Padel Smash TV

Viva Padel turned an existing tennis facility outside Philadelphia into a five-court indoor Padel club that founder Kai Lee says became operationally profitable in its first month. We explore the real estate, court construction, demand, Wilson partnership, and lessons behind the club's early success. 

In Part 3 of Padel Smash’s 4-part RacquetX 2026 podcast series, we continue inside the show floor with conversations focused on what it takes to build padel the right way in America.This episode starts with Portico, a company with more than 16 years of experience producing padel courts and canopies. The conversation dives into court engineering, why canopy design matters, how different climates affect court protection, and why quality construction is about much more than simply selling courts.From there, we spend time with NOX, one of the leading padel brands in the world. Alfonso shares the global vision for NOX across padel, beach tennis, and pickleball, while also discussing market share, high-end racket leadership, shoes, product innovation, and why the brand continues to push for performance at the top of the sport. We also speak with Philip about NOX’s expansion in the United States, their B2B platform, D2C launch, inventory strategy, club relationships, and how the brand plans to grow over the next decade.The episode then moves into American-made court construction with Off The Glass, a U.S.-based padel court company building steel and glass structures domestically in Indiana. Their conversation highlights the importance of local manufacturing, faster scalability, domestic materials, engineering knowledge, and why the U.S. market may need homegrown court solutions as padel expands.We also feature Padel Dynamics, a software platform designed to help clubs automate WhatsApp communication and reduce the manual workload on staff. From open match alerts to booking-system integrations and club community messaging, this conversation shows how small operational tools can make a major difference in day-to-day club management.Finally, we close with Palap, a newer racket brand entering the U.S. market with high-performance rackets at a more accessible price point. Phil shares the story behind the brand, its European roots, U.S. and Canadian distribution, product development, ambassador growth, and why Palap is focused on delivering quality rackets without the inflated cost of major endorsement deals.Part 3 is all about the foundation of the sport — the courts, canopies, rackets, software, manufacturing, and systems that will help padel grow from early momentum into long-term infrastructure.Subscribe to Padel Smash and follow the full 4-part RacquetX 2026 podcast series.From Miami to the World.

In Part 2 of Padel Smash’s 4-part RacquetX 2026 audio podcast series, we continue our conversations with the people building the future of padel from every angle.This episode dives into the business behind the sport, starting with Conquer Padel and their franchise model for opening new clubs across the United States. We discuss what future club owners need to understand before entering the market, from real estate and lease negotiations to permitting, design, operations, and why experience matters when building a profitable padel facility.We also sit down with Dani from the Hexagon Cup 11.11 team to talk about the growth of one of the most exciting formats in professional padel, the evolution of team ownership, prize money, player opportunities, and the possibility of the Hexagon Cup expanding into the United States.From there, we explore the product and brand side of padel with Heroe’s, including their 2026 racket collection, the Alien line, their strategy for entering the U.S. market, and the role of Padel Plant in Richmond, Virginia. The episode also features OCU Energy, a clean and convenient gummy energy product built for athletes and active lifestyles, along with Padel Mi Amor, a made-in-Italy padel apparel brand bringing style, identity, and performance to the court.We close with a look at padel infrastructure and local competition through BaseX and MIA Padel League. BaseX explains its foundation system designed to simplify padel court installation without traditional concrete slabs, while MIA Padel League shares how its flexible match-play format is creating more opportunities for players in Miami to compete on their own schedule.Part 2 is all about the builders - the people creating the clubs, products, leagues, apparel, and systems that will help padel grow across America.Subscribe to Padel Smash and follow the full 4-part RacquetX 2026 podcast series.From Miami to the World.

In Part 1 of our 4-part RacquetX 2026 podcast series, Padel Smash sits down with Adidas, Babolat, Blanca Padel, Baby Let’s Padel, Born, Padel Tech, Klutch, and CourtsApp to explore the brands, products, technology, and communities helping build the future of padel in America.Padel Smash presents a special 4-part podcast series from RacquetX 2026, featuring the brands, founders, players, operators, and innovators shaping the next chapter of padel in the United States. Across four one-hour episodes, the series explores the full padel ecosystem: rackets, apparel, club technology, court construction, booking platforms, community building, and the business of growing the sport in America.Padel is growing fast in the United States, but the real story is bigger than courts.In this 4-part RacquetX 2026 podcast series, Padel Smash goes inside one of the biggest racket sports events in America to speak directly with the companies and people building the future of padel. From global racket brands like Adidas and Babolat to emerging names in apparel, technology, club operations, community building, and court infrastructure, this series captures the momentum behind the sport and the businesses helping drive it forward.Each one-hour episode brings together conversations with founders, players, brand leaders, and innovators who are helping define what padel in America will become.

In this episode, Padel Smash visits LA Padel Club, an upcoming premium padel destination in Los Angeles, during the early stages of development.While the full conversation with Steve Shpilsky, Founder of LA Padel Club, and Jennifer Shpilsky, Chief Brand Officer, is available exclusively on podcast platforms, this YouTube release gives you a visual walkthrough of the club as it begins to take shape.Steve and Jennifer share the story behind falling in love with padel, the challenges of building a club in Los Angeles, the importance of location, real estate, permitting, investors, and why creating a sustainable club model matters. The project is being built around a historic property, the Collins Firth Mansion, a 1920s neoclassical mansion tied to the early history of Culver City and the entertainment industry.This is more than just another padel club. LA Padel Club is designed to blend sport, hospitality, history, community, and premium brand experience into one destination.In this walkthrough, we explore:+The origin story behind LA Padel Club+Why Steve and Jennifer believed LA needed a premium padel destination+The real estate and business challenges of building padel in Los Angeles+The historic Collins Firth Mansion and its connection to Culver City+The future layout of the club, including the club room, pro shop, cafe, locker rooms, co-working space, courts, and member experience+Why padel clubs need to be built as sustainable businesses, not just exciting concepts

In this episode of Padel Smash TV, we sit down with Adrian Grant, founder of Kanso Shoes, to talk about what really goes into building a high-performance shoe for racket sports.Adrian shares his journey from being a former professional squash player and world-class athlete to launching a footwear brand focused on the real movement demands of sports like squash, padel, and pickleball. We get into the difference between squash shoes and padel shoes, why outsole design matters, how athlete feedback shapes development, and why the wrong footwear can affect both performance and injury risk.This conversation goes beyond style. It breaks down the science, testing, and athlete-first thinking behind building shoes specifically for the demands of padel. If you’ve ever wondered whether footwear really makes a difference on court, this interview is worth watching.

