Padel is San Francisco's buzziest new court sport
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Pro tennis player Sebastian Bredberg, left, and former pro tennis player Tommy Haas compete in a padel tournament. Photo: Courtesy of Park Padel
Step aside, pickleball. San Francisco's newest lifestyle flex has arrived.
Why it matters: Padel — a tennis-meets-squash spinoff — is surging in popularity across San Francisco, especially among the tech elite, as their new go-to game.
Catch up quick: Padel started in Mexico about 50 years ago and is typically played in doubles. The major difference is that the courts — smaller than tennis — are surrounded by glass or mesh walls that players use to bounce balls off of.
State of play: The racquet sport has quickly become the fastest-growing in the world with pro leagues abroad, though it's only just taking off in the U.S.
- But it didn't have a notable local footprint until Bay Padel and Park Padel opened facilities in 2023.
The intrigue: The fast-paced vibe and group format are turning it into the newest high-energy court sport of choice for beginners and seasoned athletes alike, Jessica Talbert, co-founder and CEO of Park Padel, told Axios.
What they're saying: "The barrier to entry is fairly low in terms of skill, but the ceiling is so high that every time you play, you feel like you're getting better," Talbert said.
Zoom in: Bay Padel, which offers six paddle and four pickleball courts, has indoor facilities in the Dogpatch and on Treasure Island, with plans to expand later this year.
- Park Padel's San Francisco location has three outdoor courts near the Embarcadero and six courts in South San Francisco.
- Both offer drop-in options for non-members and two types of memberships.
By the numbers: Popularity at Park Padel is booming, with courts fully booked and at capacity during peak hours four to five days a week. Membership has also tripled over the past year, Talbert said.
What's next: Park Padel is hosting a padel showdown that starts Friday to celebrate its two-year anniversary. The members-only event is inspired by the tennis-based Laver Cup, where "Team Europe" will face off against "Team World" in a three-day competition.