Is Padel Growing in the USA? What the World Needs to Know

Yes, padel is growing in the USA—and fast. Once considered a niche sport, it’s now gaining serious traction with new courts, clubs, and fans popping up across major cities. While Europe still leads the way, the United States is quickly catching up.

This surge is drawing global attention. From celebrity investors to boutique clubs in Miami and LA, the U.S. padel scene is starting to mirror what we’ve seen in Spain and Sweden over the past decade.

Curious how this growth compares worldwide and what’s fueling it? Keep reading to learn why Padel’s future in the USA matters more than ever, not just locally, but globally.

How Fast Is Padel Growing in the USA Compared to the Rest of the World?

In recent years, padel has experienced explosive growth in popularity in the USA, outpacing many expectations. While countries like Spain, Sweden, and Argentina continue to dominate, the United States is catching up, especially in states such as Florida, Texas, and California.

In Europe, padel has been mainstream for over a decade. Spain alone has over 20,000 courts and millions of players. But the USA is seeing a 200%+ growth in court installations year-over-year, according to reports from the United States Padel Association (USPA). Cities such as Miami, Austin, and New York now have private padel clubs with waitlists.

This growth is also boosted by American investors, influencers, and professional athletes who are turning padel into the next big trend sport. If this pace continues, the USA could become one of the sport’s top five global markets within the next three to five years.

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What Is Fueling the Popularity of Padel in the USA?

The rapid rise of padel in the USA isn’t just a matter of luck—a combination of cultural trends, celebrity influence, and increased accessibility is driving it. Unlike traditional tennis, padel is easier to learn, more social, and requires less physical strength, making it appealing to a wide range of ages.

1. Celebrity and Athlete Endorsements

Big names like LeBron James, David Beckham, and Lionel Messi have backed or played padel, lending it significant visibility. These endorsements generate buzz and attract new players every day.

2. Social & Community Appeal

Padel is a doubles sport, making it naturally social. The smaller courts also promote conversation and bonding, which resonates with American communities looking for active yet inclusive sports.

3. Low Barrier to Entry

You don’t need years of experience to enjoy a padel game. The learning curve is low, and the regulations are straightforward, much gentler than tennis or squash. This makes it perfect for families, casual players, and beginners.

4. Growth of Facilities

Major cities like Miami, Dallas, and Los Angeles are building padel courts in fitness centres, clubs, and even standalone venues. With over 500 courts now in development, accessibility is no longer an issue.

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U.S. Cities Where Padel Is Taking Off in 2025

The popularity of padel in the USA is especially booming in key states like Florida, California, Texas, and New York. These areas are leading the charge in bringing this exciting sport to American players of all levels.

Florida

Miami and Fort Lauderdale have become hotspots for padel. Clubs like Ultra Padel Miami and Padel Life & Soccer host tournaments, training camps, and social events throughout the year. The sunny climate and Latin American influence fuel the sport’s growing fan base.

California

In Los Angeles and San Diego, padel is gaining traction in fitness centres and luxury resorts. Taktika Padel Club and P1 Padel are helping bring a new lifestyle sport to Californians who want fitness with fun.

Texas

Houston and Dallas are experiencing a surge in padel court construction, thanks to brands like Padel Haus and The Pickle & Padel Club. Events like the Texas Padel Tour are attracting local athletes and even former tennis players.

New York

Though more recent in growth, New York City has launched clubs like Padel Haus NYC, offering indoor courts and a strong community vibe. In 2025, more rooftop courts and boutique clubs are expected to open in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

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What’s Holding Back Padel’s Growth in the U.S.?

Padel is growing in the U.S., but several key challenges are slowing its nationwide expansion. Understanding these roadblocks helps highlight where the sport needs more investment and strategic support.

One of the most significant barriers to padel’s growth is the shortage of dedicated courts. Unlike tennis or pickleball, padel requires specific dimensions, glass walls, and turf flooring, which makes construction more complex and expensive. Many cities have limited space or slow zoning approval processes, which can delay development. As a result, access to courts remains limited in most regions.

Despite being hugely popular in Europe and Latin America, padel remains relatively under the radar in much of the U.S. Pickleball dominates the American racket sport scene, with significant media coverage and numerous accessible community courts. At the same time, tennis has deep roots and institutional support. Many people either haven’t heard of padel or confuse it with pickleball or platform tennis, limiting organic interest.

Padel gear in the U.S. tends to be expensive due to limited local distribution and high import costs. A quality racket, shoes, and balls can cost significantly more than beginner gear for pickleball or tennis. Additionally, there are few certified coaches or training programs, especially outside of major cities.

Without accessible instruction, it’s challenging for newcomers to learn the sport or improve their skills, which slows retention and long-term engagement.

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Is Padel a Passing Trend or the Future of Racket Sports in America?

As padel continues to pop up in more U.S. cities, many are wondering—is padel just a trend, or is it here to stay? The current momentum and expert predictions point toward long-term growth, not a fleeting moment.

Industry analysts believe padel is following a similar trajectory to that of tennis and pickleball. With new facilities opening in major cities and brands like Adidas and Wilson heavily investing in padel gear, it’s clear that the sport is becoming part of the U.S. fitness and lifestyle culture.

Between 2025 and 2027, experts forecast a steady rise in both recreational and competitive padel players, fueled by youth programs, school participation, and international exposure.

Conclusion – The U.S. Padel Boom Is Just Getting Started

So, is padel growing in the USA? Absolutely—and the signs are everywhere. From new courts in major cities to increasing media coverage and equipment demand, padel is no longer a niche sport. Still, challenges like limited infrastructure and lower awareness compared to tennis or pickleball remain real.

But that’s changing fast. Brands, investors, and clubs are stepping in to bridge the gaps. And if you’ve been thinking about getting into the sport, now’s the perfect time to join the wave.
Want to get started with the right gear?

Check out our guide to the best beginner padel rackets and start your padel journey today with confidence.

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