In this episode of Padel Smash TV, we sit down with Felix Regalia, CEO and Founder of Varlion, one of the most iconic brands in padel history.Felix shares the incredible story behind how Varlion started in Argentina in 1993, how the brand became a market leader through product innovation, and what happened during a difficult period of instability that forced the company to rebuild. He opens up about relaunching the brand, redesigning the collection, and building what he calls the next phase of Varlion’s legacy.We also dive into why Felix believes the U.S. padel market today is similar to Spain in 1999, why he plans to personally lead Varlion’s expansion in America, and how the brand wants to win through product quality, hands-on education, key accounts, and direct market development.On top of that, Felix talks about Varlion’s innovation mindset, new collections, expansion into pickleball, and the long-term goal of transferring decades of padel knowledge into other racket sports.If you follow the business of padel, racket innovation, and the future of the U.S. market, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.Topics covered:00:00 Intro00:35 Meet Felix Regalia00:51 How Varlion Started in Argentina01:44 Early innovation and growth02:10 Becoming a leader in padel02:23 What went wrong for Varlion04:04 Restructuring the business05:08 Major internal fraud and setbacks06:54 Restarting from zero07:03 The Varlion Legacy relaunch07:22 Expansion into pickleball and beyond08:35 Strategy for the U.S. market09:05 Why product testing drives loyalty09:33 Felix moving to the U.S.10:14 Why America feels like Spain in 199910:52 Building the American team11:16 Winning through education and market presence

At RacquetX, Padel Smash TV sat down with Alfons Bastida, Chief Marketing Officer of NOX, and Philippe Urreiztieta, USA NOX Distributor, for a deep conversation on the brand’s global vision and why the United States is one of its biggest priorities moving forward.In this interview, we break down how NOX sees the future of padel, why the U.S. market is such a major opportunity, and what it takes to grow a specialist padel brand in a country where traditional tennis brands already have strong familiarity. Alfons shares NOX’s broader global strategy, including its focus on premium racket positioning, product innovation, and youth development through initiatives like the Next Future Academy, while Philippe explains how NOX USA is approaching the market from the ground up through grassroots activation, club relationships, B2B growth, and direct-to-consumer marketing.

What does one of the biggest representation agencies in the world see in padel?In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Daniel Dios from WME Sports to break down how global brands are entering padel, why celebrity involvement matters, what makes a player commercially valuable, and why Arturo Coello became a key fit for WME’s vision.Daniel takes us inside WME’s approach to the sport, explaining the three layers they focus on — pros, celebrities, and funds — and how those groups help accelerate padel’s growth in emerging markets. He also shares how major brands like On and Rolex were educated on the opportunity in padel, why those deals do not happen overnight, and what brands are really looking for before they commit.This conversation also goes deeper into the future of the sport in the United States, the need for stronger infrastructure, the rise of celebrity-driven interest, and why the next generation of padel players must be more than just talented on court. According to Daniel, the future belongs to athletes who can perform, communicate, represent brands well, and become true role models.If you care about the business of padel, brand partnerships, player representation, and the future growth of the sport worldwide, this is an interview you do not want to miss.Subscribe to Padel Smash for more interviews, news, gear reviews, business insights, and stories shaping the future of padel.

In this special RacquetX 2026 episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with two key voices from the world of Babolat Padel: Jose Luis Sanz, Padel Business Leader and Global Marketing Director at Babolat, and pro player Alejandra Alonso.This combined conversation gives listeners both sides of the brand — from the global business strategy behind Babolat’s growth in padel to the player perspective from one of the sport’s rising stars.Jose Luis Sanz shares how Babolat is approaching the growth of padel in the United States through premium club partnerships, education, activation, exclusive product development, and long-term brand positioning. He also discusses the brand’s Lamborghini partnership, the U.S. market opportunity, and how Babolat is thinking about the future of padel globally.Alejandra Alonso gives insight into her personal journey in padel, what it means to join the Babolat family, her competitive mindset, and the equipment she trusts on court, including the Technical Viper.This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in the business of padel, athlete-brand relationships, product strategy, and the continued growth of the sport worldwide.

Episode 1 of 4 from our RacquetX 2026 coverage is here.In this first episode, the Padel Smash TV team hits the floor at RacquetX to talk with some of the most interesting brands and leaders shaping the future of padel.In this episode, we feature interviews with:Iain Pound from Boast on the brand’s return to the market, grassroots strategy, Tennis Channel activations, and the early success of their padel-focused collectionDaniel Won from Blanca Padel on building a minimalist padel brand, keeping rackets affordable, and expanding through key partnershipsDani Homedes from Hexagon Cup on the event’s explosive growth, celebrity ownership, expansion plans, and future U.S. ambitionsEnrique Garcia from Conquer Padel on franchise opportunities, club development, lease strategy, and how they help operators launch smarterAlfonso Bastida from Nox Padel on Nox’s global vision, U.S. growth strategy, product innovation, and competing in emerging marketsPlus, Majo roams the show floor to grab quick interviews and reactions from vendors across the event, giving you a wider look at the brands, products, and energy surrounding RacquetX.

