Padel's Popularity Surges in the United States: Top Padel Metros in the US

Padel, a racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, is experiencing an unprecedented rise in popularity in the United States. 

Once considered a niche sport primarily played in Europe and Latin America, padel is now making significant inroads across the U.S. due to its accessibility, social nature, and rapid gameplay.

It's becoming so popular, in fact, that you can even bet on some pro events at bookmakers and casino sites. 

The Fast-Paced Growth of Padel in the U.S.

The United States Padel Association (USPA) estimates that by 2030, there will be over 30,000 padel courts across the country. 

This projection underscores the sport’s explosive growth, fueled by an increasing number of players, clubs, and investment in infrastructure. 

At the beginning of 2024, the world had over 60,000 padel courts, with Europe accounting for more than 42,600 courts—70 percent of the global total, according to the World Padel Report. 

The U.S. is rapidly catching up, with 71 clubs, 227 courts, and approximately 90,000 players, as reported by the National Federation and the FIP Research & Data Analysis Department.

The Most Padel-Curious Metros in the U.S.

Google search trends reveal that interest in padel is strongest in several key metropolitan areas — primarily in Florida, Texas and California. The ten U.S. metros where padel has gained the most traction over the past twelve include:

• Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Leading the charge, Miami has embraced padel with open arms. The city’s vibrant Latin American influence and year-round warm climate make it an ideal hub for the sport. Numerous padel clubs have opened, and professional tournaments are drawing larger crowds each year.
• Yuma, AZ-El Centro, CA – A surprising runner-up, this border region’s connection to Mexico, where padel is already well established, has driven strong interest in the sport.
• Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, TX – South Texas is another emerging hotspot. The area’s diverse population and proximity to Mexico have contributed to padel's popularity.
• West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce, FL – Florida continues to dominate the rankings, with West Palm Beach seeing an influx of new padel courts and clubs catering to both casual and competitive players.
• San Diego, CA – With its active lifestyle culture and strong ties to Latin America, San Diego rounds out the top five as a key padel growth market in the U.S.
• El Paso, TX – With its proximity to Mexico, where padel is already well-established, El Paso is emerging as a key player in the sport's growth in Texas. The city's diverse community and warm climate make it a natural fit for padel expansion.
• Austin, TX – Known for its active and fitness-focused population, Austin is quickly becoming a hotspot for padel. The city's embrace of new sports and recreational activities is driving interest in padel clubs and facilities.
• Laredo, TX – Another Texas city with strong ties to Latin America, Laredo is seeing rising curiosity about padel. As more courts become available, this border city is likely to become an important hub for the sport.
• New York, NY – The most densely populated city in the U.S. is showing increasing demand for padel, despite its space limitations. High-end padel clubs and rooftop courts are being explored as solutions to bring the sport to the urban landscape.
• Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne, FL – Orlando and surrounding cities are seeing an uptick in padel searches. The region's tourism industry and large sports communities are fueling the sport’s rise.

Why Padel is Gaining Traction in the U.S.

Several factors contribute to padel’s rapid rise in the U.S. First, its social and accessible nature makes it appealing to players of all ages and skill levels. Unlike tennis, which requires significant technical skill, padel is easier to learn, leading to a more engaging and enjoyable experience from the first session. 

Additionally, the sport’s emphasis on doubles play fosters community and camaraderie, further fueling its popularity.

Another key driver is the investment pouring into the sport. High-profile athletes and entrepreneurs have recognized the potential of padel, leading to the development of state-of-the-art facilities across the country. These new courts and clubs provide players with premium experiences, attracting more enthusiasts and boosting participation numbers.

The Future of Padel in the U.S.

With projections indicating that tens of thousands of new courts will be built in the next few years, padel is well on its way to becoming a mainstream sport in the U.S. The rise of professional tournaments, increased media coverage, and corporate sponsorships will further elevate its status, potentially positioning it alongside traditional racket sports like tennis and pickleball.

As the momentum continues, one thing is certain: padel is here to stay. Whether in Miami, San Diego, or smaller cities across the country, the sport is gaining traction at an unprecedented rate. For those yet to try it, now is the perfect time to grab a racket, step onto the court, and be part of the fastest-growing sport in America.