The efforts keeping polo a fixture in Palm Beach County

Writer: Pablo Marquez

October 2025 — Palm Beach has long been synonymous with luxury, elegance, and world-class sporting events, and polo remains one of the crown jewels in the region’s sporting calendar. Known as the “Winter Equestrian Capital of the World,” Palm Beach County draws a global audience each year to experience the high-speed, thrilling action of polo — a horseback team sport dating back over 2,000 years. 

While polo has been part of the Palm Beach lifestyle for decades, it continues to grow and evolve, attracting new players, sponsors, and spectators from around the globe. This resurgence of interest has been driven by several organizations working together to enhance the sport’s profile. 

Notably, the Palm Beach Polo Season, which runs from January through April, showcases top-tier talent and culminates in high-stakes matches at iconic venues like the Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country Club in Wellington, a key hub for the sport in the region.

“Wellington is home to world-famous equestrian events, with the equestrian industry serving as a powerful economic engine for the region,” said Michela Green, executive director of the Greater Wellington Chamber, in an interview with Invest:.

The development of new polo clubs and the modernization of existing facilities strengthen the area’s role as a polo powerhouse. One example is the newly envisioned PLYRS Polo Club, led by the Minuto Siete family. This ambitious project is redefining the sport in Palm Beach by introducing innovative playing formats and enhancing the overall polo experience. The club aims to bring a fresh perspective to the game while maintaining its traditional roots — a blend of innovation and tradition that is expected to draw younger, more diverse audiences.

The sport’s seasonal events generate millions in revenue, benefiting polo clubs, hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses. The influx of spectators contributes significantly to the local tourism industry, especially during peak seasons when polo matches attract affluent visitors from around the world.

“Palm Beach County is home to the world’s best equestrian and polo facilities in Wellington, including the Winter Equestrian Festival and the National Polo Center,” said Emanuel Perry, executive director of the Tourist Development Council of Palm Beach County, to Invest:.

Events like U.S. Polo Association (USPA) tournaments and high-profile matches at the International Polo Club (IPC) help maintain Palm Beach’s status as a luxury destination. The international appeal of polo in Palm Beach also drives investments in related sectors, such as equestrian services and real estate.

Sponsorship from global brands such as the U.S. Polo Association, recently signed on as the title sponsor for the Palm Beach Polo season, ensures the sport’s visibility on a global stage.

Several key entities are at the forefront of promoting polo in Palm Beach. The IPC remains a leading venue, hosting major tournaments, and offering a unique social scene for attendees. Additionally, organizations like the U.S. Polo Association and local clubs like the Wellington International Polo Club organize events that keep the sport vibrant.

For the village of Wellington, with a population of more than 60,000 people, the sport and wider equestrian sector have been a major part of economic and community development. 

“Our equestrian community not only brings international prestige but also adds a vibrant and dynamic element to our community,” said Michael Napoleone, mayor of Wellington, in an interview with Invest:.

“What truly makes Wellington unique is the seamless integration of the equestrian community with the rest of the village. We’ll continue investing in equestrian infrastructure which includes maintaining our extensive bridle trail network and protecting the rural lifestyle that has made Wellington such a special place for horse owners and competitors.”

Want more? Read the Invest: Palm Beach report.