Markus Gaebel

McKinsey’s 2025 report shows Latino fans will drive one-third of U.S. sports growth by 2035. For racket-sports facilities, this signals huge potential: Latino communities are young, family-oriented, digital, and community-driven—matching the DNA of modern clubs. Facilities should focus on youth programs, cultural authenticity, bilingual digital outreach, and social-event concepts in high-growth Latino regions like California, Texas, and Florida.

This paper shows how mass-participation policy channels public money into low-cost courts, boosting access while squeezing private clubs on price and utilization. Case studies: squash in England (decline; leisure centers), U.S. pickleball (boom on public courts; private model strained), and Spain’s padel (public provision + demand; private wins via quality/programming). Conclusion: clubs must differentiate through experience, community, positioning, partnerships, and professional management.

The Racquet Sports Institute’s third article explores what recreational squash players actually spend across Europe and the United States. It breaks down membership fees, court costs, gear, and coaching, showing how access drives expenses. Squash remains the most facility-dependent of the three racquet sports, with higher costs tied to indoor clubs and memberships—especially in major U.S. cities.