Three weeks ago, we covered Argentine padel GOAT Fernando “Bela” Belasteguín’s decision to throw his weight behind the American Collegiate Padel League (ACPL).
Now, the College Padel League (CPL) officially launched its national competition, backed by the Pro Padel League (PPL) and five US club operators (a lot of “-PL” acronyms, I know).
The inaugural playoffs are scheduled for December 3-5 in Miami, alongside the PPL Finals. Up to 20 men’s and women’s college teams will compete for a $20,000 prize pool.
CPL says 20+ universities are connected to the league at launch, with a goal of reaching 40 or more by the end of this first season. It also says participation costs will be covered at launch, including courts, coaching, travel, and accommodation for competing teams.
The league’s founding club partners are Ultra Padel (Miami), Padel 39 (Austin & Dallas), Epic Padel (Charlotte & Milwaukee), Padel N9ne (San Diego), and Bay Padel (SF Bay Area). The model leans on existing club networks to organize student competition.
So how does each league compare, you ask? Here’s what I could pull together:
Keep in mind, schools, clubs, and partner universities are different measures, and the leagues’ published numbers reflect different stages of development.
Watching from the sidelines, I can’t help but wonder how this coexistence will pan out. Both leagues (aside from being run by wonderful humans) have attracted credible backing and demonstrated early momentum.
So… as each league recruits schools and establishes their respective competition formats, will colleges participate in both, choose one, or eventually see the two organizations coordinate?
Learn more: Wilson ACPL by Bela | College Padel League
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