The padel continues to gain momentum in the United States, and this time, the signal is particularly strong. The Pro Padel League (PPL) has officially announced a $15 million fundraising, led by Rick Schnall, co-owner and governor of the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA.
An investment that confirms a trend: padel is no longer seen simply as a growing sport beyond the Atlantic, but as a real structurable sports product, with real economic potential.
A new milestone for the Pro Padel League
This new fundraising did not come out of nowhere. The PPL had already raised $10 million in 2025, and this new operation marks its second major injection of capital in less than a year.
Concretely, the money is intended to strengthen several development areas: – Franchises infrastructure – Player development – Organization of premium events in North America
The league has also specified that this funding is meant to support the next phase of growth of its project.
A very American model
What makes the Pro Padel League interesting is also how it is being built. The chosen model is clearly inspired by the major American sports leagues: franchises, private investments, stable calendar, product development, and now even a second division.
In parallel, the PPL has also launched PPL II, a kind of development league designed to bring out local talent and structure a real path towards high-level competition in North America.
A well-established 2026 season
For 2026, the Pro Padel League has planned a five-stage calendar in North America, with stops in: – New York – Los Angeles – Playa del Carmen – Guadalajara – Miami, which will host the finals
When the NBA enters the conversation, the message changes
The name Rick Schnall is obviously not insignificant in this story.
That a leader so established in the American sports business ecosystem decides to lead an operation of this magnitude inevitably gives weight to the project. It is not just a matter of money: it is also a question of credibility, network, and long-term vision.
And he is not alone. Other personalities from the sports and entertainment world have already invested in the PPL universe, such as Frances Tiafoe, Maarten Paes, Daddy Yankee, and Nacho Figueras according to several specialized media.
A real turning point rather than just a communication coup
At its core, this fundraising does not only tell a good financial story for the Pro Padel League.
It mainly tells something bigger: the fact that padel is starting to be taken seriously as a sports product in the United States.
And when profiles from the NBA world also start to bet so openly on it, the message becomes quite clear: padel, there, is no longer seen as a trial. It is beginning to be seen as a real opportunity.
