In the United States, parents sign their kids up for soccer almost as soon as they can kick a ball. Today, soccer feels inevitable. But it wasn’t always that way.

Padel finds itself in a similar moment. Widely established across Europe and Latin America, the sport is now entering its U.S. growth phase — and industry leaders are starting to pay close attention.

What Exactly Is Padel?

Padel is a racquet sport that originated in Mexico in the 1960s and has since grown into a global phenomenon. It combines elements of tennis and squash, using walls to keep play continuous and social.

Easy to learn, fast-paced, and inherently community-driven, padel lowers the barrier to entry while encouraging repeat play — a combination that resonates strongly with modern club models.

Why the U.S. Is Starting to Pay Attention

Miami has emerged as an early epicenter, but padel courts are now being developed across California, Texas, New York, and other key markets. As with other racquet sports, technology is accelerating discovery — helping players find courts, book sessions, and connect socially.

This momentum mirrors broader participation and investment patterns outlined in recent U.S. padel market analysis , where clubs, developers, and brands are positioning padel as a premium, experience-led offering.

Why Padel Works for Clubs and Operators

From an operational standpoint, padel is compelling. Multiple courts can fit into the footprint of a single tennis court, improving yield per square foot and supporting flexible programming models.

Success, however, depends on more than courts alone. Sustainable growth requires strong leadership, empowered teams, and a clear culture — themes explored across RacquetX insights on team development, member experience, and long-term club strategy.

Globally, padel’s credibility continues to rise, with the International Padel Federation actively pursuing Olympic inclusion and professional tours expanding into new territories.

“The new sport I see everywhere is padel. Like soccer years ago, it’s just emerging in the U.S., but it grows quickly wherever it gets a foothold.”
— Craig Thomson, CTO, Mindspring Sport

Experience Padel Firsthand

At RacquetX, clubs, investors, brands, and players come together to explore what’s next for padel and the broader racquet sports ecosystem.