In the US, huge padel’s popularity soars as a result of social media content and celebrity.

Padel’s rapid expansion across the US is highlighted in a ground-breaking study conducted by Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Sports Media Center in collaboration with media consultancy Padel 22. Titled “Celebrities, Community, Content, and Competition: Padel’s Meteoric Rise in U.S. Popularity,” the report describes the evolution of the sport from a specialized hobby to a cultural powerhouse.

From Worldwide Origins to American Impulse

Padel is currently experiencing significant growth in the United States after initially flourishing in Europe and Latin America. Strategic investments in elite clubs, ostentatious competitions, and the strong influence of celebrity endorsements are all contributing to the sport’s rising appeal. From less than 30 courts in 2020 to over 600 in 2024—and an ambitious goal of 30,000 courts by 2030—the infrastructure has undergone a remarkable transformation.

The Impact of Celebrities on Visibility

Prominent individuals like Derek Jeter and Eva Longoria are contributing their influence, enhancing Padel’s reputation and drawing media interest. Their participation is changing how people view the sport, bringing it into the public eye and giving it legitimacy with a wide range of viewers.

Media and Content Boosting Visibility

Social media and streaming services are significantly contributing to Padel’s visibility. Events like the Hexagon Cup and Premier Padel have received millions of views on YouTube, ESPN, and TikTok, demonstrating the sport’s appeal to young people.

Institutional Push and Community Clubs

Padel’s grassroots leagues and youth-focused groups are helping people feel like they belong, particularly millennials and Gen Z. The United States Padel Association, meantime, is assisting in the coordination of national initiatives and is even considering future Olympic participation, indicating a concerted plan for sustained expansion.

An Emerging Lifestyle Movement

The results show that padel is becoming a way of life in America, going far beyond simple gameplay. According to Padel 22’s Ben Nichols, the spirit surrounding the sport is similar to that of pickleball’s early years, but it has even more mass-market potential and cultural vibrancy. With extensive community mobilization, prominent advocacy, and robust media involvement, Padel is poised to emerge as the next major American obsession.