Pickleball Is the Past. The Tech Elite Is Obsessed With Padel

2026-07-04 · Source: The Information · Field: Business & Management — Corporate Strategy & Leadership, Human Resources & Workforce Development · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Matias Gandulfo and Lucas Tepman established Bay Padel, the first dedicated padel club in San Francisco, in 2023, despite initial skepticism from landlords about the sport's potential in America. Padel, a racket sport blending tennis and squash, originated in Mexico and is highly popular in Argentina. Their venture, initially in a former airplane hangar on Treasure Island, proved successful. Bay Padel now operates clubs in San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood and Sunnyvale, which have become significant networking and socializing hubs for founders, VCs, and tech executives. Major tech companies, including OpenAI, Meta Platforms, Google, and Amazon, frequently rent courts for employee events, with Bay Padel hosting approximately 30 events monthly. The club has even experienced the impact of the AI talent wars, losing two club managers to AI companies who hired them as chiefs of staff.

Key takeaway

For entrepreneurs or investors evaluating new market opportunities, the rapid success of Bay Padel demonstrates the potential in catering to specific, affluent communities with novel social experiences. You should consider how emerging cultural trends, even seemingly niche sports like padel, can create significant networking hubs and attract corporate engagement. This highlights the value of identifying and investing in ventures that foster community and offer unique social value.

Key insights

Padel has rapidly become a significant networking and social hub for the tech elite in the Bay Area.

In practice

• Identify niche market opportunities.
• Build community around shared interests.
• Capitalize on emerging social trends.

Topics

• Padel
• Sports Business
• Bay Area Tech
• Niche Markets
• Community Building
• Entrepreneurship

Best for: Executive, Entrepreneur, Investor

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Information.