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    First ever U.S. Padel Report Reveals Padel’s Explosive Rise in the U.S. ,the Sport’s Explosive growth, driven by Celebrities, Community, and Content
    First ever U.S. Padel Report Reveals Padel’s Explosive Rise in the U.S. ,the Sport’s Explosive growth, driven by Celebrities, Community, and Content
    News

    First ever U.S. Padel Report Reveals Padel’s Explosive Rise in the U.S. ,the Sport’s Explosive growth, driven by Celebrities, Community, and Content

    09 July 2025

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Syracuse, New York, USA — July 9, 2025 — A new industry report from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Sports Media Center at Syracuse University, in collaboration with global media consultancy Padel 22, uncovers the rapid rise of Padel across 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 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, specifically in how:
    • 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.”

    The full report can be accessed at Padel 22’s website here. ​
    For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Sports Media Center at Syracuse University, please contact Jack Whishaw at: jack@padel22.com