The 2026 Pro Padel League opens in New York from July 9 to 12 at Hammerstein Ballroom. The event launches a five-stop North American season built around ten franchises, a mixed team format and stronger national exposure through CNBC finals broadcasts.
The PPL is entering a more visible phase for mainstream sports fans. Founded in 2023, the professional team league brings together franchises from the United States, Canada and Mexico, with both men’s and women’s rosters. The aim is to package padel in a clear, recognisable format for existing fans and new viewers.
New York as the launch stage
Hammerstein Ballroom is a deliberate choice. The venue places padel in the heart of Manhattan and gives the opener an entertainment feel. The regular season then moves to Los Angeles, Playa del Carmen and Guadalajara before the City’s Cup in Miami from December 3 to 6.
The official league calendar lists New York from July 9 to 12. Ten teams are featured, including the New York Atlantics, Florida Goats, Houston Volts, Los Angeles Beat, Miami Padel Club and Toronto Polar Bears.
A format built for television
The broadcast deal is the other key point. The PPL has announced that USA Sports will air five championship matches on CNBC in 2026, including the New York final on July 12. For a sport still building its North American audience, that is a meaningful step.
The mixed team format, with women’s and men’s matches connected to the same franchise identity, is designed to make the league easier to follow. PPL II also adds a development pathway for North American players below the elite tier.
Why this opener matters
A league’s success depends on more than match quality. Ticket sales, audiences, format clarity and repeat fan habits all matter. New York is therefore a large-scale test of whether the PPL can turn padel’s growth into a professional product.
For padel in the United States, the timing is useful. Clubs are expanding, investors are watching and players need structured competition. The PPL wants to occupy that space with a visible, exportable professional championship.
