Txema Carrillo: The International Leader Driven by Passion

Born in Spain, Carrillo is one of the international leaders in the expansion of paddle tennis. After obtaining an MBA in Entrepreneurial Management in Miami, he returned to his country to undertake sports projects before permanently settling in the United States in December 2024.

“Miami fits my lifestyle and represents the ideal place to develop this sport from scratch, with the experience accumulated in Spain,” he explains.

A Vision that Unites Sport, Business, and Community

As Director of Sports Operations, Carrillo highlights that his mission goes beyond sports performance. “The program must come accompanied by passion. Transmitting that passion is what motivates club members to participate, socialize, and create new alliances. Padel has that magic of uniting people.”

Under his direction, the club organizes tournaments, clinics, junior programs, and business events that bring together players of different levels. “The goal is for members to feel part of a community, to come not only to play but to share. This way, the program grows and generates new business opportunities,” he says.

The Appeal of Paddle Tennis in the United States

“Paddle tennis connects people in a unique way.”

Paddle tennis has conquered the hearts of Americans for its inclusive, dynamic, and social character. “There are many tennis fans, but paddle tennis offers something different. It is fast, accessible, and encourages interaction. In the United States, there are already more than 150,000 people practicing it, and that number continues to rise,” says Carrillo.

The rise of sports like pickleball or badminton has also paved the way for new racket disciplines. “There are more and more tournaments, more fields, and more visibility. The government even supports it with visas for international talents. In just a few years, we have gone from having a field in Oklahoma or Illinois to seeing clubs throughout the country,” he explains.

Miami: Capital of Paddle Tennis Growth in North America

“Miami is the perfect city to connect America and Europe.”

Carrillo considers that the capital of the sun is the epicenter of the growth of paddle tennis on the continent. “Miami is the capital of the Spanish-speaking world, a meeting point between Europe and Latin America. This cultural mix favors the expansion of the sport and attracts sponsors, brands, and international talent,” he says.

His business vision also promotes agreements with international companies to strengthen the padel ecosystem. “Bringing knowledge and agreements from Spain helps consolidate the sport in an economic power like the United States,” he says.

Companies, Innovation, and the Spanish Model

“The Spanish and Latin American model is a reference.”

For Txema, the key to development in the US is adapting the European model. “In Spain, paddle tennis is very consolidated, but in the United States, there is a huge opportunity. What we must do is replicate the training structure, the clubs, the communication, and the corporate events that generate community,” he explains.

Companies play an essential role. “Sponsorships, alliances, and personalized experiences are the basis of growth. Padel not only moves sport but also moves relationships and business opportunities,” he says.

Fashion or Structural Change?

The projection is clear: the United States plans to build more than 10,000 paddle tennis courts in the next decade. For Carrillo, this is not a passing fad.

“This is a structural change. In ten years, paddle tennis will be completely consolidated worldwide. Universities are creating programs, and professional tournaments are gaining strength,” he says.

An Olympic Future for Paddle Tennis?

“The road to the Olympic Games goes through education and infrastructure,” says Carrillo, believes that the global expansion of paddle tennis brings it closer and closer to the Olympic dream. “Just as surfing or softball achieved it, paddle tennis has all the ingredients: popularity, inclusion, and spectacle. With the institutional support and development in the United States, I would not be surprised to see it soon in the Games.”

A Legacy that Transcends the Field

“I hope to be remembered as a pioneer in promoting paddle tennis in the United States,” says Carrillo, who not only seeks to promote the sport but also to thank the country that welcomed him. “Imparting everything I learned and giving it back to the United States is a form of gratitude. I feel proud to contribute to the growth of paddle tennis here, both in sports and in business,” he says.

With the support of his family and the enthusiasm to continue building a community, Txema represents a new generation of sports leaders who are transforming the culture of paddle tennis in North America.

Biography of Txema Carrillo

Txema Carrillo is a Spanish entrepreneur and sports manager with training in Business Management & Social Entrepreneurship in New York and an MBA in Entrepreneurial Management in Miami. Ex-scholarship winner as a university tennis player, he has worked on international projects and is currently Director of Sports Operations at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, where he leads the resort’s paddle tennis program. Its work combines management, innovation, and promotion of sport as a social and business experience.

Did You Know?

Fact: Padel originated in Mexico in the 1940s and gained popularity in Spain before spreading to other countries.

Fact: Padel is played on a smaller court than tennis, making it faster-paced and more social.

Pro Tip: To improve your padel game, focus on masters the basics, such as control, precision, and teamwork.

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