Bringing Padel Across the Nation: How Tom Konkowski Is Leading the U.S.’ First Padel Franchise Revolution

As padel continues its rapid rise in popularity across the globe, one U.S.-based brand is working to bring the sport to cities throughout the U.S. through a bold and scalable model. Conquer Padel, which was co-founded by Tom Konkowski, is the country’s first padel franchise operation and it’s already making waves.

“We’ve seen it (the franchise model) work so well in pickleball, now it’s padel’s time.”

“We didn’t just want to build courts. We wanted to build a national movement,” says Konkowski, who serves as Conquer’s Chief Operating Officer, working with Mexican businessman and entrepreneur Enrique Gracia. “The franchise model allows us to scale with speed, consistency and quality so more people can experience what makes padel so special. We’ve seen it [the franchise model] work so well in pickleball, now it’s padel’s time.”

With a background spanning nearly three decades in finance and wealth management, Konkowski’s career took a sharp and purposeful turn in recent years. He launched Espire Sports in Prescott, Arizona, home to one of the largest indoor pickleball complexes in the U.S. That success helped ignite his passion for racquet sports entrepreneurship and laid the groundwork for what would become Conquer Padel.

“Espire taught me what’s possible when you combine smart operations with a true passion for the sport,” Konkowski explains. “Pickleball gave me a front-row seat to how fast emerging sports can grow when done right. Padel is right on that same track, but even bigger on a global scale.”

At Conquer, Konkowski leads operational strategy, site development and franchise expansion efforts. The company is currently preparing to open a flagship facility this summer in Tempe, Arizona—set to be the state’s premier padel and wellness destination. In addition to world-class courts, the Tempe location will offer a suite of wellness amenities including red light therapy, cold plunges and infrared saunas.

“Franchising allows us to partner with entrepreneurs and operators who share that same commitment to community and quality.”

“Our focus is on providing an incredible player experience, whether you’re picking up a racquet for the first time or already obsessed with the sport,” he says. “Franchising allows us to partner with entrepreneurs and operators who share that same commitment to community and quality.”

Konkowski’s vision for Conquer is clear: a nationwide network of professionally run padel facilities that introduce the sport to tens of thousands of new players, supported by a business model that’s both replicable and sustainable.

“The U.S. has all the right ingredients for a padel boom—great weather, a culture of fitness and a huge appetite for social sports,” he says. “But we need more infrastructure. That’s where Conquer comes in. We’re not just building clubs, we’re building a brand that lasts.”

As a certified padel coach and lifelong racquet sports player, Konkowski’s passion runs deep. And with the franchise program gaining traction, he’s bullish on what’s next.

“Our goal is to put padel courts within reach of every major metro area in the U.S…franchising is the fastest way to get there.”

“Our goal is to put padel courts within reach of every major metro area in the U.S.,” he says. “Franchising is the fastest way to get there and to make sure we’re delivering the same level of excellence at every location.”

With leaders like Konkowski at the helm, padel’s future in America is looking more exciting and more accessible than ever.