Padel& is set to open its first Long Island location in Syosset on November 15, introducing the fast-growing sport of padel to a new audience with a state-of-the-art facility.
A New Arrival in Syosset
Padel&, a Swedish-founded padel club chain, will launch a 15,000-square-foot venue on the second floor of the Long Island Sports Hub at 165 Eileen Way. The club will feature four enclosed padel courts, a sauna, cold plunge, lounge, pro shop, and locker rooms. This marks the brand’s second U.S. location after opening in Greenpoint, Brooklyn earlier this year.
The Vision Behind Padel&
Founded by Swedish brothers Markus and Rikard Hellqvist, Padel& emerged from their original venture, Padel United, which merged with PDL Group in 2022. The merger created the world’s largest padel facility operator, with 118 clubs across Europe and more in development.
Their expansion into the U.S. reflects growing interest in padel, a sport that blends elements of tennis and squash and is typically played in doubles on enclosed courts. The Hellqvist brothers aim to build momentum in the New York metropolitan area before expanding further into the Northeast.
Why Syosset?
Club manager Olof Alper explained the strategic choice of Syosset as the next location, citing the area’s strong racquet sports culture. “It felt like a good fit, especially with how much tennis and sports in general were appreciated out there,” Alper said.
Padel& will offer private lessons, clinics, leagues, and tournaments. While memberships will be available, Alper emphasized that the club will remain accessible to non-members. “You won’t have to be a member to play,” he noted.
A Sport on the Rise
Padel originated in Mexico in 1969 and gained popularity in Spain and Argentina during the 1970s. By the 1990s, it had spread across Europe, and today it’s one of the fastest-growing sports globally. In the U.S., padel has remained relatively niche despite the American Padel Association’s founding three decades ago.
Padel& joins other emerging U.S. padel chains like Padel Haus, founded by Santiago Gomez, which operates clubs in Brooklyn, Nashville, Atlanta, and Denver.
What Makes Padel Unique
Unlike tennis, padel allows the ball to bounce off walls after hitting the ground, adding complexity and strategy. “You don’t have to only worry about the balls coming from in front of you, but also in back of you after the ball is hit,” Alper explained.
With its Syosset debut, Padel& hopes to spark a new wave of interest in the sport among Long Islanders and beyond.
