For years, pickleball has dominated headlines as the fastest-growing sport in America.
With its low barrier to entry, social appeal, and accessibility, it has expanded at a rapid pace. But there’s a new challenger on the court—padel—and it’s reportedly growing even faster worldwide.
So, is padel a threat to pickleball? Or could these two booming racket sports thrive alongside each other?
Let’s break it down.
Padel’s Explosive Growth
Padel has seen unprecedented global expansion, particularly in Europe and Latin America. But its presence in the United States is growing rapidly as well:
Global Padel Boom
Padel’s Expansion in the U.S.
- The number of padel clubs and courts in the U.S. doubled from 2023 to 2024, now totaling over 70 clubs and 400 courts.
- By 2029, the number of padel courts in the U.S. could grow to 15,000, signaling massive investment in infrastructure.
- Major U.S. cities are embracing padel, with new clubs opening in California, Florida, Texas, and New York.
The growth is undeniable.
But how does it compare to pickleball’s rise?
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Pickleball’s Continued Dominance
While padel’s global growth is impressive, pickleball remains the king of racket sports in the U.S.
Pickleball’s U.S. & Global Growth
Pickleball Courts & Facilities
Padel vs. Pickleball: How Do They Compare?
While both sports share a social, doubles-friendly format, there are key differences:
| Feature | Pickleball | Padel |
|---|---|---|
| Court | Open, smaller than tennis | Enclosed with glass walls |
| Paddle | Solid-faced, perforated | Stringless, but similar to a tennis racket |
| Scoring | 11 points, win by 2 | Traditional tennis-style scoring |
| Playstyle | Quick reflexes, dink game | Faster, more dynamic, uses walls |
| Accessibility | Lower cost, easy to start | Requires specialized courts |
| U.S. Popularity | 19.8 million players | ~70 clubs, but rapidly growing |
Some padel enthusiasts claim that “Pickleball is a hobby, padel is a sport,” stirring debate among players.
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Is Padel a Threat to Pickleball?
While padel is exploding worldwide, pickleball is still the dominant force in the U.S. However, padel’s rapid growth and major investments could challenge pickleball’s reign in certain markets.
That said, these two sports don’t have to be rivals. The growing demand for racket sports means more infrastructure, more courts, and more players discovering both games.