Eva Longoria, renowned actress and philanthropist, has found a new passion: Padel. Introduced to the fast-paced, caged racket sport by her husband, José Bastón, Longoria has become a dedicated player, indulging in daily matches at her Marbella, Spain residence. This fervent enthusiasm has transcended mere recreation, leading her to actively champion Padel’s growth and recognition, particularly within the American sporting landscape. She envisions a future where Padel enjoys the same level of popularity and accessibility as other mainstream sports.
Longoria’s commitment is exemplified by her co-ownership of the Eleven Eleven Padel team, a participant in the prestigious Hexagon Cup, an annual international Padel tournament held in Madrid. This World Cup-style competition showcases elite male, female, and next-generation players, aligning perfectly with Longoria’s advocacy for women’s sports. The team’s name, Eleven Eleven, resonates with Longoria’s belief in mysticism and echoes her tequila brand, carrying a sense of magic and positive energy into the sporting arena. This investment in Padel complements her existing involvement in other sports ventures, including NWSL’s Angel City FC and the D.C. Pickleball Team, although her passion for Padel appears to be particularly strong, even prompting playful attempts to convert pickleball enthusiasts to the more physically demanding Padel.
Beyond the thrill of competition and her personal enjoyment of the sport, Longoria recognizes the Hexagon Cup as a powerful platform to promote Padel. Her presence as a co-owner attracts attention and generates interest, contributing to the sport’s overall visibility. She aims to elevate Padel to new heights, attracting bigger sponsors, increasing player compensation, and creating more opportunities for athletes to excel. Longoria believes in the inherent talent and athleticism of Padel players and is determined to showcase their abilities to a wider audience.
A significant hurdle for Padel’s growth in the U.S. is its limited accessibility to viewers. Longoria herself experiences the frustration of navigating various streaming services to watch matches, hindering the sport’s potential to reach a larger fanbase. While Padel has seen some growth in the U.S., particularly in Miami, it remains relatively unknown compared to established racket sports like pickleball and tennis. Longoria is determined to leverage her platform to raise Padel’s profile, bridging the gap between the sport and potential American players and fans.
Breaking into the competitive American sports market is a daunting challenge. Padel faces an uphill battle against the established dominance of pickleball and tennis, with significantly fewer players and limited infrastructure. Longoria, however, remains optimistic, advocating for the “build it and they will come” approach, citing the sport’s burgeoning popularity in cities with existing Padel courts. She firmly believes that increased access to facilities and greater media visibility will fuel interest and participation, creating a virtuous cycle of growth. She underscores Padel’s appeal as a dynamic and engaging spectator sport, more exciting to watch than tennis due to its fast-paced nature and shorter points.
Longoria’s enthusiasm for Padel was palpable during her time in Madrid for the Hexagon Cup. Despite battling tennis elbow, she eagerly participated in celebrity charity matches, showcasing her playful spirit and dedication to the sport. She was thrilled to witness the tournament’s growth from its inaugural year, noting increased participation, larger crowds, and a heightened sense of excitement surrounding the event. She sees this growth as a testament to the talent within the sport and its global potential. Her participation in the celebrity exhibition matches, alongside prominent figures like F1 driver Pierre Gasly and former soccer stars Sergio Agüero and Andriy Shevchenko, further amplified the event’s visibility.
Longoria embraces the role of “cheerleader owner,” actively promoting Padel and its players at every opportunity. She is a vocal advocate for the sport’s benefits, emphasizing its positive impact on both mind and body. She readily shares her admiration for talented players like Alejandra Alonso, the legendary Fernando Belasteguín, and current women’s number one, Paula Josemaria, highlighting their skill and dedication to the sport. While her team, Eleven Eleven, didn’t reach the finals, Longoria’s unwavering enthusiasm and commitment to Padel suggest that her efforts to elevate the sport in the U.S. may ultimately succeed. With her continued support and advocacy, Padel could very well become a prominent fixture in the American sporting landscape, fulfilling Longoria’s vision for the sport she so passionately embraces.