Boast is making a serious return to racket sports, and in this episode of Padel Smash TV, Cesc and Julian sit down with Matthew Feuer, Owner and CEO of Boast, to talk about the brand’s heritage, why it faded, and how it’s now repositioning itself for the modern tennis and padel world.Matt shares how Boast was acquired in 2024, why the brand is returning to its racket sports roots, and how nostalgia, premium materials, and a fresh performance line are shaping its future. The conversation also dives into Boast’s growing focus on padel, its upcoming capsule collection, club customization opportunities, and what fans can expect from the brand at RacquetX 2026.If you love padel, tennis culture, heritage brands, and the business behind the sport, this is one you don’t want to miss.Powered by RacquetX 2026

RacquetX is back for year three and it’s bigger, sharper, and more on-court than ever. In this interview, Robyn Duda (Co-Founder & CEO of RacquetX) walks us through what’s new for RacquetX 2026, including 10 total courts, a deeper Club Summit, the VIP Club Apex, and how the show is building a true “home court” for racquet sports - Padel, tennis, and pickleball.You’ll hear how RacquetX iterates each year through a sponsor + attendee feedback loop, why the show moved to Fort Lauderdale, what activations to expect across the floor, and how their AI matchmaking app helps businesses schedule real meetings on site.RacquetX 2026 Details (from Robyn):📍 Broward County Convention Center (Fort Lauderdale, FL)📅 March 13–15🕙 Fri–Sat: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM🕙 Sun: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM🎟️ General Admission: $50👧 Kids (under ~14): Free🏟️ Club Summit: $699 (includes perks + party access)🤝 Business Pass: $195 (matchmaking app access)🎫 Joint ticket (with facilities content): $799If you’re a player, coach, club operator, investor, brand, or tech company, this is one of the best weekends of the year to see the industry in one place.✅ Subscribe for more interviews, club coverage, and the business side of Padel.

Racket sports clubs everywhere face the same challenge: prime-time is packed, but mid-day court time sits empty. In this episode, we sit down with Daren Hornig (CourtsApp) to break down a platform built to solve that exact problem.CourtsApp isn’t a court management system. It’s a court marketing marketplace — the “Expedia layer” that sits on top of tools like CourtReserve and PlayByPoint to help facilities promote availability, drive bookings, and increase revenue from perishable court inventory.In this interview, we cover:✅ Why most racket facilities struggle with digital marketing✅ CourtsApp’s “Expedia for racket sports” model (search, map view, price comparison)✅ Dynamic pricing to shift player habits and fill the 11am–4pm window ✅ How CourtsApp integrates with existing booking platforms via API ✅ The performance-only model for clubs (no long-term contract, paid only when courts fill) ✅ Why discovery matters for padel as it grows in the U.S. ✅ The future: analytics, open play matchmaking, and AI booking tools like “Hey Courtney”If you’re a club owner, operator, or player who wants easier access to courts — this is one of the most practical conversations we’ve had about growth, monetization, and the tech stack behind modern racket facilities.Subscribe for more interviews with founders, club operators, and the people building the future of padel.

Padel is scaling fast  but building a great club is harder than people think. In this episode, Cesc & Julian sit down with Patricio Misitrano (CEO of Racket Social Club, Founder/CEO of Misitrano Consulting, and part of the Racquet 360 ecosystem) to break down what’s actually happening behind the scenes of U.S. padel growth.Patricio explains Racquet 360:Racket Social Club (multi-location padel clubs)RacquetX (the industry convention & trade show)Racket Central (e-commerce marketplace)National Padel League (NPL) (amateur leagues + interclub competition)We also dive into his interactive data dashboard tracking courts, pricing, indoor vs outdoor trends, booking platforms, and how club economics are shifting. If you’re a club owner, investor, coach, brand, or entrepreneur, this is a must-watch.Topics covered:Scaling clubs across Denver, Atlanta, and Houston (plus Katy)The truth about permits, municipalities, and build delaysWhy coaches + community decide whether clubs winWhy country clubs and tennis clubs will drive the next wave of padel growthHow data changes the game for investors and operators00:00 – Rack 360 explained00:58 – What is Racket Social Club? (clubs + operations)01:10 – The locations: Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Katy02:31 – The Atlanta acquisition (Windward Lake: tennis, pools, marina)03:14 – Sports Haus (CT) origin story + why Patricio sold05:01 – The 4 Rack 360 business units (RacquetX, Racket Central, NPL)06:03 – Misitrano Consulting + advisory work for club builders08:00 – The padel data mission: tracking every court in the U.S.11:34 – The interactive dashboard: pricing, indoor/outdoor, growth, platforms14:26 – Indoor padel trend + growth acceleration numbers18:00 – Club pricing mistakes + dynamic pricing future20:10 – Why country clubs/tennis clubs will drive padel growth21:44 – Scaling challenge: leadership + local community differences24:07 – Permitting/inspection delays + how to avoid losing months26:43 – Best advice to new club owners (hire the right experts)27:15 – Staffing structure + director roles + systems before opening29:28 – The coach shortage problem (and how he hires)30:25 – Risks of importing coaches (culture, language, retention)35:54 – “No juicy news” + focus on member experience + retention37:00 – Payment platforms + processing fees + alternatives39:31 – Why different clubs use different platforms41:40 – Building internal dashboards + CRM + automations44:14 – Closing thoughts + padel ecosystem collaboration

