S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Sports Media Center at Syracuse University and global media consultancy Padel 22 have launched the first major industry report into the growth of padel in the United States.
The report, “Celebrities, Community, Content, and Competition: Padel’s Meteoric
Rise in U.S. Popularity,” identifies the key forces transforming the sport into America’s next major cultural and athletic phenomenon.
Originally popularized in Europe and Latin America, and now widely considered the world’s fastest-growing sport, padel has recently gained traction in the U.S. through celebrity endorsements, digital content and investment in elite clubs and tournaments.
According to the new report, U.S. court construction has skyrocketed from fewer than 30 courts in 2020 to more than 600 in 2024, with projections of 30,000 by 2030.
“Padel in the U.S. won’t be just a sport — it will be a cultural phenomenon,” said Ben Nichols, Founder of Padel 22. “We’re seeing the same kind of momentum that once launched pickleball, but this time with a broader lifestyle appeal.”
The report highlights four key areas for padel’s growth:
● Celebrity backing from personalities like Eva Longoria and Derek Jeter are adding
credibility to the sport and increasing visibility among U.S audiences
● Social media and streaming platforms are rapidly introducing padel to new audiences, with Premier Padel and the Hexagon Cup earning millions of views across YouTube, ESPN+, and TikTok
● Community-focused clubs and grassroots leagues are playing a critical role in
sustainable growth, particularly among Gen Z and millennial demographics
● Institutional support, led by the United States Padel Association (USPA), is driving
national coordination, youth engagement, and Olympic aspirations.
“Media growth and engagement serves as one of the key drivers of the success of emerging
sports across the U.S.,” said Olivia Stomski, Director of the Newhouse Sports Media Center at Syracuse University. “The report shows that combination of celebrity influence, community activation, and content creation are all key drivers in Padel’s emergence.”
You can download the full report at the Padel 22 website.
