PROGRAM AND SERVICE INNOVATIONS THAT WORK

5 Rules for Creating a Successful Padel Program

The racquet sport is now growing faster than pickleball.

BY JULIE KING

The racquet sport padel was the fastest-growing activity in the US in the first half of 2026, up 14.5%, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s 2026 First Half Game Plan Report. That means padel eclipsed pickleball’s rate of growth during the same period, SFIA reports.

The popularity of padel is no surprise to fitness professionals in Latin America and Europe. According to the International Padel Federation (IPF), there are more than 35 million amateur padel players worldwide, 61% of them in Europe and 19% in South America. The IPF believes that the US is currently transitioning from an “initial phase to a growth phase.”

A sport that combines aspects of tennis and racquetball, padel is played on an enclosed court with glass walls. Mike May, padel professional and former director of racquet sports at The Houstonian Club, believes that padel is a good fit for almost any facility.

It was the Houstonian Club that built one of the first padel courts in the US, all the way back in 1994, and hosted the US Padel Team for more than two decades.

Here are May’s recommendations for operators who want to start a padel program.

May

1. Carefully Plan Court Infrastructure

Before breaking ground, operators need to account for more than the court. That includes proper court orientation, drainage, lighting, foundation, and other infrastructure requirements.

Allocate approximately 68.9 × 36.1 feet, or about 2,486 square feet, per court. Courts designed to host international competition with outside play require additional space.

"The cost isn't simply the price of the court," May says. He estimates that the metal structure, glass, installation, and current tariffs could cost approximately $60,000 to $65,000 per court—excluding concrete and electrical work—with potential discounts for installing six or more courts.

2. Start With Enough Courts

To determine the right mix of padel and pickleball courts, operators should evaluate their existing racquet sports participation and facility demographics.

While pickleball may currently command a higher court ratio at many US facilities, May suggests starting with at least two to four padel courts to make it possible to offer open play, leagues, clinics, and tournaments—and cultivate a thriving community.

Some pickleball players move to padel because they find it more dynamic and competitive, and padel has tremendous appeal to tennis players as well.

3. Choose a Passionate Program Leader

The person leading the program is just as important as the quality and number of courts. Clubs need someone passionate about padel and committed to continually promoting the sport and introducing new players.

"Without the right person driving the program, the program will not reach its potential,” May contends.

A tennis professional can be a good option because of their experience with racquet sports instruction and programming. Whatever their background, padel program leaders should play and compete frequently and learn from experienced padel professionals.

Padel Courts Houstonian

4. Make It Easy for Beginners to Start Playing

Complimentary scheduled introductions can bring new players into the sport, but May says that many effective introductions happen spontaneously.

"When someone walks by the courts, stops, asks questions, and is curious about padel, that’s the perfect time to put a racquet in their hand and let them experience it.”

Once players are participating, careful management becomes critical. Correctly matching players of similar experience and aptitude creates better games and helps support long-term retention.

5. Build a Padel Community With Open Play

Open play is essential for building a padel community.

“Players need to meet other players, develop friendships, and feel like they're part of something special,” May says.

When community comes first, revenue opportunities can follow through lessons, leagues, tournaments, memberships, events, and increased court usage.

“Building the infrastructure is the easy part. Building the community is the difficult and most important part,” he points out.

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