The world of professional padel is expanding into Houston.

Why it matters: Houston is rich with pro sports, from football to rugby — and it’s now home to a Pro Padel League team.

Catch up fast: Padel is a cross between tennis and squash and is played in teams of two on a small court.

• The league bills the sport as one of the fastest growing in North America.

Driving the news: The Houston Volts debuted Saturday at the Pro Padel League’s All-Star game in San Diego.

• The team will be one of 10 squads that will play in the 2024 Pro Padel League season.
• At the All-Star game, players from the Volts won their first-ever match 8-5.

The intrigue: Sergio Ortiz, the Volts’ owner and CEO of The Woodlands-based Sports Facilities Investment Group, will soon break ground on a 40,000-square-foot padel facility called Pelota Padel Club in the northern suburb.

• The facility will be the Volts’ home and will feature nine indoor courts and three outdoor courts, including a stadium-style court for league play.

Also: The young team will be coached by Diego Pezzoni and advised by Juani Mieres.

• Claudia Jensen, 18; Lorena Rufo, 20; Pablo García, 20; Ivan Rodriguez, 22; and Alex Chozas, 20, are the first players on the team.

What we’re watching: The schedule for the upcoming season has yet to be announced but is expected to drop soon, with play slated for early 2024.