BucketGolf Update | Shark Tank Season 16
Golf has long been known as a sport that requires patience, skill, and plenty of time.
But what if you could bring the excitement of golf into your backyard in a fun and accessible way?
That’s exactly what Tyler and Jen Simmons set out to do with BucketGolf—a portable, easy-to-set-up golf game that anyone can play.
The sibling entrepreneurs took their innovative backyard game to Shark Tank Season 16, where they sought a deal to scale their business.
But did they manage to land an investment? And what has happened since their Shark Tank debut?
Let’s dig into this BucketGolf Shark Tank update.
BucketGolf Shark Tank Pitch Recap
- Founders: Tyler and Jen Simmons
- Business: A portable, backyard-friendly golf game
- Ask: $1,000,000 for 10% equity
- Deal: $1,000,000 for 12.5% equity with Mark Cuban
Tyler and Jen entered the Shark Tank with an energetic pitch, demonstrating how BucketGolf makes golf more approachable for casual players.
The game is simple: set up pop-up buckets as holes, use the chipping wedge, and try to sink the ball in as few strokes as possible.
It’s an ideal activity for backyards, beaches, and tailgates, offering a fun alternative to traditional golf.
Their sales numbers impressed the Sharks:
- $5,000 in sales from 2018 to 2020 (slow start)
- $2.5 million in 2022 (breakthrough)
- $5.9 million in 2023 (doubling sales)
- Projected $12 million in 2024
With a 70% profit margin (costing $60 to produce and selling for $199), BucketGolf was already a profitable business.
The founders aimed to use the investment for inventory expansion and logistics improvements, ensuring they could meet growing demand.
How the Sharks Responded
Each Shark had a different take on the business. Here’s a breakdown of their responses:
| Shark | Offer | Reasoning |
| Kevin O’Leary | $1,000,000 for 25% equity | Believed they needed distributors for large-scale growth. |
| Daymond John | $1,000,000 for 25% equity | Confident the business could reach $150 million in sales. |
| Todd Graves | No offer | Didn’t see long-term potential. |
| Lori Greiner | $1,000,000 for 22.5% equity (preferred stock) | Wanted guaranteed profit distributions. |
| Mark Cuban | $1,000,000 for 15% equity → countered to 12.5% | Saw the direct-to-consumer (DTC) model as scalable. |
After some back-and-forth, Tyler and Jen struck a deal with Mark Cuban for $1,000,000 in exchange for 12.5% equity.
Cuban’s focus on e-commerce and scaling DTC brands made him a strategic partner for BucketGolf’s future growth.
Post-Shark Tank Success: BucketGolf Update
Following their Shark Tank appearance, BucketGolf experienced a massive sales surge, shattering their previous records.
Sales and Revenue Growth
| Year | Sales Revenue |
| 2018-2020 | $5,000 |
| 2022 | $2.5 million |
| 2023 | $5.9 million |
| 2024 (Projected) | $12 million+ |
Their partnership with Mark Cuban helped them scale operations, improve logistics, and optimize marketing strategies, leading to continued growth.
Retail Expansion & Distribution Deals
BucketGolf has traditionally relied on direct-to-consumer sales via Amazon and its website. However, they have now made key moves into retail:
| Retail Partner | Expansion Details |
| Walmart | Entered select stores and online marketplace. |
| Dick’s Sporting Goods | Testing pilot locations in chosen regions. |
| Golf Specialty Shops | Partnered with independent golf stores. |
While 85% of their revenue still comes from online sales, retail partnerships have expanded their market reach.
New Product Launches & Strategic Partnerships
BucketGolf has also expanded its product line, introducing:
- The “Tour Set” – A premium version aimed at serious golf enthusiasts.
- Golden Edition Gear – A special edition launched in collaboration with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, with proceeds donated to support cancer research.
Additionally, they have secured strategic sponsorships with golf influencers, increasing brand awareness within the golf community.
Key Factors Behind BucketGolf’s Growth
Several factors have contributed to BucketGolf’s rapid growth and success:
- Strong Profit Margins – Selling for $199 with a 70% margin allowed for reinvestment in growth.
- Direct-to-Consumer Model – Avoiding middlemen helped them maintain pricing control.
- Shark Tank Exposure – The national TV appearance led to a massive sales spike.
- Retail Expansion – Walmart and specialty golf stores helped them reach new customers.
- New Product Innovation – The Tour Set catered to a broader audience.
- Strategic Partnerships – Collaborating with influencers and charities boosted brand credibility.
Despite their success, scaling retail remains a challenge due to slim margins.
Maintaining online dominance while cautiously expanding into retail will be key to long-term growth.
Final Thoughts: BucketGolf’s Future
BucketGolf’s Shark Tank deal with Mark Cuban has proven to be a game-changer.
They’ve scaled their business significantly, expanded into retail, and continued innovating their product lineup.
Their story perfectly shows how a simple yet unique product and innovative business strategies can create a winning brand.
As they continue to expand and refine their retail strategy, BucketGolf’s journey is one to watch.
Will they become a household name in backyard sports? Only time will tell, but their trajectory is looking strong!
Want more updates on BucketGolf and other Shark Tank brands?
Stay tuned for our subsequent business breakdown!
