THE VALA STORY

From France to Phoenix to the Hamptons — this is where VALA began.

BRAND OVERVIEW

Welcome to VALA, where our passion for padel and commitment to quality come together to create exceptional racquets for players at all levels.

Founded by three friends from France—Valentin Lang, Gregoire Balenci, and Laurent Magne—VALA is a testament to our shared journey, love for sports, and dedication to the growing padel community in the United States.

WHERE IT BEGAN

Our story began in Phoenix, Arizona, where we met while playing Division 1 college tennis.

Despite hailing from different corners of France, we forged a close bond through our shared experiences on the court. After college, we followed each other to New York, teaching tennis and padel during the summer in the beautiful Hamptons.

THE INSPIRATION

Having played padel in Europe, we witnessed the incredible growth and enthusiasm for the sport across the continent.

This experience fueled our desire to contribute to the expansion of padel in the U.S., where we saw immense potential for the game to flourish.

We set out to chase our own version of the American Dream.

At VALA, we believe that every player — whether a novice or an experienced competitor — deserves access to premium equipment. Our racquets are thoughtfully designed to enhance your playing experience, offering exceptional control, comfort, and minimalist style that looks as good as it plays.

Join us on this exciting journey as we share our love for padel and work together to grow the sport in the United States.

Welcome to VALA — where every match is an opportunity to connect, compete, and celebrate the lifestyle of the game.

Q3 2024

VALA Is Founded

Three French friends — Valentin Lang, Gregoire Balenci, and Laurent Magne — officially launch VALA in the U.S., driven by their shared passion for padel and minimalist design.
Q4 2024

Product Development Begins

Research, testing, and design iterations start for the first VALA racquet. The team begins shaping the brand's visual identity and core lifestyle philosophy.
Q1 2025

First Product Launch

VALA One and VALA One Jr. racquets officially launch — designed for beginner to intermediate players with an elegant, minimalist aesthetic. Early sales begin through boutique clubs, exclusive partners, and online channels.
Q2–Q3 2025

Community & Retail Growth

Wholesale partnerships expand across country clubs, hotels, and retail hubs. VALA hosts its first branded tournaments and event activations in the Hamptons and New York.
Q4 2025

Custom Program Debuts

VALA introduces its bespoke racquet program, creating custom-designed racquets for luxury hotels, boutique resorts, and select brand collaborations — combining premium performance with tailored visual identity.
2026

Global Expansion

VALA sets its sights on Europe and South America. Amazon marketplaces, global club partnerships, and high-visibility collabs push the brand into new international markets.

Meet Our Founders

The visionaries behind our company

Valentin Lang

Valentin Lang

Co-Founder & CEO

Gregoire Balenci

Gregoire Balenci

Co-Founder & CMO

Laurent Magne

Laurent Magne

Co-Founder & COO