Difficult to argue against the idea that internationally, padel is riding a wave of discovery, growth and enthusiasm. Some call that a hype cycle.

But what comes with that? What characterises a hype cycle? And what are the positives that come with that status or moment?

Equally, what are the dangers and downsides of a hype cycle? 

And cycles tend not to last forever. What happens on the other side of the wave? Can you see it coming and can you mitigate against its worst effects?

These are all critical questions for the sport of padel. It has to plan for the future, otherwise stakeholders, if not the whole sport, will learn some painful lessons.

This week's episode looks at esports and women's football to draw out parallels and lessons. We speak to Nico Maurer, Co-CEO and Founder of Team Vitality, one of the world's leading teams across gaming titles year after year; as well as Maggie Murphy, a player and more recently CEO of Lewes FC, the world's first equal pay football club and target for Mercury/13 investment. 

Two sports that have enjoyed the hypest of hype cycles. And have learnt from painful contractions when the momentum dies down. What can padel learn? A lot.