FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
International Association of Pickleball Facilities Expands to Include Padel, Partners with Conquer Padel as Founding Sponsor
IAPF Rebrands as International Association of Pickleball and Padel Facilities (IAPPF), leading the development of the pickleball and padel industries
SEATTLE, WA — June 13, 2025 — The International Association of Pickleball Facilities (IAPF), the leading global trade association for pickleball facilities, suppliers, investors and other stakeholders, today announced a bold expansion into padel—one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. As part of this strategic move, IAPF is rebranding as the International Association of Pickleball and Padel Facilities (IAPPF) and naming Conquer Padel as the Founding Partner and Sponsor for padel.
Conquer Padel, the a pioneering U.S.-based padel franchise operator and court supplier, will work closely with IAPPF to create a unified industry platform that fosters growth, innovation, and collaboration across both racquet sports. The two organizations will jointly advance facility development, build supplier networks, educate investors, connect global stakeholders, host events, and promote best practices.
“A number of our existing members already operate both pickleball and padel courts. With padel surging in the U.S. and thriving globally, this is the right moment to bring both sports together under one roof,” said David Johnson, Founder and CEO of IAPPF. “Padel shares many of the same infrastructure challenges and opportunities as pickleball. This partnership helps create the professional backbone both sports need to succeed.”
Founded by pickleball industry veteran David Johnson—who previously co-founded Pickleball Central—IAPPF now represents hundreds of member facilities, manufacturers, investors, and service providers across the racquet sports sector.
Conquer Padel, founded by entrepreneurs Enrique Gracia, Barry Falcon and Tom Konkowski, is aggressively expanding padel’s presence across North America through franchising, court manufacturing, and turnkey development solutions. As Founding Padel Sponsor of IAPPF, Conquer will bring deep expertise, resources, and global connections to support the development of the padel ecosystem.
“Our vision has always been to build the padel movement in America,” said Enrique Gracia, Co-founder and CEO of Conquer Padel. “By partnering with IAPPF, we gain a global platform to help shape the future of the sport—from grassroots awareness to world-class facility design.”
“This is a pivotal moment for racquet sports in the U.S.,” added Tom Konkowski, COO of Conquer Padel. “Padel isn’t just a trend—it’s a global phenomenon. Together with IAPPF, we will help ensure every stakeholder—from investors and suppliers to players and pros—has a seat at the table.”
The newly rebranded IAPPF will launch working groups, industry events, and a best-practices knowledge base focused specifically on padel. The organization also plans to host the first annual International Pickleball and Padel Facilities Conference on October 2–3, 2025.
About IAPPF
The International Association of Pickleball and Padel Facilities (IAPPF) is the global trade association representing facility owners, developers, operators, investors, and suppliers in the pickleball and padel industries. IAPPF provides research, education, networking, events, and advocacy to accelerate the growth of racquet sports infrastructure around the world. Learn more at www.pickleballfacilities.org.
About Conquer Padel
Conquer Padel is a leading American padel brand focused on franchising, court development, and facility consulting. Founded by entrepreneurs Enrique Gracia, Barry Falcon and Tom Konkowski, the company is on a mission to bring the world’s fastest-growing sport to every corner of North America. Visit www.conquerpadel.com.
Media Contact
Josh Kerns/Chief Marketing and Member Officer
International Association of Pickleball and Padel Facilities
josh@iappf.org
206-920-1482