Welcome to a brand-new Padel Smash Academy Club Review—today Cesc & Julian are in Palm Beach with Florencia Roncatti (General Manager) and Guillermo Amor Torres (Operations Manager) at Padel Club Palm Beach.This club may be small and cozy, but it’s packed with personality—from tiered clinics (Intro → Beginner → Intermediate → Advanced), to community-first open play nights where they literally bring pizza and get people to stay after the match. We also break down how the club approaches a seasonal market like Palm Beach, their membership structure (including a new monthly option launching), pricing, coaching lineup, and what expansion could look like next.If you’re a player, coach, club operator, or just love seeing how padel is growing in the U.S.this episode is full of real insight.Follow/Connect: Padel Club Palm Beach — (add links) Padel Smash Academy — (add links)Chapters: 00:00 Programs + clinics overview 00:20 Palm Beach club review intro 01:10 Flo’s journey + tennis → padel 03:10 Guillermo’s role + Barcelona padel roots 05:00 Courts, ceilings, platform (PlayByPoint) 05:45 Pricing + memberships (annual + monthly) 07:30 Coaches + lesson/clinic pricing 08:20 Hospitality: coffee, smoothies, beer/wine 09:10 Expansion plans (more indoor courts) 10:00 Programming ladder + open play “pizza nights” 11:25 Community challenges vs Miami culture 12:40 Seasonality + summer pivots 13:45 USPA tournament plans 14:20 Why the “details” make this club special 15:25 Wellness + Halloween events + season timing 16:05 On-court challenge: Julian wants revenge 😄

Kevin Ye breaks down how PATL Atlanta grew padel in a tennis/pickle market by building community-first programming, then scaling via smart facility partnerships and expansion (Charleston next).Kevin Ye (PATL Atlanta) breaks down the real blueprint for growing padel in the U.S.—starting with a small early community, converting tennis + pickleball players, and building programming that keeps people coming back.In this conversation, Kevin shares how he discovered padel through social media, how PATL Atlanta built momentum with beginner clinics and Americanos, and what it takes to scale—staffing, coaching pipelines, zoning/permitting, and choosing the right locations. We also talk pricing strategy, membership value, and PATL’s next move: a fully indoor Charleston facility built for year-round play.If you’re a club operator, coach, investor, or a player looking for a thriving padel community—this episode is loaded with practical insight.Follow/Connect:PATL Atlanta — https://playpatl.com/atlanta-chamblee/Padel Smash Academy — https://www.padelsmashacademy.com/Chapters:00:00 Kevin’s background + discovering padel03:30 How PATL Atlanta built community05:30 Bootstrapping + partnering with existing facilities08:30 Pricing + membership strategy11:20 Expansion: Charleston plans14:30 Staffing, coaching gap, and growth challenges17:40 Programming: clinics, levels, Americanos, tournaments20:40 Final thoughts

We’re on a West Coast road trip visiting padel clubs across the United States — and this stop takes us all the way south to San Diego, California at Kingdom of Padel. In this episode, we sit down with Fernando Sotelo (Co-Founder/Owner) to talk about his padel journey, how the club evolved from the previous location, and what it takes to build an indoor padel facility that players actually choose over outdoor courts.Kingdom of Padel is built like a full lifestyle hub: 6 padel courts + 3 pickleball courts, a sports bar + restaurant, golf simulators, locker rooms & showers, and even fitness programming coming online (Pilates, yoga, and more). Fernando also breaks down why indoor padel matters in San Diego (fog, wind, humidity, comfort, guaranteed court time), how pickleball is helping introduce new players to padel, and what memberships and pay-to-play pricing look like.If you’re a player, a club owner, or someone exploring the business side of padel in the U.S., this is a must-watch.Follow/Subscribe for more club reviews, interviews, and behind-the-scenes padel growth stories.

We’re on location in Sint Maarten at SXM Padel Club with Ricardo Perez, Managing Director of SXM Padel Group, breaking down how a “crazy idea” turned into one of the most active padel communities in the Caribbean.In this interview, Ricardo shares the real story behind launching the club with no clear market data, converting an abandoned tennis court into a modern padel facility, and building demand through PR, open houses, and a youth program that made padel accessible from day one. We also get into the business side funding the build with a $100,000 grant + $50,000 loan, reinvesting into the club, and reaching ROI in about two years.Plus: SXM Padel’s next chapter is huge! Ricardo reveals plans for a new 7-court facility (including stadium-style pro courts) designed to host international-level tournaments, expand wellness amenities, and grow padel across the Caribbean.

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, we’re in San Francisco for a full club review at Park Padel, one of Northern California’s most iconic padel clubs. We sit down with Katie Lampert—co-founder, co-owner, and the ultimate “do-everything” operator—to break down how Park Padel was built and why it’s become a true padel lifestyle destination.Katie shares the vision behind their indoor facility: a place where you can spend the entire day—play padel, take a work call in a pod, hit a quick workout, recover with Hyperice and NormaTec, then grab a coffee… or a beer. The goal was simple: even indoors, make it feel alive and green—like a park.We also get super tactical on what makes the business work:How their first location at Embarcadero / Market Street created “built-in marketing” with constant foot trafficWhy their second indoor location required old-school outreach + corporate offsitesThe big unlock: shifting memberships from per-location to access across locationsTheir programming flywheel: Intro to Padel, clinics, socials, Americanos, leagues, tournamentsThe tech stack: moving from PlayByPoint to Playtomic, and why rating + open matches matterTheir facility details: 6 courts, locker rooms & showers, lounge space, gym, work pods, and moreThe camera system: Clutch—livestreaming, match review, and coaching with videoPark Padel has grown to three locations across the Bay Area region and has real expansion momentum—while staying focused on the one thing that matters most: community.📍Learn more about Park Padel: parkpadel.com 🎧 Listen to the Padel Smash Academy Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, we head to Los Angeles to visit Padel Up and sit down with Abraham Alvarez, the club’s Head Padel Coach, to talk about what it really takes to build padel from the ground up on the West Coast.Abraham shares his journey starting padel in Miami in 2021, getting instantly hooked after transitioning from tennis, and witnessing the Miami padel boom as clubs started opening fast. Then he moved to LA where padel was basically only happening in private homes—and began teaching house-to-house before helping grow what became one of the most important padel communities in the region.We get into how Padel Up built community through programming, clinics, leagues, and events, and how that effort turned into a 450-person WhatsApp group. Abraham also breaks down the model: memberships, court pricing, lesson rates, amenities, and why education is a huge part of converting racquet-sport players into real padel players.If you’re building a padel club, coaching, investing, or you’re just obsessed with the sport’s growth in the US—this one’s for you.

