The wave padel in the USA is just beginning

Le padel has seen a remarkable rise in the United States in 2023. The sport, distinct from pickleball, has captured attention thanks to a series of celebrity investments, ranging from the New York Yankees to Swedish NHL players, to by figures like Daddy Yankee and Sebastian Giovinco.

Thanks to our colleagues at Sportico, here are the first tracks of a sport which is becoming increasingly important in the United States.

Le padel, a culture that is exported

Le padel exported across the Atlantic. "THE padel is much more than a sport, it is a culture,” declares Juan Martín Díaz, living legend of padel.

Easy to integrate into urban spaces due to its small size compared to tennis courts, and appreciated for its social and friendly aspect, “the padel attracts a large and diverse audience,” explains Santiago Gomez, founder of Padel House.

With the rise of private clubs and the opening of new franchises, “we firmly believe in the potential of padel in the United States,” says Gomez. The continued expansion of this sport testifies to its successful integration on American soil.

The birth of the Pro Padel League

The creation of the Pro Padel League (PPL) marks a turning point in the professionalization of sport in the United States. “This is a pivotal moment for the padel American,” says Marcos del Pilar, co-founder of the PPL.

With franchise sales reaching seven-figure sums and predictions of exponential growth in franchise padel, “the commercial potential of padel is huge,” said Keith Stein, lawyer and co-founder of PPL.

“2024 will be the year of padel in the United States,” predicts del Pilar. As the sport continues to gain ground, the year promises to be crucial for its recognition and development. With continued efforts in terms of infrastructure, marketing, and the engagement of influential figures, the padel is well on its way to becoming an essential discipline on the American sporting scene.

Let us recall that one of the French people who took part in the development of padel in the USA is Nallé Grinda. Former Miami Tournament Director Padel open (World Padel Tour) is about to launch PADEL X, a chain of clubs padel which could develop during 2024/2025.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovers the padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since padel is part of his life. You often see him touring France going to cover the major events of padel French.