Padel has seen an incredible surge in popularity over the past few years. This sport, which originated in Mexico in the 1960s, has now spread to over 110 countries with more than 25 million active players. Here’s why padel is becoming a global phenomenon:
Padel is known for its accessibility, making it easy for people of all ages and skill levels to pick up and enjoy. The smaller court size and slower ball speed compared to tennis make it less physically demanding, allowing more people to participate. This inclusivity has contributed to its rapid growth worldwide.
The infrastructure for padel has expanded significantly. According to the Playtomic Global Padel Report 2024, there are now over 40,000 padel courts globally, with an additional 250 facilities built in the UK alone between 2022 and 2023. This growth is projected to reach 70,000 courts by 2026.
The professional padel scene has also seen substantial growth. The International Padel Federation (FIP) organizes various circuits, including the Premier Padel, CUPRA FIP Tour, and FIP Promises, attracting top players from around the world. The sport’s competitive nature and the opportunity to compete internationally have drawn many players to take up padel.
Padel’s social aspect is a significant factor in its popularity. The sport encourages social interaction and is often played in doubles, making it a fun and engaging activity for friends and families. Many players also travel to different venues and countries to play, adding to the sport’s global appeal.
The padel market has attracted significant investment, with companies like Playtomic leading the way. The racket market saw a boom in 2023, with over six million units sold. This growth has led to the opening of 2,657 new padel clubs worldwide in 2023, with more than 50 new clubs opening every week.
Padel is not just growing in traditional padel nations like Spain and Italy but also in emerging markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and South Africa. This expansion is a testament to the sport’s universal appeal and adaptability.
Here some more data
- 25 million+ active players in 110 countries
- Over 40,000 padel courts globally
- 2,657 new padel clubs opened in 2023
- Projected to reach 70,000 courts by 2026
- 6 million+ padel rackets sold in 2023
Padel’s combination of accessibility, social appeal, and rapid infrastructure development has made it one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. As more people discover the joys of padel, its global presence is only expected to grow further.
