Motorola’s strategic investment in padel and the Reserve Cup Series
The reviewer highlights the significant role Motorola is playing in the growth of padel in the United States. As one of the main sponsors of the Reserve Cup Series 2025, Motorola is leveraging its brand to reach a targeted, high-social-class audience. The company’s president for North America, Rudi Kalil, explains that while Motorola cannot compete with tech giants like Apple and Samsung in traditional advertising, sports partnerships offer a creative and effective alternative. Their history of sponsorships includes NBA teams like the Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, and Milwaukee Bucks, as well as MLB teams such as the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres.
Padel, being the fastest-growing sport globally, presents a unique opportunity for Motorola to innovate and connect with a passionate community. The reviewer notes that the Reserve Cup is seen as the most exclusive event in the U.S. padel calendar, and Motorola’s involvement is a clear signal of its commitment to the sport’s future in America. Discussions are ongoing for further sponsorships, including potential partnerships with the Premier Padel event in Miami, reflecting Motorola’s ambition to remain at the forefront of padel’s expansion.
Building a padel community in Chicago: challenges and progress
Rudi Kalil’s entrepreneurial efforts extend beyond corporate sponsorship, as he is also the owner of Padel Clube Chicago (PCL), the city’s first and only dedicated padel club. Opened in December 2022, PCL has faced the unique challenge of building a community from scratch in a vast metropolitan area. The reviewer notes that while participation is steadily increasing, the growth is slower than hoped, largely due to the club’s solitary presence in the region. Chicago, being the third-largest city in the U.S., could easily support 10 to 15 clubs, but for now, PCL remains the sole hub for padel enthusiasts.
The club attracts a diverse mix of players, with roughly 50% coming from international backgrounds already familiar with padel, and the other half being local newcomers. Players travel significant distances, including weekly visitors from Milwaukee, underlining both the demand and the need for more facilities. The reviewer emphasizes that community building is labor-intensive, especially as the only club, but upcoming projects and new clubs are expected to accelerate growth by 2026.
Youth development and the importance of junior tournaments
A major focus of the discussion is the future of padel in the U.S., which, according to both the reviewer and the guests, hinges on youth development. PCL will host the first-ever FIP Promises tournament in the U.S. from April 18–20, an event dedicated to players under 14, 16, and 18. This milestone is the result of persistent efforts to bring international-caliber youth events to American soil, providing young players with the competitive experience needed to develop their skills.
The reviewer points out that such tournaments are vital for nurturing the next generation of talent. Exposure to high-level play and structured training environments is essential if U.S. juniors are to compete with established padel nations like Spain and Argentina. The FIP Promises event is expected to attract a broad field and raise the standard of youth padel in the country.
Alejo Kalil: balancing multi-sport ambitions and padel success
The channel introduces Alejo Kalil, a promising young padel player and multi-sport athlete. Alejo shares his excitement about competing in international events like the Pan-American Games and the World Championships, where he often faces players his own age—unlike in Chicago, where he regularly competes against adults. He credits these experiences with accelerating his development and is particularly enthusiastic about partnering with Oliver Dick for the upcoming FIP Promises tournament.
Alejo’s approach to training is shaped by his multi-sport background, which includes baseball, basketball, and soccer. He notes that while he loves baseball, padel offers a unique combination of fun, challenge, and accessibility. His technical strengths include a strong volley and a strategic lob, skills he leverages to compensate for his smaller stature. Alejo’s commitment to improvement is evident in his willingness to play both right and left sides, ensuring versatility as he advances.
Wilson Padel sponsorship and equipment choices for youth players
The reviewer highlights Alejo’s partnership with Wilson Padel, both as a personal sponsor and as the official sponsor of Padel Clube Chicago. Alejo currently uses the Wilson Bela Lite racket, a model well-suited for developing players who prioritize control and maneuverability over raw power. The lighter weight allows him to focus on precision and technique, particularly as a right-side player who values consistency in volleys and baseline play.
- Racket: Wilson Bela Lite
- Playing style: Right-side, control-oriented
- Key strengths: Volley, lob, adaptability to both sides
This choice reflects a broader trend in youth padel, where equipment selection is tailored to developmental needs rather than simply emulating adult professionals.
Training, coaching, and the path to international competition
Alejo’s training regime is a blend of informal practice with his father and more structured sessions during international trips. While his father, Rudi, often acts as a hitting partner and agent, Alejo also benefits from coaching by experienced professionals like Tat and Lorena, who lead the U.S. junior team. The reviewer notes that Alejo plans to spend time training in Spain alongside other top juniors, a move that mirrors the path of many elite players seeking exposure to the world’s strongest padel environments.
Looking ahead, Alejo is considering attending IMG Academy for baseball while maintaining his commitment to padel. He recognizes the importance of living like an athlete, prioritizing nutrition, and balancing academic and sporting ambitions. The flexibility to train in both the U.S. and Spain is seen as crucial for reaching the next level.
Structural challenges and solutions for U.S. padel development
The conversation shifts to the broader obstacles facing padel’s growth in the U.S., particularly in youth development. The reviewer summarizes several key challenges:
- Insufficient courts: Limited facilities restrict access and community growth.
- Lack of funding: Clubs struggle to allocate resources for youth programs due to profitability pressures.
- Competition from other sports: Tennis, baseball, and basketball offer scholarships and established pathways, making padel less attractive for some families.
- Prize money allocation: Current tournament structures often attract international players without reinvesting in local development.
Proposed solutions include dedicating a percentage of tournament prize money to a youth development fund, which could subsidize coaching, court time, and travel for juniors. The reviewer notes that such initiatives would help level the playing field and ensure that local talent receives the support needed to compete internationally.
Outlook for padel in the USA: collaboration and sustainable growth
The reviewer concludes that the future of padel in the U.S. depends on coordinated efforts among club owners, sponsors, coaches, and players. Motorola’s investment, the establishment of youth tournaments, and the rise of young talents like Alejo Kalil are promising signs. However, sustained growth will require more clubs, better funding mechanisms, and a focus on developing homegrown players rather than relying solely on imported talent. The channel’s discussion underscores the passion and strategic thinking driving padel’s evolution in America, offering a blueprint for other regions aiming to replicate this success.
