Key Takeaways
-
50 players and 10 teams competed at Hammerstein Ballroom.
-
$25 million investment fuels expansion and franchise growth.
-
First-ever auction draft selected 21 players from 23 countries.
Season opener at Hammerstein Ballroom
The Pro Padel League launched its 2026 season with four days of elite competition at Manhattan’s Hammerstein Ballroom from July 9–12. More than fifty top men’s and women’s players represented all ten teams, including Alejandro Ruiz (Toronto Polar Bears), Leonel ‘Tolito’ Aguirre (Los Angeles Beat), Sofia Araujo (DC Matrix), and Claudia Jensen (San Diego Stingrays). “Opening our 2026 season here in New York is an incredible moment for our league,” said CEO Mike Dorfman. “This week represents everything we’re working to build – world-class competition, meaningful opportunities for our players, and new ways to introduce more fans to padel.”
Growth, investment, and celebrity ownership
The league enters 2026 with strong commercial momentum, having raised $25 million in funding in less than 18 months. A $15 million Series A round was led by Charlotte Hornets co-chairman Rick Schnall, alongside Left Lane Capital. Franchise valuations have surpassed $10 million, reflecting investor confidence in padel’s trajectory in North America. High-profile figures have joined the ownership ecosystem, including polo star Nacho Figueras, ATP player Frances Tiafoe, Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Paes, and Edward Rogers of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Expanded partnerships and media reach
The PPL’s 2026 season is supported by a record portfolio of partners across sport, luxury, travel, and technology. Collaborations include Frederique Constant, Franklin Sports, Padeltek, Engine, Asprey, and Kalshi. Expanded media distribution through Versant Media’s CNBC strengthens national coverage, bringing padel to a mainstream audience.
Player development and historic draft
To ensure long-term growth, the league launched PPL II in March 2026, offering structured competition, development opportunities, and $350,000 in guaranteed compensation. The inaugural auction-model player draft, the first of its kind in U.S. professional sports, saw 21 players selected from a pool of over 300 registrants representing 23 countries. Teams competed directly for talent, determining both roster rights and compensation through live bidding.
North American tour continues
Following New York, the season heads to Los Angeles (Aug. 13–16), Playa del Carmen (Sept. 24–27), Guadalajara (Nov. 19–22), and concludes in Miami (Dec. 3–6) with The City’s Cup Finals. Community initiatives also remain central, with clinics like the one hosted in Harlem by the NY Atlantics, connecting professional players with youth programs to inspire the next generation.