Padel doesn’t grow by accident—and San Diego is proof. In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Redondo, CEO of Tactica Padel, to break down how one coach’s idea turned into a real padel ecosystem—starting with three courts and scaling into one of the most active padel communities in the country.Ryan shares how Taktika built momentum through an international player base, why access and affordability are non-negotiable for growth, and what it takes to bring padel into public facilities, universities, and new markets. We also talk business: joint ventures, shared revenue models, partnerships, and why infrastructure is the missing link if padel wants to follow the tennis blueprint in the United States.If you’re building a club, investing in padel, coaching, or just trying to understand where US padel is headed—this is one of the clearest playbooks you’ll hear.Listen / watch and follow Padel Smash Academy for more club stories, founders, and the business of padel.

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, we sit down with Matt Gibson, VP of PlaySight, to unpack how smart-court technology and AI are transforming padel at every level. From instant highlights and automated match analytics to coach-ready performance data, Matt explains how PlaySight is changing the way players train, clubs operate, and fans engage with the sport.We dive into the real-world impact for club owners, coaches, and competitive players—why data visibility matters, how tech accelerates skill development, and what the future looks like as padel scales globally. If you care about the intersection of padel, performance, and technology, this episode is essential listening.

Padel Smash Academy sits down with Mike Dorfman, CEO of the Pro Padel League (PPL), live from Miami during Art Basel week at the Scope Art Fair. Mike breaks down the vision behind bringing the PPL Championship Court to the beach—turning the padel court into a full-on statement piece that stops people in their tracks and gets first-timers to finally experience what makes padel so special.Mike shares how the activation came to life with artist Ryan Keeley, why awareness is still the #1 mission, and the “three-lane strategy” PPL is building: showcase elite pros for a reality check, introduce complete newcomers to padel for the first time, and create iconic experiences where fans and amateurs can step onto the same court as the pros. We also get a full season recap—five events across three countries, 25,000 attendees, 100M+ video views, and “a couple hundred million” impressions—plus what’s coming next as PPL expands to new U.S. and international cities, keeps the sport accessible (no paywalls), and continues growing distribution across 16+ networks reaching hundreds of millions of households.

In this special on-location episode of Padel Smash Academy, we sit down with Ryan Keeley, the artist behind one of the most ambitious fusions of art and padel to date. Recorded during Miami Art Week, Ryan takes us inside his creative process—how he captures energy through color, environment, and movement, and why Miami’s blues, pinks, water, and sky became the foundation for this immersive padel court and mural installation.We talk about Ryan’s journey as an artist, from painting garage floors as a kid to creating large-scale murals, skate parks, music stages, and now fully functional padel courts. He shares how this project came together alongside the SCOPE Exhibition during Art Basel, the technical challenges of painting a playable court without impacting performance, and why padel is the perfect canvas for interactive, experiential art.The conversation also explores what’s next—future padel art projects in Miami, the Hamptons, Malibu, and beyond—plus the headline-grabbing $1.5M padel court artwork designed for hotels, private residences, and collectors who want functional art at the highest level.If you’re passionate about padel, creativity, culture, and where the sport is heading next, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian head back to Ballers in Philadelphia to sit down with Moustafa “Moose” Bayoumy, the club’s head coach, to talk about what it really takes to grow padel in a new U.S. market: community first.Moose breaks down how Ballers built its player base from scratch through intro clinics, consistent programming, and a welcoming pathway from “never held a racket” to beginner, intermediate, and beyond—while also sharing what’s new at the facility (full restaurant + bar, gym, recovery room, locker rooms, and more). The conversation also dives into Ballers’ membership model and tiers, how they’re filling off-peak daytime courts, where new players are coming from (tennis, squash, platform, and even pickleball), and what’s next— including upcoming tournaments and expansion plans in places like Boston and LA.If you’re a player, coach, or club operator, this one is packed with real-world insights on building momentum, designing a better player journey, and creating a padel community that keeps people coming back.

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, we’re on location at Padel X in Boca Raton with Jaume and Lorena Rouillon—two of the leading coaches in the U.S. and the U.S. National Junior Team coaches—to break down what junior padel development really looks like behind the scenes. They walk us through the new U14 / U16 / U18 program structure for boys and girls, how the team is selected across a massive country (often starting with video evaluations), and what it takes to build competitive juniors when players are spread across the U.S. and even abroad.Jaume and Lorena also preview the team’s push toward the World Championships in Spain, explaining the qualifying format, match strategy, scouting, and why every match win matters for future ranking. We get into the real challenges—travel budgets, keeping players motivated, managing expectations with parents, and how they mentor these athletes beyond the court. If you’re a parent, junior player, or coach trying to understand the pathway to representing Team USA, this is a must-listen—plus how to get involved and connect with the junior community as it grows.

