Padel Makes Its L.A. Play—and Gives Angelenos a New Fall Pastime

After the Pro Padel League brought elite competition and familiar faces to Santa Monica, local clubs offer a chance to step onto the court. Jamie Foxx handled the coin toss. The professionals handled the harder part. At Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, the Pro Padel League brought 10 teams and more than 40 players together Aug. 13–16 for four days of men’s and women’s competition, giving Los Angeles a close look at a sport building an international following.


With fall approaching, the next move belongs to the spectators. Across Los Angeles, padel clubs offer court reservations, lessons and social play, turning curiosity about the sport into something that can fit into a weekend—or an evening after work.

The tournament marked the league’s second stop of its 2026 season, following its opener in New York. Inside Barker Hangar, courtside lounges and close sightlines put spectators near the action, with group-stage matches leading into Sunday’s championship and third-place contests. Pro Padel League

There was a recognizable L.A. crowd, too. Foxx joined the festivities Saturday, while Tyler Posey and Diego Boneta were among the guests during the event. The opening party at Padel Up Century City brought Alexis Knapp and Malcolm Kelner onto the court themselves—a fitting introduction to a sport whose appeal depends on picking up a racket.

Why Padel is Worth Watching

Sunday’s championship matches gave the Barker Hangar crowd a reason to stay close to the court. Both titles came down to a super tiebreak, with DC Matrix winning the women’s competition and Mexico Waves taking the men’s.

For DC Matrix, Araceli Martínez and Marina Guinart defeated Houston Volts’ Ari Cañellas and Laia Rodríguez, 6–3, 2–6, 11–9. Houston answered an opening-set loss with a strong second set, forcing a deciding tiebreak that left just two points between the champions and runners-up. Women’s final results

The men’s final followed a similar course before Mexico Waves pulled away. David Gala and Maximiliano “Maxi” Arce took the first set against Florida Goats’ Luis Hernández Quesada and Juani de Pascual, who responded by winning the second. Gala and Arce then controlled the deciding tiebreak to finish 6–4, 3–6, 10–2, leaving Florida with the runner-up spot. Men’s final results

The third-place matches delivered comebacks, too. Marta Talaván and Sofía Saiz secured women’s bronze for New York Atlantics against Carolina Orsi and Noa Cánovas. In the men’s competition, Toronto Polar Bears’ Mario Huete and Álex Ruiz recovered to defeat Mario del Castillo and Tino Libaak for third place. Podium results

Where to play Padel in Los Angeles this Fall

Padel Up Century City

The site of the tournament’s opening party offers rooftop play at Westfield Century City, on the Level 3 Skydeck above Vans and Tocaya. Its location makes it easy to pair a match with dinner. Published court rates are $120 an hour, or $100 off-peak—equivalent to $25–$30 per player when split four ways, before any additional charges.

10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. Daily, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Reservations

Padel Up Culver City Flagship

For indoor play, the club’s flagship provides an alternative to an afternoon in the sun. Padel Up also offers coaching, open play and leagues, giving newcomers several ways to find their footing. Published court rates are $140 an hour, or $120 off-peak.

3007 Hauser Blvd., Los Angeles. Daily, 7 a.m.–11 p.m. padelup.club

The Padel Courts

On Sunset Boulevard, this club has two full-size courts and a mini court, plus clinics for different skill levels, private lessons and social open play. Beginners can start with instruction; returning players can reserve a match through its PlayByPoint booking system.

5115 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. Daily, 7 a.m.–11 p.m. Reservations and programs

Taktika at LA Galaxy Park

In Carson, four padel courts sit within the larger recreation complex at Dignity Health Sports Park. The facility is open to the public, with advance court reservations or program registration required. Bookings run through Taktika’s reservation platform.

18400 Avalon Blvd., Carson. Court information and reservations

Before booking, check current rates, beginner sessions and racket rentals with the club. Then find a partner, learn the rebound and give the next point a chance.

For more information about the Pro Padel League visit propadelleague.com

Photo credits: Photo courtesy of Pro Padel League

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