Why the Slow Burn of Padel Might Be the Best Thing for U.S. Racket Sports Everyone’s talking about pickleball. And for good reason—48 million players and counting, rapid-fire franchising, and courts popping up in parking lots nationwide. But while all eyes are on pickleball’s rocket ship, padel is making its way to the U.S. more like a slow train. Steady, strategic, and—if done right—far more sustainable. And that might be the best thing to happen to American racket sports. The Global Wave Is Coming Padel already has over 25 million players worldwide and is the second most-played sport in Spain. It’s booming in Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe—with elite tournaments, sponsorships, and sell-out crowds. But here in the U.S.? We’re just getting started. Unlike pickleball’s sprint to scale, padel is moving with more caution. And that means we have an opportunity: 🛠 To build it right, not just fast 📊 To establish real rating systems before inflated data muddies the waters 🎓 To prioritize junior development and college pathways from the outset 📱 To adopt tech and software that enhances—not hinders—the experience 🎤 To bring in credible partners who know sports, not just court leases Learning from the Pickleball Boom Pickleball’s growth is incredible, but let’s be honest—it hasn’t been without its flaws: 🔹 Dozens of rating systems and almost no consistency 🔹 Clubs run by people with no sports or community background 🔹 Tech platforms rushed to market, barely functional 🔹 And a glaring hole in youth development and collegiate integration If we approach padel with the same urgency but without the same thoughtfulness, we’ll repeat those mistakes—only this time with taller glass walls. If you're watching padel closely—or considering how to get involved—I’d love to connect. The next big thing in U.S. sports won’t be built overnight. But it will be worth the wait. #Padel #SportsBusiness #FacilityDevelopment #RacketSports #Pickleball #GrowthStrategy #PrivateEquity #JuniorSports #CollegiateAthletics #Sportstech #PUREPickleballPadel #LongGame #Investing PURE Pickleball & Padel
Pickleball builds are inexpensive and simple conversions from tennis courts. Easy to do in vacant indoor space. Padel has none of those advantages so the gold rush isn’t on. Might it be a blessing in disguise or a mountain too high to climb?
Coach Sean
6mo
Great conversation. Pickleball’s growth highlights its social appeal, but the game’s rapid expansion came with missteps—court placement, noise concerns, and a blurred line between recreation and sport. Whether these issues can be corrected remains to be seen. Padel, though more costly to build, carries a distinct identity. Its sport-first roots and international appeal make it a compelling complement to tennis and pickleball. In our facility, we aim to include all three—each with its own community and culture—while fostering shared space and connection. The opportunity isn’t just about building courts, but about building a broader performance and lifestyle ecosystem.
David Wilson
6mo
I prefer the chaos of the pickleball wave--it allowed a variety of people of all ages and backgrounds to make inroads into the sport, whether that was playing, coaching, creating brands, whatever. Once it is fully "established," only the prodigies and huge brands will hold sway, and those who were there before will fondly remember the pickleball wild west.
Steve Weinberg
6mo
Part two of my comments sorry I’m doing this as I’m driving voice to type; Padel is more challenging because of fewer facilities obviously but I think the fast pace exciting nature of the game will appeal to the younger, more athletic demographic. That’s what I’m trying to say. In the meantime, we love Pickleball.👍😂 I feel there’s room for both
Steve Weinberg
6mo
Jake, good post. Here’s my initial thoughts on first glance Pickleball clearly has the social aspect in addition to making it as competitive as possible and that’s a good thing as you could draw from many different demographics. No question about it having all these evolving rules, regulations, different governing bodies all that stuff total chaos the rating system all that leads to a lot of confusion and frankly a lot of BS as people are all trying to be on the same page as far as rating rules, etc.. to people that don’t play we look a little bit clownish at times with all those dynamics going on. To those of us that love the game and play, especially at a high level we look past that. But if you’re trying to appeal to the masses, it’s a turn off to have to deal with all the excess stuff. In my opinion Padel is far more exciting to watch as it’s faster pace it clearly appeals to the more athletic fit demographic. I don’t know that it’s going to appeal to the person that move slower and it’s just looking to have a casual social game. I’m not sure. As somebody that has played virtually every sport growing up , highly athletic and likes the fast pace, energetic, powerful pace, a racket sports, Padel is more attractive .
Mark Pesahovich
5mo
One thing is obvious and inevitable, padel is coming and it will be huge. Would love to talk Jake Hobaugh and show you what we do for Padel and other racket sports. The right way
Hey Jake! My husband and I fell in love with Padel while living in Tunisia where we had 10+ courts within 15mins of our house. We came back to South Carolina only to find no padel facilities. We 100% agree with your post (the Padel wave is coming!!) and we’d love to open one in the next year- got time to email / meet about raising funds or other opportunities to get this off the ground?