Padel Power Sweeping the World 5/25

Sunrise Padel Capital accelerates growth across North America

Investment firm Sunrise Padel Capital has closed its first fund with deployments into nine padel clubs across major U.S. markets. The firm has also officially launched its second fund, a dual-structure vehicle designed to invest in both real estate and operating companies, targeting a combined $50 million in capital commitments. Read more.

Pro Padel League announces major investment

Pro Padel League, North America’s premier professional padel league, has announced its first institutional investment with a $10 million seed round. The round was led by Left Lane Capital, a consumer-focused venture capital firm that has led several investments into emerging sports leagues, with additional support from Tony Tamer’s family office, Kactus Capital, Gary Vaynerchuk and Epic Padel, among others. Read more.

VIVA Padel & Pickleball: capitalizing on the ‘cross-court consumer’

At last year’s inaugural RacquetX expo in Miami, there was much talk about the emergence of the so-called ‘cross-court consumer.’ We were told about a new breed of player who doesn’t monogamously stick to one racket sport but revels in the market’s increasing diversity.

As padel emerges, pickleball proliferates, tennis preserves its strong base and squash rides its Olympic wave, there has never been more choice for those who want to spend their leisure time smacking a ball. Historically, rackets sports players have tended to ‘stay in their lane’, but cross-pollination is growing and the days of each sport eyeing each other up suspiciously are ending. Read more.

From Acapulco to America: Pádel’s Growing Potential in the United States and Beyond

Pádel is a sport unlike any other in the racquet world. Despite showcasing central elements of squash and tennis, pádel stands on its own, boasting superb accessibility and thrilling innovation. The sport’s dynamic and social appeal has captivated the world, and casual enthusiasts and elite performance athletes are already pitching in to unleash its global expansion.

Since its inception in Acapulco, Mexico in 1969, pádel evolved from a niche pastime to a sporting sensation, particularly gaining traction in Spain in the late 1980s. Today, as stated by pádel entrepreneur Marcos Del Pilar, the time is ripe for the sport to become “Americanized.”

Along the same line, Del Pilar’s motto of “making a better world through padel” is beginning to flourish. Pádel’s rise has led to it becoming recognized as the “world’s fastest-growing sport.” That being said, pádel has yet to carve out a footprint in the United States.

Padel N9NE set to entice San Diego’s thriving young tech community

The young, urbane, health-conscious executives of San Diego’s gigantic tech industry will soon have a new place to play, with Padel N9NE set to open its doors in upmarket Sorrento Valley in April.

The club, situated on a large biotech campus just seven minutes from the ocean, has eight outdoor courts, two of which are stadium courts with heated seating for 500 spectators. Its 45,000 sq ft fitness centre has indoor and outdoor training areas, yoga rooms, climbing walls, two full-size basketball courts, recovery room, golf simulator bays, juice bar, locker rooms, sauna, cold plunge and steam rooms.

A lavish clubhouse will feature a huge viewing balcony, guest firepits, pro shop, Mexican and Filipino restaurants, Amazon lockers, UPS store, Copa Vida bar serving beer, wine and coffees, and a barbershop. Padel N9NE’s mantra is, ‘Come, play and stay all day.’

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Miami’s $900bn moment – Miami’s Property+Padel summit lays the groundwork for the game’s future in the US

Trailblazers within padel’s business sector met at one of the most innovative and progressive sessions of America’s Racquets Week, as the sport’s future in the US was discussed from an economic and infrastructural standpoint.  The networking event brought together industry leaders such as Playtomic’s Pablo Carro and RacquetX’s Robyn Duda in an effort to centralise ideas regarding the sport’s uptake and audience.

The ‘padel business model’ – a concept that is gaining increasing traction within the game’s tight-knit business community – was scrutinised from all angles by industry experts, with topics such as legal hurdles and data analytics mentioned throughout the day. The key takeaway from the day’s discussions was the emphasis on padel becoming less centred around court provision alone and recognising an interconnected business ecosystem where multiple sectors such as technology, finance, and investment can be utilised to garner further opportunities for the sport’s growth. Read more.

