Padel is experiencing one of the fastest global expansions in modern sports. From its strong roots in Europe and Latin America, the sport is now rapidly gaining momentum in new markets, particularly in the United States.
As clubs, investors, and developers explore opportunities in this emerging market, one factor is becoming increasingly clear: building high-quality padel facilities requires far more than simply installing courts. It demands expertise in engineering, regulatory compliance, climate adaptation, and long-term infrastructure planning.
For nearly two decades, AFP Courts has been helping shape the global development of padel infrastructure. With thousands of courts installed worldwide and projects across more than 50 countries, the company has established itself as a reference manufacturer in padel court design, engineering, and manufacturing.
Today, as the sport accelerates in North America, AFP Courts is playing an active role in supporting the technical and structural foundations of the U.S. padel market through strategic partnerships, industry collaboration, and advanced engineering solutions.
Advancing Technical Standards for a Global Sport
The rapid international growth of padel has highlighted the importance of clear technical standards for court construction, installation, and maintenance.
Spain — the world’s most mature padel market — recently reached a milestone with the publication of UNE 147201:2024, the first official technical standard specifically regulating padel courts. The framework defines guidelines for:
- Court design and structural requirements
- Manufacturing processes
- Installation procedures
- Inspection protocols
- Maintenance standards
This milestone represents a major step toward the professionalization and harmonization of padel infrastructure.
AFP Courts has contributed its industrial expertise and engineering experience to initiatives surrounding this standard, reinforcing its role in the technical evolution of the sport. Beyond Spain, this framework is increasingly viewed as a potential reference for future international standards that could help align padel infrastructure worldwide.
Supporting the Development of Padel in the United States
The United States is emerging as one of the most promising markets for padel. However, developing courts in the country requires navigating a complex environment of local building codes, engineering regulations, and environmental conditions that vary significantly across regions.
To support the sustainable growth of the sport in North America, AFP Courts has strengthened its presence in the United States through strategic partnerships with leading organizations in the industry.
In 2025, AFP Courts was officially endorsed by the United States Padel Association (USPA) as a court designer and manufacturer, recognizing the company’s global experience and commitment to high-quality infrastructure standards.
The company is also a member of the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), one of the most respected organizations dedicated to sports facility construction in the United States. Through this collaboration, AFP Courts works alongside architects, engineers, and sports facility developers who are shaping the next generation of racquet sport infrastructure across the country.
These partnerships reinforce AFP Courts’ commitment to helping establish reliable, safe, and high-performance padel courts across the U.S. market.
Engineering Outdoor Courts for the American Market
One of the defining characteristics of the U.S. padel market is the rapid development of outdoor padel clubs.
Unlike many European markets where indoor facilities dominate, new American clubs are increasingly designed as large outdoor complexes. This approach introduces unique engineering challenges related to wind loads, humidity, corrosion exposure, and extreme weather conditions.
To address these factors, AFP Courts has developed court systems engineered specifically for outdoor performance, incorporating:
- Reinforced steel structures designed to withstand high wind exposure
- Anti-corrosion materials suitable for coastal and humid environments
- Structural systems aligned with U.S. engineering standards
- High-performance glass and connection systems for long-term durability
These solutions allow AFP Courts to deliver installations capable of performing across diverse climates — from Florida and Texas to California and the Caribbean — ensuring safety, durability, and consistent playing experience.
Supporting the Professional Growth of Padel in North America
Beyond infrastructure development, AFP Courts is also contributing to the professionalization of the sport in the United States.
The company is the official court supplier of the Pro Padel League (PPL), North America’s first professional padel league, providing the adidas-branded courts used in competition.
This collaboration connects world-class infrastructure with elite competition, helping elevate the visibility and credibility of professional padel throughout the region.
RacquetX 2026: A Global Meeting Point for the Racquet Sports Industry
AFP Courts’ commitment to the growth of padel infrastructure will be showcased at RacquetX 2026, one of the most important racquet sports industry summits in North America.
At the center of the event will be the adidas Center Court – PPL High Competition court engineered by AFP Courts, serving as the main stage for professional exhibitions, industry programming, and major announcements throughout the three-day summit.
Among the highlights:
Industry Roundtable
Building Outdoor Padel Clubs in the U.S.: Investor & Builder Perspectives from the Front Line
This roundtable will bring together investors, developers, and builders to discuss the practical realities of developing outdoor padel clubs in the United States — from engineering and permitting challenges to lessons learned from projects in California, Texas, and Florida.
Professional Exhibition Match
Following the discussion, attendees will experience an exhibition match featuring Leonel “Tolito” Aguirre, one of the most exciting players in professional padel and a standout competitor in the Pro Padel League.
RacquetX will also host the official launch of PPL II, the new developmental circuit designed to create a structured pathway for emerging professional players into the Pro Padel League.
The inaugural season will feature ten teams competing across events in Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and Playa del Carmen, representing another important step in the development of professional padel in North America.
Building the Future of Global Padel Infrastructure
The continued growth of padel worldwide depends not only on enthusiasm for the sport, but also on the development of robust infrastructure capable of supporting clubs, communities, and professional competition.
Through its experience in engineering, participation in technical standards, and partnerships with organizations such as the USPA and ASBA, AFP Courts continues to contribute to the long-term development and professionalization of padel infrastructure worldwide.
As the sport accelerates in the United States, this combination of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and global experience will remain essential to building the next generation of padel facilities.
Ready to Build Your Padel Club or Upgrade Your Courts?
AFP Courts combines nearly 20 years of international experience, advanced engineering solutions, and compliance with global standards to help clubs, investors, and developers create high-performance padel facilities.
Whether you are planning your first outdoor club in the United States or seeking professional-grade courts for competitive play, AFP Courts provides end-to-end support.
Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how our expertise can help you deliver world-class padel infrastructure.