Padel is exploding across the globe, and nowhere is that more evident than in the United States. In this episode of Coffee Talk, Cesc and Julian sit down at Pura Vida, located at the Reserve Padel Sole Mia, sipping on their favorite coffee blends while diving into the Padel business landscape, the myths surrounding its growth, and the long-term reality for investors and entrepreneurs.
The Padel Gold Marathon vs. The Gold Rush
Many people refer to the rise of Padel as a Gold Rush, but Julian sees it differently—he calls it the Padel Gold Marathon. Why? Because while the sport’s expansion is undeniable, success in the industry is not about quick gains—it’s a long-term game.
The numbers are staggering: by the end of 2025, over a thousand Padel clubs are expected to be built in the U.S., fueled by passionate players and enthusiastic investors. But as Julian and Cesc emphasize, starting a Padel club isn’t as simple as opening doors and expecting the courts to fill up.
The Three Key Things Investors Look For
Aspiring Padel club owners frequently reach out to Cesc and Julian for guidance, but before jumping into the business, investors want to see three fundamental elements:
✅ Location: The right demographic and accessibility are crucial. A bad location can kill even the best-funded project. ✅ Seed Money: Investors expect club owners to have skin in the game. Without proper capital, longevity is nearly impossible. ✅ Experience & Operations: Running a Padel club isn’t just about building courts—it requires strong management, programming, coaching, and community-building.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many new investors underestimate the importance of marketing and education, assuming that simply opening a club guarantees success. But this is not Spain or Argentina—this is the U.S., where the market behaves differently. Major European Padel brands have learned the hard way that what worked abroad doesn’t always translate to the American market.
Other mistakes include: ❌ Not budgeting for the first 16-24 months – Clubs must expect a period of financial loss before reaching profitability. ❌ Ignoring grassroots marketing – Success comes from deeply embedding the sport within the community. ❌ Jumping in without a solid team – Building the right team, from business operations to coaching, is essential.
Padel Brands in the U.S.: A Different Playing Field
Cesc and Julian also discuss how international Padel brands are rushing to establish themselves in the U.S., but few understand the market well enough. Unlike Spain, where Padel is already ingrained in the culture, the U.S. requires a strong mix of education, marketing, and community outreach.
Some key takeaways: 🔹 Established brands like Wilson, Babolat, and Head have an advantage—they've spent decades learning the U.S. market and have the resources to execute long-term strategies. 🔹 Smaller European brands need a clear strategy—without proper distribution networks, local sales teams, and strategic marketing, their U.S. expansion could fail. 🔹 E-commerce partnerships are crucial—working with trusted online retailers helps brands gain visibility and increase sales.
Final Thoughts: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Cesc and Julian leave viewers with one crucial message: Padel is a long-term play. Those who treat it like a Gold Rush, expecting instant success, will likely struggle. However, those who take the marathon approach, investing in the right team, strategy, and growth model, will thrive.
For anyone looking to enter the Padel business, whether as an investor, club owner, or brand partner, the key is education, strategy, and patience.
Want to learn more? Reach out to Padel Smash Academy for expert guidance and insider knowledge on how to navigate the booming Padel industry.
🎾 Padel is beautiful at Padel Smash.