Pickleball has taken the sports world by storm, creating a thriving ecosystem that continues to expand at a rapid pace. What started as a game predominantly enjoyed by senior citizens has quickly evolved into a sport with widespread appeal across all ages. The formation of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and a reliable rating system like DUPR as well as the addition of pickleball as a high school and collegiate sport as of late are just a few of the milestones that have contributed to its exponential growth.
This transformation has changed the landscape of the sport. Young athletes now have a clear path to follow if they want to pursue pickleball competitively. From junior leagues to college-level competitions and professional circuits, pickleball has made it worthwhile for players to invest time, energy, and resources into improving their skills. Whether it's training with certified professionals or joining one of the many new pickleball clubs springing up around the country, the opportunities to play and compete are plentiful.
As the number of certified teaching professionals grows and dedicated pickleball facilities open across the U.S., the sport’s player base shows no signs of slowing down. According to the latest figures, millions of Americans have picked up the paddle, making pickleball one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
The question now is, will padel be able to replicate this success?
Padel, a fast-paced, social sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, has been gaining traction in the U.S. However, it's still in the early stages compared to the pickleball boom. While tennis has a long-established infrastructure, and pickleball is well on its way to creating the same, padel has yet to fully build the ecosystem necessary to thrive in the same way.
For padel to follow in pickleball’s footsteps, it will need a similar strategy. The establishment of professional leagues, integration into high school and collegiate sports programs, widespread access to certified teaching professionals, and a reliable rating system like Red Padel (rebranded to World Padel Rating) are essential. The U.S. market will also need more dedicated padel clubs and facilities, along with support from influential organizations and businesses.
Both padel and pickleball offer unique, accessible sports experiences, but time will tell if padel can match the meteoric rise that pickleball has enjoyed. As we’ve seen with pickleball, it's not just about creating a sport—it’s about building a community and an ecosystem that allows players of all ages and skill levels to compete, learn, and grow.
Will padel continue to build momentum, or will pickleball continue to dominate as the next great racquet sport? Only time will tell, but the potential is there.here...