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, we sit down with Jamie Fermosell — the reigning US Open Padel Championships champion — to unpack the real story behind his rise from elite tennis in Spain to winning the biggest tournament in the U.S. Jamie shares how he went pro in tennis at just 14, battled a career-ending wrist injury, and then rebuilt from scratch in padel by training 7–8 hours a day for a full year with zero days off.We go deep on what it actually takes to become a professional padel player: the financial reality of the tour, why most players can’t survive without sponsorships, and how the balance between results and social media impacts your earning potential. Jamie explains the path through FIP - International Padel Federation tournaments into Premier Padel, what qualifying rounds feel like, and why the economics in Europe can be brutal even when you’re winning matches.Jamie also breaks down the differences between U.S. and European padel, why he chose to move to the States, and what’s next: his mission to become the clear #1 in U.S. rankings—and his longer-term plan to help build academies and bring more world-class coaching to American clubs. Plus, we talk sponsors, gear mindset (why “it’s not the racket”), recovery, and even a fascinating sleep technology he swears by.If you’re a player, coach, or padel entrepreneur trying to understand the real roadmap - this one is for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Craig Smith, President, and Sam Caster, Founder & CEO, for a deep-dive conversation on purpose-driven business, wellness innovation, and building a company rooted in impact.Craig and Sam share the origin story behind Alovea, the science and philosophy guiding their product development, and how they’re redefining what it means to build a modern social business. From leadership lessons and long-term vision to navigating growth while staying mission-first, this conversation offers valuable insight for entrepreneurs, health advocates, and anyone interested in business as a force for good.This conversation is especially relevant for padel players and athletes, as it highlights how leadership, wellness, and intentional nutrition play a critical role in performance, recovery, longevity, and building a sustainable mindset both on and off the court.  Whether you’re curious about wellness entrepreneurship, values-based leadership, or how founders think at scale, this episode delivers perspective, transparency, and inspiration.🎧 Tune in for an honest conversation at the intersection of health, purpose, and business strategy.

In this inspiring episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with Dr. Celine Thum, founder and CEO of Eterna Regeneration, a cutting-edge regenerative medicine clinic in Miami, FL.A board-certified physician with over a decade of experience, Dr. Thum has built a remarkable career spanning sports medicine, clinical ultrasound, regenerative therapies, and music therapy—and has provided on-site medical care for professional combat sports and motorsports around the world.A former nationally ranked badminton player and concert violinist, Dr. Thum shares how her athletic and artistic background shapes her philosophy on health, aesthetics, and performance. She explains how regenerative medicine can help athletes recover faster, enhance performance, and extend their longevity both on and off the court.Cesc and Julian also dive into her newfound passion for padel, exploring how the sport aligns with her belief in balance, community, and movement as medicine.🎙️ About Eterna RegenerationEterna is a physician-led clinic offering personalized regenerative therapies designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing capabilities. Their mission is to help patients look, feel, and perform their best through prevention, aesthetics, and performance optimization.https://www.eternaregeneration.com/

In this exclusive audio episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Luis Fernando Ramirez Aristeguieta, Head of Business Development – East Coast at Bullpadel, to discuss how one of the most recognized brands in racket sports is shaping the padel’s growth in the United States.Luis shares insights on:Building strategic partnerships to expand Bullpadel’s market presenceStrengthening both B2B and B2C operations to deliver a better customer experienceThe brand’s official Amazon store and how it supports accessibility and trustHis personal recommendation for first-time padel players looking to buy their first racket with a $250 budgetWhether you’re a player, club owner, or brand enthusiast, this conversation gives you a front-row seat to how Bullpadel is elevating the game across America.🎧 Tune in now and learn how innovation, business strategy, and passion for padel are driving Bullpadel’s success.Pickup Bullpadel Rackets at:https://www.padelsmashacademy.com/collections/bullpadel-racket-collection

🎙️ In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian sit down with Jack Corbett, the Sports Director for Reserve Padel, recorded live from our studios at Reserve Padel Sole Mia. Jack shares exciting insights about the club’s upcoming events, the growth of their academy and coaching programs, and plans for future expansion. Tune in to hear how Reserve Padel continues to set the standard for padel in the USA while building a thriving community for players of all levels.

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian sit down with Benji Reynoso, founder of WOQR Padel Brand. Benji shares his inspiring journey from being a passionate padel coach and player to building a brand that redefines padel apparel.Frustrated by clothing that limited mobility and lacked both performance and style, Benji set out to create something better—gear designed by players, for players. Drawing on years of experience on the court and valuable feedback from his students, he developed WOQR with a vision of combining high-performance functionality and modern design. Guided by the philosophy “The path is made by walking,” WOQR represents not just a clothing line, but a story of perseverance, passion, and progress in the world of padel.Tune in as Benji, Cesc, and Julian discuss the challenges of building a sports brand, the importance of listening to athletes’ needs, and how WOQR is carving out its place in the global padel industry.

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian sit down with Luis Fernando Ramirez, Director of the National Padel League (NPL), to discuss a landmark moment for amateur padel in the United States: the launch of the USA National Team League. Endorsed by the U.S. Padel Association (USPA), this is the first structured amateur padel team league with nationwide reach, set to kick off in Fall 2025.Luis shares how the league will bring competition to 40 cities across six regions, giving amateur players the chance to represent their city in a professional-style, team-based format. From city-level play to the Regional Championships and culminating in the National Finals in Miami (Feb 2026), the league creates a clear pathway for players of all skill levels to compete, connect, and grow within the sport.Cesc and Julian dive into the details of eligibility, team structure, competition format, and the exciting prizes awaiting the first-ever National Champions. Most importantly, they explore how this initiative will strengthen community bonds, elevate amateur padel, and expand the sport’s footprint across the U.S.Whether you’re a beginner looking to join a local team, or a seasoned player eager to compete nationally, this episode offers a front-row seat to the future of American padel.🔗 Registration is now open until October 6 at nationalpadelleague.us

