The Future of Padel in the U.S. — with Mike Dorfman, CEO of the Pro Padel League
In this episode of Padel Smash Academy, Cesc and Julian sit down with Mike Dorfman, the CEO of the Pro Padel League (PPL), to talk about the explosive growth of Padel and the league’s mission to bring the sport into the American spotlight. Mike shares how his background in tech and insurance shaped his vision for the PPL, why he believes padel is at the tipping point in the U.S., and what it takes to turn eyeballs into diehard fans.They dive into the league’s luxury brand partnerships with Adidas, Equinox, and Eataly, the media strategy behind deals with Tennis Channel and DAZN, and how the PPL is creating a blueprint for what a modern sports league should look like. From converting casual fans to building a lifestyle around padel, this conversation is packed with insight for players, investors, and entrepreneurs alike.Check out the Pro Padel League in person this weekend. PPL Miami @ Wayfair Arena Buy Tickets: https://www.tixr.com/groups/propadelleague
--------
48:30
The AI Camera Changing the Game – Interview with Kari Gunnarsson, CEO of Clutch
In this episode, Cesc and Julian sit down with Kari Gunnarsson, the visionary CEO and former top-100 badminton pro behind Clutch, the most innovative AI camera system built specifically for Padel. Kari shares the incredible journey from building AI tools for elite badminton coaching during the COVID lockdowns to launching Clutch across 15+ countries.Discover how Clutch is revolutionizing padel with:Instant match highlights and performance insightsReal-time AI analytics for coaches and playersSeamless QR code court activation and mobile accessAffordable pricing for clubs and playersBuilt-in tools for training, social media sharing, and even automated ratingsKari breaks down how the tech works, what sets Clutch apart from other smart cameras, and why AI-powered video is becoming as essential as floodlights in the modern padel club.Whether you’re a player, coach, club owner, or just obsessed with innovation in padel, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and a glimpse into the future of the sport.🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms.📲 Brought to you by Padel Smash Academy.
--------
31:16
She’s 11, Trains with World #1, and Wants the Crown | Ornella Beltramino
In this inspiring episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, Cesc & Julian sit down with a true Padel pioneer and rising star: Adrian Reino and his daughter Ornella Beltramino, the current #1 ranked female junior player in the United States.Adrian shares the remarkable journey of opening the first-ever padel club in the U.S. back in 2009, building a community before anyone knew what Padel was. From putting up nets on empty courts and advertising in newspapers to shaping the roots of the sport in Florida—his story is one of passion, sacrifice, and vision.Then, we meet 11-year-old Ornella Beltramino, who is quickly making waves in the international Padel scene. Training in Spain with one of the world’s top academies and mentored by none other than Paula Josemaría, Ornella opens up about:Her transition from tennis to padelCompeting in tournaments with 800+ teamsRepresenting the U.S. in the upcoming Junior World CupHer daily routine, sacrifices, and big dream: becoming #1 in the worldIt’s a powerful conversation about family, legacy, and chasing greatness—this is a must-listen for every padel fan.🎧 Tune in now and remember the name: Ornella Beltramino.
--------
29:56
The Evolution of Padel X with Nalle Grinda
In this follow-up interview, Cesc and Julian sit down once again with Nalle Grinda, co-founder and Chief of Padel at Padel X, to explore how one of the most ambitious padel projects in the U.S. has grown since our last chat — when construction had just wrapped.From hosting the largest tournaments in U.S. padel history to training the next generation of American talent, Padel X has become a cornerstone in the sport’s development across South Florida and beyond.In this episode, Nalle shares:What’s worked (and what’s surprised him) in year one of Padel XWhy Padel X focused on player experience first — from turf to lightingWhy nurturing youth talent is key to preparing the U.S. for the Olympic stageThe future of padel in America and the bold expansion plans aheadWhether you're a club owner, player, or padel investor, this episode is a masterclass in building something truly impactful.🎙️ Listen now and find out why Nalle says the sky's the limit for padel in the USA.
--------
40:22
Meet the Entrepreneur Behind Sterling VA’s Padel Boom
In this episode of the Padel Smash Academy Podcast, Cesc sits down with Sabah Alsabah, the founder of Padel Up LLC, a standout club located in Sterling, Virginia. Sabah shares his journey into the world of padel, his entrepreneurial background, and what it really took to launch a successful padel club in the U.S.From navigating the early stages of launching the business to scaling up his membership base, Sabah opens up about the strategies that worked, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned along the way. They also dive into the club’s pricing structure, services, and what makes Padel Up a unique experience for players of all levels.🎥 Don't miss the full video walkthrough of the Padel Up club, now live on the Padel Smash Academy YouTube Channel — a perfect companion to this inspiring conversation.
Hey Padel enthusiasts welcome to Padel Smash Academy, I am Cesc and I am here with Julian and we're all about Padel! Whether you're new to the sport or an experienced player, you've come to the right place. Our goal is to provide you with the best tips & tricks, news, and weekly lessons to help you improve your game and take your Padel to the next level. So grab your Padel Racket and let's get started with all things Padel on Padel Smash Academy.
South Africa