In the booming world of racket sports, two contenders dominate the conversation in 2025: padel and pickleball. Both offer fast-paced, social gameplay and growing audiences — but for investors, clubs, and sports developers in the U.S., the question is no longer if to invest, but which sport offers the most long-term potential.
As the American market looks for the next big opportunity in recreational sports, the padel vs pickleball USA debate is heating up.
The rise of social racket sports
What makes both sports so attractive? More than their athletic appeal, padel and pickleball are social experiences. They are easy to learn, played in doubles, and foster a strong sense of community — making them ideal for clubs, resorts, and urban developments looking to attract a wide demographic.
Both sports tick the same boxes:
✔ Low barrier to entry for new players
✔ Fast-paced games with shorter match times
✔ Strong group dynamics and repeat engagement
✔ Compact courts, making them suitable for urban spaces
But despite their similarities, their business potential isn’t the same.
Growth snapshot: Padel vs Pickleball in the USA
| Metric | Padel | Pickleball |
|---|---|---|
| Global presence | 90+ countries | Mostly U.S. & Canada |
| Player growth (2020–2025) | +250% | +200% |
| Court size | 20x10m | ~13x6m |
| Revenue per court (est.) | Higher (premium positioning) | Lower (community-driven) |
| Pro league infrastructure | Strong international tours | Emerging, mostly U.S.-based |
While pickleball has seen explosive growth in U.S. suburbs and retirement communities, padel is gaining traction in premium clubs, urban centers, and real estate projects looking for upscale, global sports experiences.
Why many investors are betting on padel
Beyond its fast-growing global footprint, padel offers a higher-value proposition for investors and developers:
✔ Premium appeal: Padel attracts a younger, more urban audience looking for a modern, social, and stylish experience.
✔ International recognition: With pro circuits and tournaments, padel has visibility and media exposure that pickleball is just beginning to develop.
✔ Revenue opportunity: Higher session fees, lessons, events, and sponsorship make padel a more profitable option per court, especially in major metro areas.
Shared infrastructure: Many venues now offer both sports side-by-side, using smart court layouts and efficient space use.
Pickleball + Padel? A dual-sport strategy
At Portico Sport, we work with clubs and developers across the U.S. and Europe to build padel courts and now also pickleball courts, offering turn-key solutions for facilities that want to combine both sports.
Whether your focus is on:
✔ Urban padel clubs targeting millennials
✔ Community centers integrating pickleball for all ages
✔ Or mixed-use developments combining both courts in one venue
We provide everything from court design to installation — with certified components, modular canopy systems, and guidance on how to build a profitable, low-maintenance business.
Padel or pickleball? The verdict for 2025
It’s not a zero-sum game — both sports are thriving. But for investors seeking premium positioning, higher revenue per square foot, and global relevance, padel is emerging as the stronger long-term play.
The smart move for 2025? Explore both — but lead with padel.
Want to build a court business that lasts?
Talk to the Portico Sport team about:
✔ Custom court packages (padel + pickleball)
✔ Space planning for mixed-use facilities
✔ Weather-resistant, low-maintenance court materials
✔ Global experience from Spain to the USA
👉 Contact us to start your project.
