The Pro Padel League (PPL) is becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and is gaining traction in the United States, particularly in the Tampa Bay area. Padel is a combination of tennis, racquetball, and squash and originated in Mexico. The popularity of padel is increasing in the United States, and the number of courts is expected to double this year.
The Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center in Zephyrhills is hosting the world’s best padel players next month, and the event is expected to have a significant impact on the Pasco County region. Pascal Collard, CEO of the SVB Tennis & Wellness Center, stated that the economic impact would be significant, with 120 players, owners, and families staying for five weeks.
Marcos del Pilar, co-founder and the commissioner of the Pro Padel League, aims to grow the sport of padel and create a new ecosystem for watching and playing the sport. The league hopes to surpass the popularity of pickleball and increase the number of padel players worldwide.
A padel player, Astrid Guerre from Paraguay, discovered the sport during the pandemic and enjoys meeting international, high-level players. She stated that padel is an opportunity to try something new and expand social circles.
The Pro Padel League’s first season will conclude with the Championship on the weekend of June 10th, and games will take place every weekend leading up to the event. General admission is free, and more information is available on their website.