Why Padel is the Next “IT” Sport

Fun, fast, and addictive. That’s what Padel (pronounced “pa-DEL”) is and it’s taking hold in North America. Easy to learn, Padel is a hybrid game of squash and tennis and is quickly becoming the next “it” sport amongst Americans. Great for people of all ages and skill levels, the action packed sport uses a rubber (or foam) paddle with holes in it and doesn’t require a lot of strength and endurance. Padel is also played in a doubles format, making it social and offering the feel good factor for everyone.

First invented by Mexican businessman Enrique Corcuera in 1969, Padel is a big pastime in Spain where they have over 20,000 courts. Catching on more recently in the Middle East and other European countries, in the U.S. the states with the largest Spanish-speaking populations (like Florida and Texas) are paving the way for the explosive growth of the game.

Growing in popularity around the world with 10 million players picking up Padel just last year, the sport’s growth isn’t expected to stop anytime soon. And, especially with famous professional athletes like Leo Messi and Andy Murray backing Padel, Padel is looking to overtake tennis and pickleball as the fastest-growing racquet sport in the world to hit the courts.

In the U.S., the number of Padel courts is set to double in 2023 and over 8 million players are projected to be playing in the U.S. by 2030.

“Padel is in an unstoppable position already in the U.S. The number of Padel locations is increasing all over the country,” says PPL League Commissioner, Marcos Del Pilar.