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UK: Game4Padel to double UK footprint with 50 new courts in 2025

The UK’s largest padel club operator is to begin work on the first padel site in Hull and East Yorkshire this month. Game4Padel

FR: Nine padel courts to open at Paris Olympic Aquatics Centre

A new padel facility at the Paris Olympic Aquatics Centre is due to open in June and will feature nine padel courts, including three indoors. 4Padel

US: Agassi launches new venture to boost growth of padel and pickleball 

Tennis legend Andre Agassi has launched a new company designed to boost the expansion of padel and pickleball worldwide. Agassi Sports Entertainment

UK: Slazenger Padel Clubs to open nine-court site in Blackburn

Slazenger Padel Clubs is to open a new padel club in Blackburn, East Lancashire with nine indoor padel courts and two pickleball courts.

US: USPA's Juan Arraya: America can have largest community of padel players in world by 2030

In an interview with Padel Business Magazine, the new chair of the United States Padel Association (USPA)’s competition committee has set out a bold vision for the sport in the States. Read online

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Infinite Expeditions Expands into Padel Travel Experiences Amidst Growing Global Boom

Infinite Expeditions, a company with 14 years of experience in the travel industry, has launched a new business line dedicated to padel-focused travel experiences. The company, which recently relocated its headquarters to Las Vegas, is known for curating specialized travel programs for students and professionals across global hubs, and now brings the rapidly growing sport to travelers who seek immersive, high-quality experiences.

The new padel experiences will take place in destinations such as Spain and Argentina, two iconic padel hubs, as well as Southern California, Miami, and Dubai, among others. This will allow players of all levels to combine travel with their passion for the sport. Participants will have the opportunity to play at local clubs, compete against local players, and receive training. Some experiences will feature dedicated coaches traveling with the group, while others will leverage Infinite Expeditions’ extensive network of partner clubs and local coaches.

Padel has experienced explosive growth worldwide, gaining traction in the United States at an unprecedented pace. With a lower barrier of entry compared to tennis, it offers an accessible yet competitive experience that appeals to a broad demographic. As new clubs continue to open across the U.S., demand for high-quality padel experiences has surged, making it a natural expansion area for Infinite Expeditions.

With a track record of designing programs in cities and regions like Toronto/ Waterloo, New York, Silicon Valley, London, Zurich, Dubai, Singapore, and Rio de Janeiro, Infinite Expeditions has long recognized the power of niche travel. The company has crafted experiences in over 50 countries for over 10,000 people worldwide. Padel is the latest addition to its growing portfolio of specialized travel brands.

Javier Ortega-Araiza, founder and CEO of Infinite Expeditions, brings a personal connection to this expansion. A former competitive tennis player and active padel enthusiast, Ortega-Araiza has witnessed firsthand the sport’s global adoption.

“After 14 years in the travel sector, and as a passionate traveler myself, I have seen a growing trend where people seek experiences beyond traditional tourism. Playing the sport they love allows them to engage with a destination on a deeper level while connecting with like-minded individuals across borders. In an increasingly polarized world, we’re building bridges through sport and travel,” said Ortega-Araiza.

“Padel is fun, social, and easy to pick up, making it an ideal sport for travelers. While it’s difficult to master, players can enjoy the game early on in their journey, which is a major factor driving its rapid growth. We believe padel-themed travel will gain momentum, and we are excited to lead the charge in offering these unique experiences,” he added.

For more information about Infinite Expeditions, go here. For specific information about the Spain padel experience, go here. Or, for any inquiry, contact [email protected]

Mejorset Premium Padel Courts

Because of their participation in RacquetX ‘25 and Premier Padel’s Miami P1, Mejorset announced they now have more than 100 new courts “in the pipeline.” (Source: PadelState)

Upcoming RSPA Padel Certifications

• MAY 11-12 (Sun/ Mon): PHILADELPHIA, PA

• MAY 14-15 (Wed/ Thu): BOULDER, CO

• MAY 17-18: BOCA RATON, FL

• MAY 21-22: STERLING, VA

• MAY 24-25: HOUSTON, TX

More information

Pura Padel Players Club Membership

Maximize your time on the court with the Players Club Membership, designed for those who love padel and play often. Whether you're training, competing, or just enjoying the game, this membership gives you the best value with exclusive benefits and priority access. Details and signup.

US Padel Association

• FIP Announces International Padel Referee Course. Details