In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian sit down with Daniel from Wallich Padel, a brand born on the stark Swedish west coast. The story begins with William Wallich, whose expertise in carbon fibre started in the world of high-performance engineering—crafting components for Koenigsegg supercars and M32 racing catamarans. Through countless hours of innovation, William became a true carbon fibre virtuoso, discovering how this material’s limitless potential could be applied to padel.Daniel shares what sets Wallich Padel apart—from their roots in precision engineering to the craftsmanship that makes each racket unique. Listeners will learn how Wallich combines Swedish design, cutting-edge materials, and a relentless pursuit of excellence to create rackets that deliver not only performance but also a piece of engineering artistry on the court.If you’ve ever wondered what makes one padel racket different from another, or how a background in supercars can shape the future of sports equipment, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Alessandro Spedaliere, CEO & Co-Founder of Dragonet Sport Technology, to talk about one of the most exciting innovations in Padel and tennis training — the Dragonet machine.Dragonet is designed to revolutionize how players train. With its built-in bouncing plate and patented non-stop shooting system, it allows players to practice with just a handful of balls and a small space (as little as 3x5 meters). Players can fully customize their training by adjusting direction, distance, spin, and shooting rate to simulate real match conditions.Whether you want to perfect your forehand, backhand, volleys, or smash, Dragonet offers the chance to train anywhere, anytime, making it a game-changer for both amateur enthusiasts and professionals looking to sharpen their skills.Tune in as Alessandro shares the story behind Dragonet, how it’s helping players around the world, and why this compact machine could become an essential tool for the future of padel and tennis.

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Alejandro de la Cuadra Lozano, Growth Manager at Okatent, a company specializing in modular coverings for sports facilities, industrial warehouses, and aviation hangars.The conversation dives into why covering your padel courts can be a game-changer for clubs and players alike. Alejandro explains how Okatent’s custom solutions not only protect courts and players from harsh weather but also enhance the overall playing experience and extend the life of your investment.Key Takeaways:Play year-round, even on rainy or windy daysAvoid sun glare and improve player comfortExtend the lifetime of your courtsShield players from extreme cold or heatBenefit from acoustic insulation for a better atmosphereElevate the professional image of your clubWhether you’re a club owner looking to attract more players or a padel enthusiast curious about facility innovations, this episode offers insights into how modular coverings can transform the sport’s accessibility and sustainability.Presented by the USA Team League from the National Padel League and endorsed by the USPA

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Bram Moerman, CEO and co-founder of Padel Kiosk, a company revolutionizing padel club operations with smart vending machines. Padel Kiosk provides clubs with 24/7 automated kiosks that rent rackets and sell essential items like balls, grips, snacks, and drinks—offering players unmatched convenience while reducing staff overhead for clubs.From contactless payments to easy-to-use systems, Padel Kiosk is making it simpler than ever for players to access what they need, whenever they need it.If you’re a club owner looking for ways to enhance your players’ experience—or a padel enthusiast curious about the business side of the sport—this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Presented by the USA Team League from the National Padel League and endorsed by the USPA

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Hashem, better known as The Padel Guy, who joins us all the way from Dubai. Hashem shares the story of CYPEX GROUP, one of the leading sports equipment suppliers and contracting companies in the UAE and KSA. With over 1,000 padel courts installed, CYPEX has built a strong reputation across the GCC for delivering premium sports equipment, playground construction, and turnkey installations.We talk about the company’s vision to expand into the U.S. market, how they’re shaping the future of padel globally, and the exciting possibilities they’re bringing with court sales, rentals, and even pop-up padel courts. Hashem also discusses the growth of padel, his vision for CYPEX, and what it takes to build world-class courts that last.Tune in to hear firsthand insights into the business side of padel, the costs of building courts, and how CYPEX continues to set new standards in the industry with transparency, quality, and innovation.Presented by the USA Team League from the National Padel League and endorsed by the USPA

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Peter Consuegra, a professional player on the Premier Padel Tour and seasoned coach based near Madrid. Peter has dedicated more than 14 years to padel—reaching 13th in Spain’s U18 category, competing in national championships, and making his mark internationally with appearances in Sweden, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, and the Netherlands.Beyond his career as a player, Peter has spent 9 years coaching and sharing his knowledge of the game, as well as offering insights as a padel commentator. Together, the guys dive into his journey from junior competitions to the professional circuit, his experience with the Pro Padel League, and the crucial role social media now plays for athletes. They also tackle the big question: can padel players truly earn a living through the sport?Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends passion, career lessons, and the evolving landscape of professional padel.Presented by the USA Team League from the National Padel League and endorsed by the USPA

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Sarah Horrocks, Founder and CEO of PALAIR, the bold new name in precision apparel that blends international lifestyle and high-performance design. With padel at its core, PALAIR is redefining what it means to create apparel that’s both trend-savvy and technically complex across women’s, men’s, and accessories lines.Sarah shares her journey into padel, how a viral moment helped accelerate her brand’s visibility, and the strategy she’s using to position PALAIR as a leader in performance fashion. This conversation dives deep into entrepreneurship, the fusion of sport and style, and what it takes to build a movement in the ever-evolving padel industry.Presented by the USA Team League from the National Padel League and endorsed by the USPA

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, presented by the USA Team League from the National Padel League and endorsed by the USPA, Cesc and Julian sit down with Jose Manuel Delgado, founder of AFP Courts. Jose has played a key role in bringing padel into the spotlight, partnering with Whitney Kraft of All Racquet Sports to launch an adidas-branded showcase for padel in the U.S.Together, they explore Jose’s journey in padel, how his collaboration with adidas is helping grow the sport, and what the future holds for padel facilities and brand partnerships in America.👉 Tune in to hear insider insights on court innovation, global brand collaborations, and the momentum driving padel’s expansion.

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Reid Alper, General Manager of Reserve Padel Hudson Yards, to dive into the story behind Manhattan’s first padel club. Reid shares how he discovered padel, what makes the Hudson Yards location unique, and how Reserve is building a community where sport becomes a lifestyle.With its three outdoor glass-enclosed courts, stunning views, lounge, locker rooms, and pro shop, Reserve NYC is redefining the urban sports club experience. Plus, hear about their bold vision for expanding padel across the U.S. through activations, pop-ups, and high-level tournaments.Whether you’re a player, a fan, or just padel-curious—this is one episode you don’t want to miss.Next week on Padel Smash Academy—we’re debuting the Northeast Edition of our Padel Club Reviews! 🎾 From Boston to NYC to Philly, Cesc & Julian are spotlighting the clubs you need to see.Proudly sponsored by Fromuth Racquet Distribution—your go-to for elite Padel gear.These live-streamed walkthroughs feature full club tours, plus Cesc and Julian testing the courts with a quick match.Streaming only on YouTube—make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss when we go live!

