Pro Padel League (PPL), a NYC-based professional padel league with 10 teams across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has raised $15 million in a Series A funding round led by Charlotte Hornets Co-Chairman & Governor Rick Schnall.
This funding round follows the company’s $10 million seed round in March 2025.
The round also saw participation from Left Lane Capital, a venture capital and growth equity firm that has made several investments in emerging sports leagues, among others.
The round also saw investors in PPL teams, including professional tennis player Francis Tiafoe and Ajax professional soccer goalkeeper Maarten Paes (New York Atlantics), international polo star Nacho Figueras (Florida Goats), and Toronto Blue Jays and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Chair Edward Rogers (Toronto Polar Bears).
The company plans to use the funds to grow the league, improve team infrastructure, develop players at all levels, and host PPL events across North America.
The funding comes as the PPL continues its strong growth, following major partnerships with watchmaker Frederique Constant and sports brand Franklin Sports.
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To boost player growth in North America, the PPL recently launched “PPL II”, a development league to identify and support the next generation of players. Starting in March, it offers over $350,000 in guaranteed prize money and compensation.
The 2026 PPL season will have five events across North America, beginning July 9-12 in New York City, followed by Los Angeles (Aug. 13-16), Playa del Carmen (Sept. 24-27), and Guadalajara (Nov. 19-22). The season will conclude with the “City’s Cup” championship in Miami, Dec. 3-6, the padel capital of the U.S.
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, with about 35 million players in over 110 countries. In the U.S., the sport is projected to reach 15 million players and 20,000 courts by 2030.
“Padel is growing quickly in the U.S. and around the world,” said Pro Padel League CEO Mike Dorfman. “We thank Rick Schnall, Left Lane Capital, and our investors for believing in our vision. This funding will help us strengthen the league, our teams, and players, while hosting top-tier events with the best padel athletes.”
“Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, and the Pro Padel League is well-positioned to lead its growth in the U.S.,” said Rick Schnall, leading a round with investors Andrew Schwartzberg and Jason Tillis. “With its strong momentum, top talent, and innovative team model, PPL is building a scalable platform. We’re excited to support its growth, fan engagement, and rise as a premier sports league.”
About Pro Padel League
Founded in 2023, by Marcos Del Pilar, the Pro Padel League (PPL) is a top professional padel league with 10 teams across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. It features the world’s best players and offers a fair platform for both men’s and women’s competitions. PPL events reach 300 million households in over 100 countries through global partners, and all matches are also available on the PPL YouTube channel.
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