The pro padel league finals bring world-class action to New York
The reviewer takes viewers straight into the heart of New York City for the finals of the Pro Padel League (PPL), North America’s premier professional padel competition. The event, held in Brooklyn, draws a crowd of over 1,500 spectators, many of whom are experiencing top-level padel for the first time. Among the audience are celebrities and VIPs, highlighting the sport’s growing appeal in the US.
The league features 10 franchises representing different cities, with teams like Miami, Orlando, Toronto, and Cancun joining the competition. The reviewer singles out the New York Atlantics as a favorite, largely due to their standout branding and official jersey. The finals pit Miami against Orlando, but the local support for New York is palpable.
With a $1 million total prize pool for the 2024 season and $100,000 awarded to the finals winner, the PPL is making serious strides toward establishing padel as a major sport in North America. The league’s ambition is clear: to become as prominent as the NBA, NFL, or NHL in the years to come.
Top international stars and mixed-format matches elevate the competition
The finals showcase some of the world’s best padel players, including Agustín Tapia and Ari Sánchez, both ranked number one globally. The league’s format is designed to maximize excitement, with each franchise allowed up to 12 players and the grand final decided by a best-of-three structure: women’s, men’s, and a mixed doubles match. This approach not only ensures gender balance but also delivers dramatic, unpredictable finishes.
During the finals, viewers witness Tapia and Sánchez facing off against Franco Stas and Aran, underscoring the league’s commitment to attracting elite talent and delivering high-quality matches. The reviewer notes the electric atmosphere and the sense that padel is on the verge of a breakthrough in the US sports landscape.
Padel Haus: Brooklyn’s largest and most accessible club
Shifting focus from the professional scene, the reviewer visits Padel Haus in Brooklyn, described as one of New York City’s best padel clubs. The club features four panoramic courts and is designed to welcome both beginners and experienced players. The reviewer highlights the club’s helpful resources, such as on-court tips for newcomers who may not yet know the rules or positioning.
Padel Haus caters to a diverse crowd, with many players coming from tennis, pickleball, or other racket sports backgrounds. The reviewer interviews a Greek player who explains that while padel is still new to New York, interest is growing rapidly. Courts are often fully booked, a sign of the sport’s rising popularity.
For those curious about costs, the reviewer breaks down the pricing:
- Court rental: Typically by the hour, with most groups booking two-hour sessions
- Racket rental: $10 per hour
- Total for two hours (including racket): Approximately $140 during peak times
Regular players can expect to spend $700–$800 per month on padel, a significant investment compared to European markets, but reflective of New York’s premium real estate and club amenities.
Reserve New York: luxury padel in Manhattan’s exclusive setting
The reviewer then tours Reserve New York, the only club in Manhattan with three outdoor courts—soon to be covered for year-round play. Reserve stands out not only for its prime location but also for its upscale offerings, including a boutique store with exclusive merchandise and branded rackets. The reviewer notes the distinctive design of Reserve’s own rackets, which feature a unique “R” texture for added grip and a color scheme that impresses.
Membership at Reserve New York is tailored to the city’s elite:
- Under 35 years old: $500 per month (with $250 credited toward court time)
- 35 and older: $55,000 initial fee plus $1,000 per month (includes roughly 20 hours of court time monthly)
These rates reflect Manhattan’s status as one of the world’s most expensive areas for both living and leisure. Reserve’s ambition extends beyond New York, with sister clubs in Miami and plans for further expansion.
Padel’s rapid growth and future in New York and beyond
The reviewer’s journey through New York’s padel scene reveals a sport on the cusp of mainstream popularity. From the high-stakes drama of the Pro Padel League finals to the bustling courts of Padel Haus and the luxury experience at Reserve New York, padel is attracting a diverse and enthusiastic following.
Key takeaways from the channel’s exploration include:
- Padel is still new in New York, but demand is surging and courts are often fully booked.
- Costs are high compared to Europe, but the quality of facilities and the exclusivity of clubs like Reserve justify the investment for many players.
- Top international players and mixed-format matches are helping to raise the sport’s profile and attract new fans.
- Padel’s future in the US looks bright, with the PPL aiming to become a major professional league on par with the country’s biggest sports organizations.
With continued investment, star power, and a growing community, New York is positioning itself as a key hub for padel in North America.
