recycled plastic. The new model promises “longer rallies and more fun.” At this time the 2023 Spikeball season is winding down. The company has an estimated net worth of over $45 million.
Where Can You Buy It?
The complete set is available at Amazon and on the company website. For updates on tournaments and other recent developments, visit their social media pages.
Quick Summary
- Entrepreneur Chris Ruder came on Shark Tank with an emerging sport, Spikeball, and was looking for investment and mentorship.
- It’s a quick, competitive game you can play anywhere, anytime.
- Chris closed a deal with Shark Daymond.
Also, read New Game: Spikeball! for more information.
Spikeball promised an August ship date for the Mammoth set. Purchased in July and still haven’t received it as of Sept 6. Spikeball customer service isn’t responding to any emails. Completely ghosted all their customers.
The deal never closed because Daymond had friends at Marvel Comics and they wanted to make a Spiderman Spikeball set. Chris was afraid that branding it with Spidey people might think it’s a toy.