The International Association of Pickleball Facilities (IAPF) has announced a significant expansion into padel, one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. As part of this strategic move, the organization is rebranding as the International Association of Pickleball and Padel Facilities (IAPPF) and has named Conquer Padel as its Founding Partner and Sponsor.
Conquer Padel, a leading U.S. padel club franchise, will collaborate with IAPPF to create a unified industry platform that fosters growth, innovation, and cooperation across both racquet sports. The partnership aims to advance facility development, build supplier networks, educate investors, connect global stakeholders, host events, and promote best practices.
David Johnson, Founder and CEO of IAPPF, emphasized the importance of integrating both sports under one organization, noting that many existing members already operate both pickleball and padel courts. He highlighted the shared infrastructure challenges and opportunities between the two sports, making this partnership a logical step forward.
Conquer Padel, founded by entrepreneurs Enrique Gracia, Barry Falcon, and Tom Konkowski, is actively expanding padel’s presence across North America through franchising and turnkey development solutions. The collaboration with IAPPF will provide expertise, resources, and global connections to support the growth of the padel ecosystem.
With pickleball continuing to surge in popularity and padel gaining traction in the U.S., this expansion marks a pivotal moment for both sports, ensuring a strong foundation for their future development.
