Shaping the Future of U.S. Padel: How Alessandro Bennett and Pura Padel Are Leading a National Movement

The global rise of padel has been nothing short of extraordinary, and in the United States, which saw a 22% increase in new padel courts built from 2023 to 2024, one brand is at the forefront of bringing this high-energy sport to American audiences in a fresh, community-driven way. Pura Padel, co-founded by Alessandro Bennett, is leading the charge with a flagship location in Los Angeles and big expansion plans on the horizon.

“We’ve always believed that the U.S. is primed for a padel explosion… our goal is to be the welcoming front door for anyone interested in picking up a racquet, whether they’re beginners or lifelong athletes.”

Pura Padel’s first club, located on the rooftop parking lot of Westfield Fashion Square in northwest Los Angeles, is a case study in creative urban activation. By transforming underutilized retail space into a vibrant, open-air padel venue, Pura saw an opportunity to meet people where they already are.

“We’re rethinking how sports and retail can intersect,” Bennett explains. “Malls are evolving, and we believe padel can play a meaningful role in that shift.” The team is now actively exploring additional opportunities with Westfield and other developers to bring padel to more retail destinations.

With stylish outdoor courts, social events and a laid-back vibe, the Los Angeles space feels more like a lifestyle destination than a traditional sports facility. “It’s more than just a place to play, it’s where people come to move, connect and belong,” Bennett adds. “We want padel to feel accessible to everyone, no matter your skill level.”

That inclusive approach is central to Pura’s identity, and it’s resonating. The company is now preparing for a bold next chapter, with a new club slated to open in Miami in early 2026, followed by two additional California locations later that year.

“Los Angeles was the perfect place to launch, but Miami is another market that’s deeply aligned with our values as it’s diverse, energetic and passionate about wellness… we see a huge opportunity there to build something special.”

The upcoming expansion is part of a broader vision to establish padel as a mainstay in the U.S. sports landscape. According to Bennett, it’s not just about growth for growth’s sake, it’s about cultivating a nationwide community rooted in joy, movement and inclusivity.

Bennett’s own journey to founding Pura was anything but conventional. After building a successful retail and distribution business in Haiti, he pivoted into the sports and hospitality space, driven by a desire to align his work with his passions. A lifelong racquet sport enthusiast, he saw the meteoric rise of padel abroad and knew the time was right to bring it stateside.

“I’ve always been entrepreneurial, and I love building things from the ground up. With Pura, we’re not just building clubs, we’re creating culture.”

Partnering with co-founder Karim Drouin, Bennett launched Pura with an eye toward design, community and experience. The name itself—“Pura”—nods to a sense of purity and simplicity, reflecting the brand’s mission to strip away barriers and make padel easy to love.

As the U.S. padel boom gains momentum, Pura Padel is positioning itself as both a leader and a local friend, offering an approachable, high-quality experience that meets people where they are.

“Our ambition is national, but our heart is local,” Bennett says. “We want every Pura location to feel like home for its community.”