Loved this. The “trickle-down” dynamic is real given the types of most clubs currently being built in the US, but imo that model isn’t inevitable. In markets like Spain and Argentina (which I’ve seen firsthand), growth came from accessible, low-friction facilities built around play density (not performative exclusivity). I genuinely think the issue in the US is a cultural disconnect between what developers think players want and how the game actually scales. The blueprint is already there, but we still refuse to copy it. Rethink the model, and the trickle-down argument collapses. More on this soon…
Thanks, Aris. I agree with your premise. A difference between the US and Spain or Argentina is the cost structure - particularly in "tier I" US cities. Clubs are more expensive to date in the US because their (lease) costs are greater. As an example, and looking toward the future, padel court prices in Texas or the Midwest are generally half the price or less than prices in New York or LA. As it relates to "low-friction facilities built around play density"... we need a lot more "play density" in the US, which will come. High court utilization will facilitate more reasonable court prices.
Speaking of which, I have been meaning to introduce the two of you for awhile now but can't recall if I actually have yet... If not, Aris meet Hans and vice-versa. I think you guys will have plenty to talk about!
Loved this. The “trickle-down” dynamic is real given the types of most clubs currently being built in the US, but imo that model isn’t inevitable. In markets like Spain and Argentina (which I’ve seen firsthand), growth came from accessible, low-friction facilities built around play density (not performative exclusivity). I genuinely think the issue in the US is a cultural disconnect between what developers think players want and how the game actually scales. The blueprint is already there, but we still refuse to copy it. Rethink the model, and the trickle-down argument collapses. More on this soon…
Thanks, Aris. I agree with your premise. A difference between the US and Spain or Argentina is the cost structure - particularly in "tier I" US cities. Clubs are more expensive to date in the US because their (lease) costs are greater. As an example, and looking toward the future, padel court prices in Texas or the Midwest are generally half the price or less than prices in New York or LA. As it relates to "low-friction facilities built around play density"... we need a lot more "play density" in the US, which will come. High court utilization will facilitate more reasonable court prices.
Speaking of which, I have been meaning to introduce the two of you for awhile now but can't recall if I actually have yet... If not, Aris meet Hans and vice-versa. I think you guys will have plenty to talk about!