Padel is expanding rapidly in the United States, but a critical challenge remains: the need for qualified coaches and structured training programs. As new clubs emerge and the sport gains popularity, many instructors come from tennis backgrounds without specialized padel coaching expertise. PadelMBA is addressing this gap, providing structured education to elevate the quality of coaching and management in the growing American padel market.
PadelMBA, a leading global padel education platform, equips players, coaches, and entrepreneurs with the tools to develop the sport professionally. Through its online certification programs, coaching courses, and club management training, it helps establish a strong foundation for padel’s expansion in the U.S.
The Rise of Padel in the U.S.
The growth of padel in the United States is happening rapidly, but in a controlled and promising way, following a similar pattern to what was seen in Europe a few years ago. According to PadelMBA founder Alejandro Martinez, this expansion is driven by several key factors:
- Investment in infrastructure: More and more clubs are incorporating padel courts, either as part of tennis and fitness clubs or as exclusive padel facilities. States such as Florida, Texas, and California have been pioneers in this expansion.
- Interest from athletes and businessmen: Professional athletes and business figures are investing in padel, which has accelerated its legitimization as a booming sport.
- Greater media exposure: With high-level tournaments and the presence of international players, padel is capturing the attention of a wider audience.
- Adaptability of the sport: “It is an easy sport to learn, social, and accessible, which facilitates its growth in a sports culture like that of the USA,” says Martinez.
PadelMBA has observed that this growth not only implies more players but also a greater professionalization of the sector. “The United States is in a key phase of consolidation, and we believe that, with the right strategy, padel will not only grow but will establish itself as a permanent and competitive sport in the country,” Martinez explains.
How PadelMBA Supports the U.S. Padel Movement
PadelMBA’s role in this expansion is crucial, as it ensures that the sport grows not just in numbers but in quality and professionalism. Martinez highlights three key aspects of PadelMBA’s mission:
- Certifications for coaches: Structured programs that enable coaches to develop professional careers with solid methodologies.
- Club management training: Providing clubs with the knowledge to optimize their business strategies, attract and retain players, and ensure long-term success.
- Player development programs: Offering structured online training, masterclasses with elite coaches, and in-person clinics to help players refine their skills.
“Unlike Europe, where padel grew more organically and with less structure in its early days, in the U.S., we are seeing a more strategic development with a long-term vision,”
Addressing Challenges in Padel Club and Coach Development
One of the biggest challenges new clubs and coaches face is the lack of structured knowledge and training. Unlike other sports with established training foundations, padel in the U.S. is still developing. Many coaches struggle to implement effective teaching methodologies, attract players, and ensure business sustainability. Similarly, clubs investing in top-tier facilities may lack structured models for player retention and profitability.
PadelMBA aims to ease this transition by offering:
- Certified training for coaches and managers: Programs designed to standardize coaching methodologies and improve player experience.
- Consulting for clubs: Support in sports planning, student recruitment strategies, and resource optimization.
- Business and retention strategies: Guidance on generating recurring revenue, player loyalty, and effective programming for classes, events, and competitions.
“It’s not enough to open a club—you have to make it profitable. We teach clubs how to generate recurring income, increase player retention, and optimize their offerings,”
The Future of Padel Training in the U.S.
With the growing number of padel players and clubs, in-person training workshops and events will play a crucial role in developing the sport. “The demand for quality training is increasing,” Martinez says. “We are actively working on expanding our clinics, certifications, and training events in the U.S. to provide immersive learning experiences.”
Several factors will drive this expansion:
- More clubs and academies: Increased infrastructure means greater demand for in-person training.
- Brand and sponsor interest: Companies investing in events will facilitate the organization of clinics and workshops.
- Professionalization of the sport: The U.S. is becoming a key market for padel, and structured education is essential for long-term success.
Where Martinez Sees the Sport in Five Years
Looking ahead, Martinez envisions an explosive expansion of padel in the U.S. “We expect thousands of courts in operation, a growing community of players, and a structured ecosystem with certified coaches and professional tournaments,” he states. The sport’s integration with international competitions and increased investment from sponsors will further accelerate its growth.
PadelMBA aims to be at the forefront of this transformation through:
- Expanding coach certifications and club management programs
- Forging strategic partnerships with clubs, federations, and brands
- Developing innovative educational tools, including a learning app
- Organizing high-level training clinics and masterclasses across the U.S.
“Padel in the U.S. is at its inflection point, and PadelMBA is ready to lead this process, ensuring that players, coaches, and clubs have the tools to grow with the sport,” Martinez concludes.
With a structured approach to training, education, and club management, PadelMBA is not just supporting the growth of padel in the U.S.—it is shaping its future.
