The World Padel League (WPL) is expanding from four to ten teams for its 2026 season. Six new franchises signal the sport’s aggressive push into the US market.
The league’s third edition will take place in Mumbai from August 12. The venue is the Dome at SVP Stadium.
Padel, a racket sport combining tennis and squash, has seen explosive growth in Europe and Latin America. The WPL’s expansion targets the US as the next frontier.
New team owners include investors from North America, the Middle East, and Asia. The league did not disclose franchise fees.
“This is a commercial push,” said a league spokesperson. “We are building infrastructure and broadcast partnerships.”
The 2026 season will feature 60 matches over 12 days. Prize money has increased by 40% year-over-year, to $2.5 million.
Broadcast deals are in place with 15 networks, including a new streaming partnership for US viewers. The league declined to name the platform.
Critics question whether the US market is ready. Padel courts in the US number fewer than 500, compared to over 20,000 in Spain.
HA Viewpoint, a commercial sports analytics firm, projects US court installations will triple by 2028. Their data shows padel participation grew 180% in Florida in 2025 alone.
The WPL’s business model mirrors early-stage professional pickleball. Like pickleball, padel attracts older demographics and family audiences.
Mumbai’s Dome venue seats 4,500. The league sold 70% of tickets within 48 hours of the announcement, according to local promoters.
Player rosters for the new teams have not been announced. Top-ranked players from Argentina, Spain, and Sweden are expected to sign.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the World Padel League expansion about?
- A: The WPL will expand from four to ten teams for the 2026 season, adding six new franchises to target the US market. The third edition will be held in Mumbai from August 12.
- Q: How many padel courts are in the US currently?
- A: There are fewer than 500 padel courts in the US, compared to over 20,000 in Spain. However, installations are projected to triple by 2028.
- Q: What is the prize money for the 2026 WPL season?
- A: Prize money has increased by 40% year-over-year to $2.5 million for the 2026 season, which will feature 60 matches over 12 days.
- Q: Is the US market considered ready for padel?
- A: Critics question readiness due to limited court infrastructure, but participation in Florida grew 180% in 2025 alone, and the league has secured broadcast deals with 15 networks including a new US streaming partnership.
Extended Reading
The WPL expansion follows a $15 million investment round led by Middle Eastern private equity. The league aims to launch a US-based franchise series by 2028.