NEWS

Agassi Sports Entertainment Launches Global ‘Let’s Play’ Pickleball and Padel Platform

Agassi Sports Entertainment (ASE) is making a major move into the club and facility business with the launch of “Let’s Play,” a global pickleball and padel platform designed to build a network of branded racquet sports destinations around the world.

The initiative calls for ASE to pursue acquisitions, strategic partnerships, collaborations and eventually franchising opportunities with existing pickleball and padel facility operators. The company envisions a scalable network offering consistent branding, programming and member experiences while giving local operators access to ASE’s resources and the global recognition of its leadership team.

Rather than focusing solely on court development, ASE plans to position Let’s Play locations as social and lifestyle destinations combining recreation, wellness, hospitality and community programming. Facilities are expected to incorporate coaching, events and technology-enabled experiences serving players across age and skill levels.

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BUSINESS

Tecnifibre Partners with HotelPlanner Tennis Tour to Support Rising Players

The HotelPlanner Tennis Tour has announced a new partnership with Tecnifibre aimed at providing emerging professional tennis players with equipment, apparel and sponsorship opportunities as they work toward the next stage of their careers. Under the agreement, Tecnifibre will supply tournament balls and, as the U.S. distributor of Lacoste Sport Performance Products, provide Lacoste apparel to support the developmental circuit. Players will also gain access to Tecnifibre racquets, strings, bags and accessories, along with potential sponsorship opportunities.

USA Padel Announces 2026 US Open Padel Championships Presented by Fresca Hard

USA Padel today announced the 2026 US Open Padel Championships presented by Fresca Hard will take place Oct. 2-4 at Padel Haus Greenpoint, the third consecutive year Padel Haus has hosted and operated the US Open. The 2026 edition carries a $40,000 Division 1 prize pool, the largest in the tournament’s history, with Fresca Hard joining as Official Naming Rights Partner. The event will be part of National Padel Month, the sport’s industry-wide October celebration. The $40,000 purse is up from 2025 and will be split evenly between the men’s and women’s Division 1 fields. Babolat, one of the tournament’s Official Partners, will provide prizes across the remaining divisions.

American Express Expands Fan Experiences and Premium Perks for 2026 US Open

American Express is expanding its presence at the 2026 US Open with a new slate of interactive fan experiences and premium Card Member benefits designed to extend the tournament atmosphere throughout the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and New York City.

Running during the US Open from Aug. 23 through Sept. 13, the American Express Fan Experience will return for Fan Week with popular attractions including customized tennis balls and the Dove refresh station, alongside several new activations. Among them is Tennis Rhythm Rally, a fast-paced digital tennis game allowing up to seven fans to compete simultaneously, as well as a complimentary tennis-themed phone charm and chain customization station.