The Indian sports startup ecosystem just got a major power couple. Turf sporting startup PadelPark India has officially merged with 7Padel, a competitor owned by none other than cricketing legend MS Dhoni.
The merger aims to consolidate the fragmented market for Padel—a racket sport often described as a mix between tennis and squash. With both entities pooling resources, the goal is to build a "holistic padel ecosystem" across the country, focusing on infrastructure, training, and community.
FounderStory Intelligence
The Rise of "Alternate Sports"
Founded in 2020 in Mumbai, PadelPark timed its entry perfectly. Just as sports like Padel and Pickleball began to trend globally as social, accessible alternatives to Tennis, the startup began building infrastructure.
The company operates on a leasing model, managing over 40 courts. This asset-light but experience-heavy model helped them turn EBITDA positive in FY24, a rarity in early-stage consumer startups.
Heavyweight Backing
The merger brings together significant strategic muscle. Apart from MS Dhoni's brand power via 7Padel, the entity is backed by Parth Jindal, owner of JSW Sports (which owns Delhi Capitals, Bengaluru FC, etc.). Jindal has been an early investor in PadelPark, betting on the "sportification" of urban India.
"The platform will be built keeping rapid scaling, deeper community engagement and more professionally structured play in mind."
FounderStory Takeaway
Cricket will always be religion in India, but the urban elite are moving toward "recreational fitness." Padel fits this niche perfectly—it's social, easier to learn than tennis, and requires less space. With Dhoni and JSW involved, PadelPark isn't just building courts; they are building a league-ready ecosystem.