Hello dear readers, friends, and racket sports enthusiasts.

As the global racket sports ecosystem continues to evolve at a blistering pace, the May issue of Racket Business brings a timely, thought-provoking, and multifaceted look at where the industry stands—and where it may be headed next.

This month, we kick off with Rich’s Publisher's Notes, introducing key updates including the launch of the American Racket Sports Association and a closer look at the people and companies shaping the space. In a market marked by both opportunity and uncertainty, economist Gary Horvath weighs in with Economic Slowdown 2025?, warning that the road ahead could be as unpredictable as it is exciting.

We also take a data-driven look at the battle between tennis and pickleball in Tennis vs. Pickleball: Participation, Revenue, and Value, with a special focus on Southern California, one of the most competitive racket sports regions in the world. Meanwhile, Rod Heckelman returns with two compelling pieces: one exploring the legacy-driven motivation of tennis coaches, and another asking whether clay courts still provide the best foundation for developing world-class players.

Internationally, we spotlight Tennis-Club 1899 e.V. Blau-Weiss Berlin, one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious clubs, now in its 126th year. And in the technology corner, Ashley’s ‘May Racket Sports Tech’ roundup covers everything from GoRaqt to TennisCircuits, offering insights for forward-thinking operators and players alike.

Padel and pickleball continue their meteoric rise. Padel Power Sweeping the World details the latest ventures, partnerships, and global expansion moves, while Pickleball Buzz Beyond the Kitchen covers the newest headlines in what’s become America’s fastest-growing sport.

We also invite you to explore key conversations around coaching and communication with Susan Nardi’s In the Trenches, and dive into our comparative feature, Racket Battle, which asks whether tennis can hold its ground amid the boom in padel and pickleball participation.

As always, our Industry News section brings you global job openings, short updates, product launches, and notable media moments from across the racket sports world.

Thank you for reading and being part of the conversation. Let’s keep moving the game—and the business—forward.

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Scroll down to explore all the articles in this issue or visit RacketBusiness.com to dive straight in.

Rich & Tim

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From inside the lines…

A New Era for Racket Sports: How Emerging Games Are Reshaping a Tradition-Driven Landscape

We recently had the opportunity to visit the vibrant and historic city of Dublin, Ireland—a location that proudly holds the distinction of having the highest number of tennis courts per capita of any city worldwide. During our time there, we explored two of Dublin’s most prestigious tennis institutions, both of which are situated in close proximity and rank among the oldest tennis clubs globally. The city’s deep-rooted tennis heritage was palpable, yet it was a new development in the world of racket sports that particularly caught our attention.

In a recent press release, Ireland’s leading padel operator announced a significant milestone:

“The leading Irish padel company is delighted to announce that it has secured a €5 million investment to launch an ambitious national network of 100 state-of-the-art padel courts across Ireland.”

This announcement underscores a dynamic shift occurring within the global racket sports landscape. Tennis, a cornerstone of the international sporting community for over a century, now finds itself sharing the stage with two of the fastest-growing sports in the world—padel and pickleball.

What makes this evolution especially compelling is the scale and geographic diversity of the growth. Ireland, a country known more for its rich culture and rugged coastline than its climate, is becoming a key player in the expansion of modern racket sports. Despite lacking the year-round outdoor conditions of countries like Spain or the United States, Ireland is attracting substantial investment into padel infrastructure, demonstrating the sport’s broad appeal and resilience.

This development reflects a broader global trend: racket sports are no longer limited by tradition, climate, or geography. In fact, according to the European Padel Association, participation in padel across Europe has increased by more than 150% over the past five years, and Ireland is now positioning itself to be a central hub in that growth. Simultaneously, pickleball has surged to nearly 20 million players in the U.S., illustrating the unprecedented pace at which these new formats are reshaping the racket sports ecosystem.

We are living through a remarkable era in sport—one where legacy institutions coexist and evolve alongside new, accessible formats that are bringing people of all ages and abilities into the game. The developments in Ireland are not only a testament to this transformation but also a reminder of how innovation and tradition can thrive together on the court.