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Chase Woodsum, Founder of the first dedicated padel facility in the Boston area. A lifelong athlete and adventurer, Chase shares his journey from collegiate golfer to outdoor enthusiast—and now, padel club pioneer. After falling in love with the sport just two years ago, he made the bold leap to bring padel to his hometown of Boston.They dive into the story behind his club, the challenges of launching in a new market, and his mission to create a vibrant, inclusive community for all skill levels. Chase also opens up about pricing, amenities, coaching plans, and the unique events already making waves in the Boston Padel scene.Whether you're a local player or just love hearing how padel is expanding across the U.S., this one’s worth a listen.Building padel from passion—Boston style.Next week on Padel Smash Academy—we’re debuting the Northeast Edition of our Padel Club Reviews! 🎾 From Boston to NYC to Philly, Cesc & Julian are spotlighting the clubs you need to see.Proudly sponsored by Fromuth Racquet Distribution—your go-to for elite Padel gear.These live-streamed walkthroughs feature full club tours, plus Cesc and Julian testing the courts with a quick match.Streaming only on YouTube—make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss when we go live!

In this new episode of the Padel Smash Academy podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with Santiago Gomez, Founder and CEO of Padel Haus, for an exclusive on-site interview at the stunning new Padel Haus Dumbo location in New York City. A visionary entrepreneur with roots in both hospitality and sport, Santiago shares how summers playing padel in Acapulco and a pandemic rediscovery of the game led to his bold mission: to redefine the U.S. padel experience.From co-founding the globally acclaimed restaurant Cosme to launching a premium padel lifestyle brand, Santiago blends cultural sophistication, design, and elite-level athletics in every Padel Haus location. Now expanding to six clubs, including the luxe Brooklyn waterfront site with its indoor courts, social lounges, and spa-quality amenities, Padel Haus is building more than just places to play—it's building the future of padel in America.Tune in as Cesc and Julian explore the journey, the vision, and what’s next for one of the sport’s most ambitious U.S. entrepreneurs.Next week on Padel Smash Academy—we’re debuting the Northeast Edition of our Padel Club Reviews! 🎾 From Boston to NYC to Philly, Cesc & Julian are spotlighting the clubs you need to see.Proudly sponsored by Fromuth Racquet Distribution—your go-to for elite Padel gear.These live-streamed walkthroughs feature full club tours, plus Cesc and Julian testing the courts with a quick match.Streaming only on YouTube—make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss when we go live!

In this special episode of the Padel Smash Academy podcast, recorded during our Northeast road trip, Cesc and Julian sit down with Mehdi Rhazali, CEO and Co-Founder of VIVA Padel & Pickleball Club in Philadelphia—the city’s first exclusive outdoor padel club. Nestled in downtown Philly, VIVA is more than a sports facility—it’s a lifestyle destination blending padel, pickleball, wellness, and community in a high-energy, state-of-the-art space.Mehdi shares the story behind building VIVA, the dedicated team that made it happen, and their impressive early success—already in the black and expanding fast. He also teases a new indoor Padel Club just 30 minutes away. The conversation dives into what it takes to grow a Padel club in the U.S., from community engagement to strategic planning.This episode is a teaser for our full walkthrough and video review of VIVA, dropping next week during Padel Smash Academy’s Week of Padel Club Reviews—proudly sponsored by Fromuth Racquet Distribution.

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with David Gutstadt, CEO and Founder of Ballers—a bold new concept bringing country club sports to the heart of the city. The flagship location inside Philadelphia’s iconic Battery building will feature pickleball, padel, golf, squash, and soccer, all under one roof—plus a premium bar & restaurant, spa-like amenities, and curated event spaces. David shares his vision, how he raised funds from some of the “big ballers” backing this project, and what makes the Ballers business model so unique. The trio also talks expansion, revealing when and where future Ballers clubs are opening. This episode sets the stage for our upcoming YouTube video on-site walkthrough and match featuring Cesc, Julian, David, and the Ballers Head Padel Coach.Perfect for listeners curious about the future of urban racquet sports, next-gen club concepts, and what it takes to build a premium sports destination from the ground up.

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with Gabriel Perez Krieb — co-owner and chairman of the San Diego Stingrays, head of Taktika Padel, and Vice President of the US Padel Association (USPA). As a founding figure in the Pro Padel League (PPL), Gabriel shares his insight into the explosive growth of Padel in the U.S., the vision behind the San Diego Stingrays, and why developing homegrown American talent is crucial for the sport’s long-term success. From league expansion to national representation, this is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of Padel in the USA.

In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, Cesc and Julian sit down with Sergio Ortiz, owner of the Houston Volts and one of the true pioneers of Padel in the United States.Sergio shares his incredible journey through the sport — from his roots as a passionate player to becoming President of the USPA, and now leading one of the Pro Padel League's standout teams. They discuss the explosive growth of the PPL, what it takes to build the largest Padel facility in the USA right in the heart of Texas, and his vision for the future of the sport in North America.This episode is packed with insight, passion, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to build Padel from the ground up in the U.S.

In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Oswaldo Torre, owner of the Cancun Waves, to dive into the evolution of the Pro Padel League. From its early beginnings to the recent overhaul and new ownership, Oswaldo shares his perspective on how the league has transformed in just two seasons.They also explore:Why Cancun became a key team in a U.S.-based leagueThe rising momentum of Padel across North AmericaWhat goes into selecting the right playersAnd what the future of the sport looks like through the eyes of a new team ownerWhether you're a fan of the PPL or a Padel business insider, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.