The Explosive Rise of Padel in the USA: Why This Sport is Taking Over
Introduction
Picture this: A fast-paced, exciting sport that blends the best elements of tennis and squash, played on a court surrounded by glass walls. The rallies are thrilling, the learning curve is easy, and the social aspect is undeniable. This is padel, and it’s taking the United States by storm.
Already wildly popular in Spain, Argentina, and the Middle East, padel is now making its mark in America. Celebrities, professional athletes, and investors are fueling its rapid expansion, and new courts are popping up across the country. But why is padel growing so fast in the U.S.? And how does it compare to other racket sports like pickleball and tennis?
In this deep dive, we’ll explore the rise of padel in the USA, why it’s capturing so much attention, and where the sport is headed next.
What Is Padel, and Why Is It So Popular?
Before we dive into padel’s U.S. growth, let’s take a quick look at what makes the sport unique.
Doubles-Only Format – Padel is always played in doubles, making it a social sport that’s perfect for group play.
Small, Enclosed Courts – The 10m x 20m court, surrounded by glass walls, keeps the game fast and dynamic.
Easier Than Tennis – The underhand serve and small court mean longer rallies and quicker learning.
More Strategic Than Pickleball – The use of walls and angles adds a tactical layer that keeps players engaged.
These characteristics make padel extremely addictive. Players of all skill levels can enjoy a competitive match within minutes, making it one of the most accessible sports out there.
The Global Explosion of Padel
From Mexico to the World
Padel was invented in Mexico in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera, who designed a court with walls to prevent the ball from escaping his backyard. From there, it spread to Spain and Argentina, becoming a national obsession in both countries.
Spain leads the world in padel courts, with over 20,000 courts and 4 million players.
Argentina follows closely, with padel as the second-most popular sport after soccer.
The Middle East, especially Dubai and Qatar, has invested heavily in professional padel leagues.
Now, it’s America’s turn.
Why Padel Is Growing Fast in the USA
While pickleball has been getting all the hype as the fastest-growing U.S. sport, padel is quickly catching up—especially among young professionals and ex-tennis players.
Padel Is Easier to Learn Than Tennis
Many recreational players find tennis difficult due to its powerful serves, larger court size, and physical demands. Padel removes these barriers:
Underhand serve – No need to master a fast, high-impact serve.
Glass walls keep the ball in play – Longer rallies, less frustration.
Smaller court size – More action, less running.
This means faster improvement and more enjoyment, making padel the perfect sport for casual players.
The Social & Fitness Appeal
Padel’s doubles-only format makes it incredibly social. Instead of playing solo, players always have a partner, making it more engaging for groups, corporate events, and fitness clubs.
Additionally, padel is a full-body workout without the intense joint strain of tennis. It’s an ideal mix of cardio, agility, and reflex training—a major selling point for fitness enthusiasts.
Celebrity & Athlete Investments
Padel’s rise in the U.S. has been fueled by high-profile backers, including:
LeBron James – Invested in Major League Padel USA (MLP USA).
Serena Williams & Naomi Osaka – Funding new padel clubs across the country.
David Beckham & Zlatan Ibrahimović – Opening luxury padel facilities in Miami and LA.
As more celebrities and athletes promote the sport, awareness and interest continue to grow.
Where Padel Is Booming in the USA
Although the sport is still relatively new in the U.S., some cities are emerging as hotspots:
Miami, Florida
Home to more padel courts than any other U.S. city.
Host of international padel tournaments and exhibition matches.
Favored by ex-tennis pros and European expats.
New York City
Manhattan and Brooklyn are seeing a rise in luxury padel clubs.
High demand from finance professionals and young athletes.
Texas (Houston & Dallas)
Rapid court construction in private clubs and sports complexes.
Popular among high-net-worth individuals and tech entrepreneurs.
California (Los Angeles & San Diego)
Major padel tournaments now hosted annually.
Hollywood’s elite athletes and influencers are embracing the sport.
These early-adopter markets are paving the way for nationwide expansion.
The Future of Padel in the USA
Where is padel headed next?
More Padel Clubs & Facilities – Expect 500+ new courts by 2026.
Growth in College & High School Sports – Universities like Stanford and UCLA are adding padel programs.
Professional Padel Leagues – The Pro Padel League (PPL) is gaining traction, with new tournaments each year.
Olympic Recognition – Many believe padel could become an Olympic sport by 2032.
Padel is no longer just a trend—it’s here to stay.
Conclusion: Time to Get on the Padel Train
Whether you’re an ex-tennis player looking for a new challenge or someone who just wants a fun, social sport, now is the perfect time to jump into padel.
As courts continue to open across the USA, expect to hear a lot more about this fast-growing, dynamic sport.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a racket, hit the court, and experience the future of racket sports.