The Pro Padel League (PPL), the first professional padel competition in North America, has just recorded the biggest deal in its short history. American entrepreneur David Eisen has acquired the Los Angeles Beat team from founder Christ Ishoo in a transaction valued at 10 million dollars (about 8.4 million euros). It is the largest single investment to date in a franchise in the league, which was created in 2023.
A strategic move in a growing market
Eisen, a managing partner of Transportation Equipment Network (Ten) and an outdoor player, has closed the purchase without the participation of other investors. The management of the franchise will remain in the hands of the family: his son, Chris Eisen, will assume the position of president and CEO of the Angeleno franchise.
‘We see this as an investment bet for us,’ Chris Eisen explained after the deal was announced. “Our love for the sport and ability to operate the team makes us confident that the global padel tailwinds will directly benefit the Pro Padel League in the United States.
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The PPL, a growing project
The league currently has ten franchises spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and has become the main showcase for padel on the continent. Its business model combines shared ownership between the franchises and the competition itself, allowing the clubs to maintain autonomy in management while benefiting from the common structure.
PPL CEO Mike Dorfman underlined the importance of this operation for the future of the league: “Miami is the padel capital of the United States today, but Los Angeles is one of the fastest growing markets for us.
Future plans: rebranding and new partners
The Eisen family does not want to limit itself to maintaining the project, but plans to give it a significant boost. Immediate goals include bringing in strategic advisors and sports investors in the Los Angeles area to strengthen the brand’s positioning. In addition, a rebranding of the team is planned, with new colours, logos and a refreshed content strategy to connect with local and international audiences.
The transaction has been formalised through Los Angeles Beat Partners, LLC, with legal advice from Mintz Levin for the ownership and Dentons for the league.
A milestone for padel in North America
The sale of Los Angeles Beat not only marks a financial milestone within the PPL, but also reflects the growing interest of investors and entrepreneurs in a sport that is experiencing unprecedented expansion in the United States. With operations of this calibre, the league consolidates its position as the driving force behind padel on the continent and opens the door to a future in which franchises can become truly global brands.
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