Move Over, Pickleball? Padel Tipped for Explosive Growth in US
A report from Syracuse University predicts staggering growth for the racket sport commonly described as a mix between tennis and squash
The number of padel courts in the United States has jumped from fewer than 30 in 2020 to over 600 in 2024, with projections of 30,000 courts by the end of the decade, according to a new report.
The report, from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, produced in collaboration with the global media consultancy Padel 22, explores how padel, a sport that began in Mexico in the 1960s and grew in Europe and Latin America, is now poised for mainstream traction across the American market.
Per the report, padel’s dramatic growth has been fueled by cultural factors: the sport’s social and accessible nature, significant investment in club infrastructure and elite competition and high-profile backing from celebrities and athletes.
“Padel in the U.S. won’t be just a sport – it will be a cultural phenomenon,” said Ben Nichols, founder of Padel 22, citing parallels to pickleball but with broader lifestyle appeal.
The 25-page report draws from industry surveys, interviews and market analysis to identify four pillars driving padel’s expansion in the U.S.:
1. Celebrity Involvement
Figures such as Eva Longoria, Derek Jeter, Jimmy Butler and Adam Levine have helped introduce the sport to broader audiences. Longoria, who co-founded the ElevenEleven Team USA franchise for Madrid’s Hexagon Cup, has spotlighted the sport. Meanwhile, events like Miami’s Reserve Cup brought padel to the attention of American sports media.
2. Community-Centered Growth
Grassroots leagues, social clubs and community leaders are fostering community in the sport.
“Without community, celebrities and social media become meaningless,” said Andi Neugarten, founder of 6 Love Sports, a women-focused padel organization.
Clubs such as Padel Haus in Brooklyn and Reserve Padel in Miami are becoming lifestyle hubs, offering amenities like juice bars and Pilates alongside court time.
3. Strategic Media & Content
Padel’s rise has been bolstered by digital content, with leagues such as Premier Padel and the Hexagon Cup garnering millions of views on YouTube and ESPN+. Over 50 million global followers are engaging with padel-related content on social media, fueled by Cities like Miami, New York and Austin.
4. Institutional Development & Competition
The United States Padel Association (USPA) has coordinated tournaments, developed junior programs and advocated for Olympic inclusion. The Pro Padel League, North America’s professional circuit, has expanded to ten franchises, with plans to scale operations and enhance the spectator experience using technologies like AI-powered tracking.
Padel’s appeal lies in its accessibility: played in doubles, with combined elements of tennis and squash in a faster, more forgiving format. This makes it an attractive option across age groups and skill levels. Thirty percent of U.S. players are under 25.
Despite its promising trajectory, padel faces challenges, including court construction costs and zoning hurdles.
“We are highly focused on growing participation nationwide and creating the ecosystem for investors to build more courts,” said Marcos Del Pilar, former USPA president.
“Media growth and engagement serve as one of the key drivers of success for emerging sports,” added Olivia Stomski, director of the Newhouse Sports Media Center. “This report illustrates how a combination of celebrity influence, community activation and content creation can catalyze lasting momentum.”