August 20, 2026

Racket Sports Briefing – No. 31

Here’s a quick scan of the moves, signals, and trends shaping the racket sports ecosystem right now.

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WORTH A READ

A Theme Park Company Just Bought Into Padel

Compagnie des Alpes is paying €20M for 33.9% of PadelCity, with an option to take it over outright by 2030… read more.

Padel's Sponsorship Money Is Starting To Show Up

Luxury and wellness brands are lining up for logo space, following pickleball's exact playbook to mainstream money… read more.

Players Are Still Waiting On Their US Open Paycheck

Jessica Pegula says no big decisions yet, but the prize-money delay has boycott chatter building before the draw… read more.

One Van Is Rewriting Pickleball's Marketing Playbook

PB5star skipped the ad budget and drove straight to the courts, proving grassroots still beats another sponsored post… read more.

Jamie Foxx Just Gave Padel Its Hollywood Moment

The Oscar winner kicked off Pro Padel League's LA debut with a ceremonial coin toss, with Diego Boneta courtside and PPL CEO Michael Dorfman on hand… read more.

Hotels Are Betting On The "Racquetcation"

US resorts are swapping spa days for padel, pickleball and tennis clinics as active vacations go mainstream… read more.

Padel's Hexagon Cup Just Locked In Its Madrid Opener

The FIP-backed Hexagon World Series will open its 2027 season at Madrid's Caja Mágica for the inaugural Generali Hexagon Cup Madrid… read more.

Pickleball Is Taking Over Times Square For 5 Days

Free courts, pro exhibitions and live music land in the middle of Manhattan later this month… read more.

Gen Z is Changing Pickleball

Nearly 2 million teens now play, colleges are pouring millions into courts, and 12-year-olds already have paddle sponsors and agents… read more.