Drop Shot 2026: Padel rackets between legacy and tech

Padel reaches another milestone in South America: in 2026, the sport will officially award medals at the South American Games. Rafaela will host the event while FIP supports international expansion. For teams and federations, a new competitive phase begins.

A landmark event in Morbihan delivers high-level women’s padel and a tight final. Turpin and David-Bordier prevail with composed play in key moments and claim the first title.

Red Bull brings Court Legends, the first licensed Premier Padel mobile game. Realistic physics, club management and a circuit career from 27 May – free on iOS and Android.

Argentine star Gonza Alfonso ends his 2026 PPL plans after leaving Las Vegas Smash. He cites no clear reason, financial concessions and tense talks—while thanking the league for two franchise seasons.

"It was phenomenal!" – Anthony Daulphin puts the premiere gala in Manchester into context. 600 guests, Victoria Warehouse and an evening that visibly connected the scene.

Narrow singles lanes, seven courts and a Nottingham weekend: Legends Padel trials a UK singles format beyond classic doubles events. Why dimensions and venue choice matter for the pilot.

Salus Padel and Rackets Cubed are opening courts in Bradford to children from one of the UK’s most deprived areas. Over 24 weeks, pupils at Lift Feversham Primary School will discover padel free of charge through a clear community focus.

Game4Padel celebrates a top spot in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work ranking. The award shows how central culture and employee satisfaction have become in growing UK padel.

When prime time stays permanently full, late and night slots move centre stage. The piece explains how UK clubs create capacity – and what it means for operations, coaching and community.