IAPPF Partners with Mindspring Padel to Enhance Global Padel Development

Enhancing Global Padel Through Strategic Partnership

In the dynamic world of racquet sports, a significant development has emerged that promises to accelerate the growth of padel globally. The International Association of Pickleball and Padel Facilities (IAPPF) has recently welcomed Mindspring Padel as an official sponsor. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment, aligning IAPPF's extensive network of facility stakeholders and industry suppliers with Mindspring's deep expertise in padel infrastructure development and financing.

The partnership aims to bolster the rapid expansion of padel in the United States and around the globe. By incorporating webinars, conference sessions, and advisory programs, IAPPF and Mindspring plan to equip club owners with the necessary tools to finance, launch, and successfully operate padel courts. David Johnson, the CEO of IAPPF, expressed optimism for this joint initiative, stating, "This partnership will accelerate the growth of padel facilities worldwide and promote seamless integration of padel alongside pickleball in multi-racquet venues."

A New Era for Padel

Mindspring Padel, headquartered in Belgium, is well-regarded for its innovative approach to turnkey court development and financing. The company's unique model eliminates upfront financial barriers by covering 100% of construction costs. In exchange, Mindspring collects a share of the usage or membership fees. This strategy empowers multi-sport venues, including tennis and pickleball facilities, to diversify their offerings and meet the increasing demand for padel experiences.

Anton Brams, CEO of Mindspring Padel, reflects the company's ethos: "Our company was founded on the simple belief that tennis and padel are friends. We now see that this extends to pickleball—especially in the U.S. Joining IAPPF ensures we're engaging the right audience to learn, network, and contribute to this movement."

Global Trends in Padel Growth

The burgeoning popularity of padel is evident from the Playtomic Global Padel Report 2025, which indicates an impressive opening of over 3,280 new padel clubs worldwide in 2024 alone, averaging nine new clubs per day. This surge has raised the total number of padel courts to over 50,000, with projections suggesting this figure will exceed 81,000 by 2027. In the United States, 352 new padel courts were added in 2024, with notable growth in states such as Florida, Texas, and California.

IAPPF's findings reveal that approximately 70 venues across the U.S. that traditionally focused on pickleball have begun incorporating padel courts, a significant increase from just 5% the previous year. This trend illustrates the close relationship between various racquet sports and emphasizes IAPPF's commitment to fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking community.

IAPPF's Role in the Padel Community

As the global trade association for pickleball and padel facility operators, suppliers, investors, and professionals, IAPPF has expanded its mission to include padel, thereby becoming a central figure in driving education, collaboration, and innovation across both sports. Members of the association gain access to valuable resources including best practices, supplier connections, and professional development opportunities.

To promote their shared vision, both organizations are set to offer expert insights on the opportunities that lie ahead for padel and its integration with pickleball at upcoming events. A regional meetup in Chicago scheduled for July 18 and the IAPPF International Conference and Expo set for October 2-3 in Austin will serve as platforms for these discussions.

Conclusion

The partnership between IAPPF and Mindspring Padel heralds a new chapter in the evolution of padel as a prominent sport within the racquet community. With their combined strengths, they aim to not only expand padel facilities worldwide but also enhance the overall experience for players and enthusiasts alike. As both organizations continue to innovate and advocate for the sport, the future of padel appears exceptionally promising, creating a thriving community where padel and pickleball can coexist and flourish.