Weekly News Roundup: Sweeping the Nation and Beyond!
Padel is Booming—Here’s What’s Making Headlines
This week in Padel: A major push for Olympic inclusion, booming growth in the UK and US, and new state-of-the-art facilities opening across the country. Let’s dive in!
Premier Padel and Hexagon Cup Team Up for Olympic Inclusion
The international Premier Padel series and the Hexagon Cup have announced a strategic partnership to elevate the sport globally and work toward Olympic inclusion. Their collaboration with the International Padel Federation (FIP) will lead to the first-ever FIP Intercontinental Cup in 2025, furthering padel’s expansion. Additionally, the Hexagon Cup is on track to gain official recognition by the FIP, setting the stage for an international multi-event series. This partnership is a bold step toward making padel an Olympic sport, a goal both organizations are eager to achieve.
- Read more on Sportcal
Britain’s Padel Boom Shows No Signs of Slowing
Padel is rapidly taking over the UK, with player numbers doubling in the last year and awareness skyrocketing by 70%. The sport has attracted high-profile fans, including Prince William, David Beckham, and Stormzy, adding to its growing influence. Unlike other racket sports, padel is bringing in players who wouldn't typically engage in athletic activities, proving its accessibility and appeal. In London alone, some clubs have registered over 9,000 players, reinforcing the sport's mainstream breakthrough.
- Read more on Yahoo Sports
Padel Arrives in Minnesota with New Courts and Growing Interest
The Heights Racquet & Social Club in Mendota Heights has officially introduced padel to Minnesota, featuring the only three courts in the state. With over 500 courts now in the U.S., padel is expanding rapidly, bringing in players from pickleball, squash, and tennis. To encourage participation, the club is offering an all-you-can-play trial membership for $60 a month, making it easy for newcomers to experience the sport. The combination of strategy, long rallies, and a welcoming community is fueling padel’s appeal across all age groups.
- Read more on CBS Minnesota
San Antonio’s First Padel Entertainment Complex Set to Open
San Antonio is about to welcome its first full-scale padel entertainment complex, Slice Padel, scheduled to open in summer 2025. Unlike traditional clubs, Slice will feature a full-service bar, live music, and food truck partnerships, creating a social hub for players. Owners Juan Carlos and Armando Merlo believe padel’s explosive growth in Europe and Latin America will translate into success in Texas. The club has shifted from a membership model to a pay-to-play system, making it more accessible to casual players and newcomers.
- Read more on Culture Map San Antonio
HonorHealth Partners with PURE Pickleball & Padel for Wellness-Focused Facility
HonorHealth has signed a multi-year agreement with PURE Pickleball & Padel to become its exclusive health and wellness partner. As part of this partnership, PURE’s upcoming indoor pickleball and padel complex in Scottsdale will include a 3,000 sq. ft. sports performance and recovery center, set to open in mid-2026. HonorHealth’s program will provide athletic training, injury prevention, and conditioning for players, reinforcing the connection between padel and overall wellness.
- Read more on Paradise Valley Independent
Video of the Week
Check out these highlights from The Semi-Finals in the Riyadh Season Premier Padel P1 (MEN)
Padel’s momentum is unstoppable! From a major push for Olympic inclusion to new world-class facilities opening across the U.S., this week’s biggest stories showcase the sport’s rapid expansion.
With San Antonio’s first padel entertainment complex, Minnesota joining the movement, and Britain’s booming player base, it’s clear—padel is here to stay.
🎾 Which story excites you the most? Drop a comment below!