The Pro Padel League has secured $15 million in a fresh funding round as the sport continues to expand across North America.
The latest round comes a year after the league raised $10 million in seed funding in March 2025. The Series A round was led by Rick Schnall, co-chairman and governor of the Charlotte Hornets, with additional backing from Left Lane Capital.
Speaking on the development, Pro Padel League CEO Michael Dorfman said the investment reflects confidence in the league’s long-term growth potential.
Founded in 2023, the league currently features 10 city-based franchises spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It has also launched a developmental circuit, PPL 2, aimed at nurturing emerging talent in North America, while securing sponsorship deals with brands such as Frederique Constant and Franklin Sports.
Franchise valuations have seen a sharp rise alongside the sport’s popularity. According to the league, teams are now valued at over $10 million, a significant jump from the $200,000 entry fee paid by early franchise owners in 2023.
The sport’s growth has been further boosted by high-profile backing from global icons such as Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Derek Jeter.
Industry estimates suggest the global padel market is already worth around $2 billion and growing at a strong pace annually. The sport currently boasts more than 35 million players across 110 countries, according to the International Padel Federation, with Europe and South America leading adoption.
While padel has long been popular overseas, the United States is now catching up. The United States Padel Association projects that the country could have 20,000 courts and 15 million active players by 2030, up from just a few hundred courts today.
