Epic Padel will open in Charlotte in September with five outdoor courts.

Why it matters: There's been a steady rise in the number of padel courts throughout North Carolina thanks to the rising popularity of the sport.

Context: Padel is a racquet sport often described as a combination of tennis and squash. A growing number of players have picked up the sport both abroad and in the U.S, including current and former professional athletes.

• Former Carolina Panthers player Tre Boston even has an Instagram dedicated to padel. He's an ambassador for and an investor in Epic Padel Charlotte. Boston even has his former Panthers teammate, Jonathan Stewart, playing padel.

What they're saying: "Padel is sexy," Epic Padel COO Tim Bainton tells Axios. The sport is capitalizing on the 25-40 age group, he says.

State of play: Charlotte will be the first installation for Epic Padel, a Virginia-based padel sports management and investment company. Epic Padel also has courts planned for Salt Lake City and Tysons Corner in Virginia near Washington, D.C.

• The company has also signed a multi-year deal with Adidas, which will bring gear, branded courts, and member perks to Epic Padel locations nationwide.
• Epic Padel Charlotte will be located at Prosperity Athletic Club (PAC) in north Charlotte. Epic Padel operates as a separate entity from PAC. It has, however, taken over managing racquet sports at PAC, including tennis (10 existing courts) and pickleball (six existing courts).

By the numbers: Bainton says their investment will be just under $1 million when they add canopies over the padel courts early next year.

What to expect: Epic offers monthly and annual memberships.

• Founding monthly memberships are $149 for the first three months. See more membership options here.
• Members can reserve courts up to two weeks early. Your racquets and balls are included, and you can bring two guests per month. You'll get discounts and other perks, plus you'll have access to tennis, pickleball and the fitness center.
• Existing PAC members will be able to add Epic Padel to their membership.

The big picture: Epic Padel's goal isn't to build its own clubs, but to integrate itself into what already exists in communities, from swim and tennis clubs to universities.

What's next: Epic Padel Charlotte will open in phases starting Sept. 8, with padel and pickleball courts, plus a new gym and welcome center.

The second phase of opening in early 2026 will feature canopies over the padel courts and food/drink offerings.

Stop by: 9300 Browne Road.