Storytelling, Strategy, and the Future of Racquet Sports - with Ben Nichols

What if the future of racquet sports leadership depends not just on understanding the game, but on knowing how to tell its story, build belief, and lead through change?

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Ben Nichols, founder of Padel 22, to explore how communication, strategy, and storytelling are shaping the next chapter of racquet sports. With a background spanning Wimbledon, the Australian Open, Formula One, and global sport communications, Ben brings a wide-angle view to one of the industry’s fastest-growing conversations: how leaders should think about padel, pickleball, tennis, and the evolving racquets landscape.

This conversation matters for directors, coaches, club leaders, and anyone trying to navigate growth in a changing industry. Whether you are deciding whether to add a new sport, trying to influence boards or investors, or learning how to lead a team beyond on-court expertise, this episode offers practical insight on what modern racquet sports leadership requires.

What You’ll Learn:

•  Why storytelling is no longer just a marketing skill, but a leadership skill
•  How padel -- whether you pronounce it "pa-DEL" or "PAD-dle" -- is growing internationally and what that means for the U.S. market
•  What directors should consider when balancing tennis, pickleball, and padel
•  Why great coaches do not automatically become great business leaders
•  How clubs can think more strategically about programming, pricing, and participation
•  Why qualitative stories and quantitative data both matter when influencing decision-makers
•  How racquet sports can create community, belonging, and long-term engagement
•  Why the leaders who succeed next will be the ones looking ahead, not standing still

Resources & Mentions:

Padel 22 — Communications and storytelling consultancy focused entirely on padel
Playtomic — Global racquet sports booking and technology platform
Premier Padel — International professional padel tour
Hexagon Cup — Professional team padel competition
LTA   — Lawn Tennis Association, the governing body for tennis and padel in Great Britain
U.S. Padel Association — National governing body supporting padel growth in the United States

Hosts:

Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports Management
Simon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports Development

Guest:

Ben Nichols — Founder of Padel 22

Learn More & Get Certified:

Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.

Learn more here:

 Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1
Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS

       - Course 1 completion is required for course 2

Discount Code:

Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 off

Inquiries:
Contact: UFDORS@hhp.ufl.edu