The Padel Weekly recently sat down with Tim Bainton, COO of Epic Padel, to discuss how the organization is leading the charge in growing padel across North America. With years of experience in sports management and a reputation for revitalizing clubs, Bainton and Epic Padel are poised to bring the sport to new heights in the U.S.
The Padel Ecosystem: Investment with a Vision
Epic Padel operates with a three-pronged strategy to establish itself as a cornerstone in the padel industry. Its investment arm focuses on funding initiatives across the padel spectrum, from clubs to manufacturers and professional teams.
“We typically have been giving, investing small ticket size, anywhere from, you know, a hundred thousand to a quarter mil, basically across multiple different, whether it’s clubs or manufacturers,” Bainton explained. This includes notable investments like the New York Atlantics in the Pro Padel League (PPL).
Despite their strong financial backing, permitting remains a common challenge. “I literally have 50 courts in a warehouse here on the East Coast without anywhere to put them—yet,” Bainton shared.
Expanding the Club Landscape
Epic Padel is actively developing standalone clubs across North America. Their pipeline includes:
- Tyson’s Corner, Virginia: A long-awaited outdoor club launching in early 2024.
- Alexandria, Virginia: A massive 62,000-square-foot indoor facility currently under construction.
- White Marsh, Maryland: A proposed 40,000-square-foot club in the works.
- Prosperity Athletic Club, North Carolina: The first Epic Padel facility to open, integrated into an existing tennis club near Charlotte.
Epic Padel’s club model prioritizes accessibility and sustainability. “We’re not aiming for high-end exclusivity. Instead, we’re targeting fast-growing suburbs and untapped regions,” Bainton explained.
The organization also collaborates with universities, municipalities, and local clubs to repurpose underutilized land for padel courts. “We’re able to go into properties that need capital investment and turn unused spaces into vibrant padel hubs,” Bainton added.
Padel in America: Growth Potential and Challenges
Bainton sees padel’s trajectory in the U.S. mirroring that of pickleball but with a more calculated approach. “Padel is in its pregnancy stage in North America,” he said, emphasizing the sport’s potential for exponential growth.
While the ease of court installation fueled pickleball’s rapid expansion, Bainton highlighted that padel’s challenges, such as permitting and infrastructure, might work to its advantage. “The slower rollout means we can establish a better baseline for successfully running clubs,” he noted.
Epic Padel’s focus on long-term sustainability ensures their projects remain viable as the sport grows. “We’re well-funded and only need about 20% capacity to operate profitably in our model,” Bainton said, showcasing their careful planning and adaptability.
Professional Teams and Future Plans
Epic Padel’s involvement with the New York Atlantics is just the beginning of their foray into professional padel. They are actively exploring opportunities for a Pro Padel League franchise in Washington, D.C.
“We’ve made it clear—we’re ready to write a check,” Bainton said, hinting at their commitment to expanding their footprint in the professional padel scene.
Padel’s American Dream
With plans to have 100 courts across North America by the end of 2025, Epic Padel is laying the foundation for padel’s long-term success. Their multifaceted approach—investing in clubs, fostering community engagement, and promoting accessibility—positions them as a driving force in the sport’s U.S. expansion.
“We’re creating a sport that resonates with communities across the country,” Bainton concluded.
As padel continues to gain momentum, Epic Padel is ensuring the sport’s growth is thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable.
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