The Professional Padel League’s (PPL) Matrix franchise announced its official relocation from Arkansas to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area ahead of the 2026 PPL season.
The move to Washington D.C. brings the first-ever professional padel team to the nation’s capital and anchors the Matrix in one of the most established and influential professional sports markets in North America.
Originally launched in 2023, the franchise is 100% owned and operated by a women-led family group, a structure that remains a rarity across professional sports. As one of the original founding franchises of the PPL, the ownership group - led by founder and owner, Barbara Hudson - has been instrumental in the league’s initial formation, strategic buildout, and growing footprint across the U.S.
“Our move to Washington, D.C. signals our next phase of growth in a market that combines global visibility, corporate access, and a deeply ingrained professional sports culture,” said Hudson. “With nearly a century of representation across every major U.S. professional sports league, D.C. is a proven market for building a flagship franchise that delivers both competitive excellence and long-term commercial growth.”
“As the PPL continues to scale in major U.S. markets, Washington, D.C. represents a strategic and symbolic step forward for the Matrix franchise and our league as a whole,” said PPL CEO Mike Dorfman. “D.C.’s global profile and vibrant sports culture create a powerful platform for growth, and we are confident this move will further elevate the franchise and strengthen the PPL’s presence in a premier market.”
Founded as the Arkansas Matrix, the franchise was an early pioneer in the U.S. padel movement, including operating some of the nation’s first dedicated padel courts. Padel is now widely recognized as the world’s fastest-growing sport, attracting new enthusiasts and top athletes at a record pace.
In D.C., team leadership plans to host exhibitions and official league events, while expanding sponsor and partnership opportunities as the franchise establishes its footprint and further positions the region as a central hub in the U.S. padel ecosystem.
The Matrix’s move to Washington D.C. continues the PPL’s momentum ahead of the 2026 season towards durable markets, committed ownership, and long-term value creation.
Over the past year, several PPL franchises have been valued at more than $10 million. Notable investors in PPL teams include professional tennis player Francis Tiafoe, Ajax professional soccer goalkeeper Maarten Paes (New York Atlantics), international polo star Nacho Figueras (Florida Goats), and Chair of the Toronto Blue Jays and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Edward Rogers (Toronto Polar Bears).
Additionally, the PPL recently announced the closing of a $15 million Series A funding round led by Charlotte Hornets Co-Chairman & Governor Rick Schnall, that will be used to fuel the next phase of the league’s growth.
The Washington D.C. Matrix will compete in the 2026 PPL season that will feature five events across North America, with the first serve of the season set to take place July 9-12 in New York City, with ensuing events in Los Angeles (Aug. 13-16), Playa del Carmen (Sept. 24-27), and Guadalajara (Nov. 19-22). The City’s Cup, the league’s championship event, will be held Dec. 3-6 in Miami, the padel capital of the United States.
Additional announcements regarding the Washington D.C. Matrix’s team roster, training facilities, partnerships, and other news surrounding the team are expected in the coming months.
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