North America’s first premier Professional Padel League (PLL) announced that EEP Capital agreed to buy the league’s initial franchise, which will be located in Los Angeles.
EEP Capital was established to provide capital, knowledge, and the tools to help U.S.-based Padel entrepreneurs succeed.
It was a spin-off of EE Padel, a global manufacturer and supplier of Padel courts.
EEP Capital investors include Swedish, US, and Spanish sports entrepreneurs, including active NHL players Jacob Markström and Elias Lindholm, as well as professional Padel players on World Padel Tour.
“The announcement of our first team owner, EEP Capital, is a historic milestone for the league. The PPL is proud to be associated with an investment group like EEP Capital that symbolizes the integrity, professionalism, and commitment to Padel that our league will be seeking in all of its owners,” commented Marcos del Pilar, Commissioner of the PPL. “The PPL is delighted that Los Angeles will be the first home of high-octane team competition for the most entertaining sport in the world.”
“Padel is rapidly growing on the West Coast and across North America as people around the world embrace one of the world’s fastest-growing sports,” stated Alan Flatt, President, of EEP Capital. “We are excited to be a part of facilitating this growth and bringing a high level of play to fans locally with the purchase of the Los Angeles franchise.”
The PPL will soon announce other cities that have been granted franchises. These teams will spark a Padel revolution in America and place the PPL at forefront of the Padel explosion in North America.
The inaugural season of the PPL will begin in Spring 2023. Dates will be announced in January. It will conclude with the PPL CUP Championship. Each team will have two male and two women players. They will also follow international scoring rules.
The PPL’s mission will be to establish a premier league for Padel that provides a stage for the sport and generates excitement throughout the country. The PPL is a unique platform for players and fans that will showcase Padel and increase participation.
Padel currently has more than 25 million players around the world and is growing in popularity in America. The number of Padel courts will double by 2022. Padel’s rapid growth will be possible for players, coaches, and team owners as well as facility owners and broadcasters.
Two trends we’ve seen a lot of recently:
Individual sports going after a team ownership model and the rise of alternative sports.