Epic Padel has secured $10 million in fresh funding to accelerate its global expansion and bring Padel into new markets. The raise will support the launch of the Campus Padel League (CPL), designed to integrate the sport into university and school ecosystems, and Zero 40, a new member app powered by Clutch AI and Red Padel. The app will feature smart booking, performance analytics, ratings, and community engagement tools to strengthen the sport’s growing digital footprint.
The company is also preparing to launch a merchandize line in collaboration with athlete-investors, to be distributed through both retail and e-commerce channels.
Led operationally by Tim Bainton, a veteran in the racquet sports industry, Epic Padel is positioning itself as more than just a club operator. “Padel is more than a sport, it’s a lifestyle,” Bainton said. “We’re building clubs that welcome everyone, not just the elite. And through tech, partnerships, and real community engagement, we’re making it possible.”
Closing the Global Court Gap
The sport of padel has surged in popularity worldwide, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. Deloitte estimates the U.S. faces a shortfall of 30,000 courts by 2030 as demand continues to outpace supply. Epic Padel aims to play a central role in bridging this gap, while also investing in community-driven models that encourage mass adoption.
Why It Matters for MENA
The Middle East has emerged as one of the fastest-growing padel markets. In Saudi Arabia alone, the Padel Federation reported over 500 courts built since 2021, driven by Vision 2030’s emphasis on sports diversification. Meanwhile, the UAE has hosted international tournaments and backed investments in Padel infrastructure as part of its broader sports tourism strategy.
Epic Padel’s global ambitions could dovetail with these regional efforts, offering potential collaborations with Gulf partners and tapping into the region’s appetite for community-oriented sports. For MENA startups and investors, it underscores how lifestyle-driven sports are becoming part of the broader entertainment and wellness economy.
