Padel, a fast-growing racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash, is gaining traction across the United States, driven by a growing number of players, new facilities, and investment from entrepreneurs and celebrities alike. Typically played in doubles on smaller courts enclosed by glass walls, padel offers a social and accessible way for players to engage in competitive and recreational play.

The sport’s appeal lies in its compact courts, which facilitate interaction and community building. Emily Dempsey, 36, who moved to Miami from New York four years ago, described padel as a social and professional connector. She participates in Miami’s Padel X club, which charges $212 monthly membership fees. Across the country, similar developments are underway as new venues are emerging in unconventional spaces. Jon Omer, founder of NorthPoint Padel in Westfield, Indiana, repurposed part of a 20,000-square-foot fulfillment center to create courts, a pivot driven by high costs of new construction. His model takes inspiration from Alma Padel in Glenview, Illinois, founded last year by Abigail McCulloch, who credits her exposure to international classmates at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School for sparking her interest.

Padel’s growth in the U.S. parallels the rise of pickleball, another racket sport that saw participation surge from around four million in 2020 to over 24 million last year, according to the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA). While padel drew approximately one million American players in 2025, the USTA began tracking padel participation only recently and noted club and individual memberships with USA Padel—the national governing body—rose by about 50% throughout that year.

The sport features its own professional circuit, the Pro Padel League, which secured $15 million in investment in 2026 and began broadcasting matches on CNBC. Michael Dorfman, the league’s CEO, emphasized the importance of expanding court availability to build a broader fan base. However, the substantial investment required to develop padel infrastructure remains a significant challenge. Installation costs for a single court can reach approximately $50,000, due largely to the specialized glass walls and materials needed. This poses a stark contrast to pickleball, where entry barriers are considerably lower.

Some operators caution that facility expansion does not always guarantee sustained growth. For instance, Sweden experienced a surge in padel courts followed by many closures after a few years. Experts underline the necessity of cultivating culture and community around the sport, as well as effective marketing strategies.

Celebrity endorsements have played a role in boosting padel’s profile. Actress Eva Longoria has been a vocal supporter of padel ventures, while in Los Angeles, Coldplay guitarist Jonny Buckland participates in padel casually, as recounted by Peter Worton, owner of Padel Up—the city’s first indoor court facility. Worton’s anecdote highlights the sport’s modest celebrity presence, which, while not always in the spotlight, contributes to growing visibility.

Entrepreneurs are innovating with locations, from rooftop courts atop shopping malls in the Los Angeles area to retrofitted parking garages, warehouses, and former fur storage spaces in Manhattan. Membership prices vary widely, with clubs like the Philadelphia Ballers charging between $110 and $457 monthly, while exclusive venues such as Ronnie Fieg’s Kith Ivy club in Manhattan require a $45,000 initiation fee and $10,000 annually.

With around 1,000 public padel courts nationwide—up from roughly 227 three years ago—industry backers from former fashion executives to coffee chain founders are investing heavily in the sport’s expansion. Despite the financial hurdles, operators remain optimistic that padel can replicate the rapid popularity growth of pickleball, provided the community, culture, and marketing efforts continue to evolve alongside infrastructure development.