What is Padel?

Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash — though it carries its own distinctive style and rules. The court is smaller than a tennis court and surrounded by glass and metal walls; players can use those walls to rebound the ball, giving the game a dynamic, fast-paced rhythm. Equipment is simpler than tennis: solid paddles instead of strung rackets, and slightly softer, tennis-style balls that make play more forgiving while still offering satisfying action. 

Because of this blend — accessible equipment, smaller courts, quick rallies, and social appeal — padel is considered easier to learn than tennis yet more engaging than many casual recreation activities. It naturally attracts a broad spectrum of players, from competitive-minded adults to friends and families seeking fun, active recreation.

Globally, the sport’s popularity has exploded: according to a 2024 report by International Padel Federation (FIP), padel is played in some 130 countries, with tens of millions of participants worldwide. 

Padel’s Journey in the United States

In the United States, padel is in its early — but rapidly accelerating — stages of growth. The governing body US Padel Association (USPA) traces its roots back decades, but until recently the sport remained niche. As of 2019 there were fewer than 20 padel courts nationwide.

That began changing dramatically in the early 2020s. By early 2025, there are reported to be more than 650 padel courts across 31 states. According to recent data, by Q2 2025 there are about 688 courts across roughly 180 facilities. 

The expansion of infrastructure tracks with a surge in participation. Estimates suggest the U.S. padel community now includes well over 100,000 active players. This marks a shift from padel being a curiosity to a credible alternative beside more established racket sports.

Key states and metropolitan areas leading the growth include Florida, California, Texas, and New York — with cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, and New York City among early hubs. 

What’s Driving the Growth — and What Draws People to Padel

Part of padel’s appeal in the United States lies in what it offers compared to other racket sports. Because courts are smaller and enclosed, padel can be built indoors — making it practical year-round even in regions with cold winters. As of 2025, a growing share of facilities in the U.S. are indoor courts, reflecting demand for climate-controlled, all-season play. 

Padel’s social, accessible nature also resonates. It’s easier to pick up than tennis, less physically demanding than squash, and often played in doubles — lending itself naturally to group recreation, friendly competition, or casual play. Many new clubs and facilities position padel not just as a sport, but as a social and fitness experience.

Investor interest and facility development have also spurred growth. As global padel popularity rises, U.S. developers and sports-club operators are increasingly including padel courts in new builds or converting existing spaces to padel.

Finally, global trends lend momentum. As part of a worldwide boom — with padel courts rapidly multiplying across Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia — the U.S. is gradually catching up. For many enthusiasts, padel now represents a chance to be part of a global sports movement.

Challenges and What’s Next for Padel in America

Despite the promising momentum, padel in the U.S. still has hurdles. Court availability remains limited relative to demand — especially outside coastal or urban regions. Rental costs tend to be higher than more established sports, partly because of the elevated cost of building and maintaining glass-walled courts and specialized turf. 

Moreover, awareness and media coverage remain low compared to sports like tennis, basketball, or even the booming Pickleball. Many Americans have simply never seen a padel match, which makes initial outreach and community building crucial if the sport is to expand beyond niche pockets. 

Still, momentum seems to be building. Industry reports call the current U.S. moment “irreversible,” highlighting strong growth trajectories for courts, clubs, players, and investment. As more facilities open, especially in growing suburban and urban markets, padel may begin to shift from a novelty to a mainstream American racket sport.

What It All Means — For New Players, Investors, and Enthusiasts

For someone curious about trying padel, the current moment offers a unique window: variety of facilities, ease of learning, and growing peer groups. Padel may offer a fresh, social, and energetic alternative to tennis or other traditional sports — particularly for people seeking a fun, dynamic workout or community activity.

For entrepreneurs and investors, the U.S. seems to be at the early stage of what could be a substantial wave. With infrastructure rapidly expanding, new clubs appearing in major cities and second-tier markets alike, and demand growing, building a facility — especially in regions underserved by racquet sports — may carry real opportunity.

And for fans of racquet sports, paddles, rallies, and social play, the rise of padel suggests something broader: a chance to be part of a modern-era sports growth story. With its global roots, social vibe, and current U.S. momentum, padel may well be carving out a lasting place in American fitness and recreation culture.