Padel Fever: The Rise of a Global Sports Sensation

Padel, sometimes called Padel tennis, is a racket sport that originated in Mexico in the 1960s. It was created by Enrique Corcuera, a wealthy Mexican businessman who wanted to play Padel in his backyard but lacked the space for a full tennis court. Instead, he decided to build a smaller version of a tennis court.

Padel has a unique charm with its enclosed space and glass walls surrounding the court. A notable feature is that it’s typically played in doubles, enhancing its social aspect and making it a sport that fosters community and camaraderie.

Padel is often compared to tennis, but there are some key differences. The court is smaller, measuring 20 meters by 10 meters, and it has walls that players can use to keep the ball in play. The scoring system is also different, with matches usually played as best-of-three sets, each comprising six games.

Key Padel Statistics

• 25 million active Padel players in over 110 countries.
• 40,000 Padel courts globally as of 2022.
• Women make up 37.55% of Padel players.
• Men make up 62.45% of Padel players.
• 54% of Padel players are 26 years old and above.
• The Padel market size is estimated to be US$327 million in 2022.
• Spain and Argentina have the highest number of Padel players, with 3.7 million and 2.1 million players, respectively.
• Sweden and Italy are at number 3 and 4 at 563,000 and 521,000 players respectively.
• Spain has 22,120 known courts. 3,811 of these courts were built in 2021.
• Sweden comes in second with 5,740 courts, and Italy comes in third with 5,340 courts.
• New York-based Padel Haus is the most expensive court, with a $55/player/hour on-peak rate for non-members.
• Across northern Europe, peak-hour charges are about €40-50/hour. In southern Europe and small cities, the costs can be as low as €10-25/hour for off-peak hours.
• The top three professional tournaments held in 2023 across 24 countries in 55 major tournaments are the Premier Padel Tour, the World Padel Tour, and the A1 Padel Tour. These tours award €8.25 million in prize money.
• The Premier Padel Tour consists of 8 tournaments across seven nations, awarding € 3.3 million in prize money.
• The 2023 World Padel Tour is 28 tournaments awarding €2.95million in prize money.
• The 2023 A1 Padel Tour consists of 19 tournaments across 14 countries and an estimated € 2 million in prize money. The Open category A1 Padel tournaments award €90,000, and the Master category awards €110,000.
• Spain dominates with 18 tournaments across three tours. Mexico comes second with four tournaments, and Italy is third with three tournaments.
• Babolat rackets are the most used brand by 16% of Padel players. Bullpadel comes second at 13%, and Adidas comes third at 9%.

The Phenomenal Rise of Padel

Why Padel is Among the Fastest Growing Sports

Padel’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent times. Padel, a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, has seen a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years. It’s a fun game that’s capturing the attention of many, and it is currently one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. With an estimated 10 million people playing globally, the numbers are only expected to rise.

The growth of Padel can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, playing Padel is an easy and fun game, making it a new sport accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The smaller court size and lower net height make it less physically exerting than tennis, solidifying its status as a popular sport and ideal for those looking for enjoyable, low-impact physical activity.

Secondly, the sport has been actively promoted by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and national federations, resulting in increased awareness and demand for the sport. The FIP has also been instrumental in organizing international tournaments and establishing a world ranking system, further boosting the sport’s profile.

Thirdly, the COVID-19 pandemic has had its hand in influencing Padel’s popularity. As an indoor sport, playing Padel was an option even during lockdowns and social distancing measures. It provided an attractive solution for people playing while looking for a safe and socially distanced physical activity.

According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), Padel has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing team sports in the United States. With the sport gaining popularity in countries such as Spain, Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil, it is expected to continue its upward trend in the coming years.

Global Padel Participation

How Many Padel Players Are There?

Padel is a racquet sport that originated in Mexico and is now played worldwide. According to the International Padel Federation (FIP), there are approximately 15 million registered Padel players worldwide. Interestingly, a significant number of these players are former tennis players who have transitioned to Padel, finding it appealing and complementary to their racket skills.

The community comprises both newcomers and experienced players, further diversifying the player base. This number is expected to grow in the coming years due to the sport’s increasing popularity.

Padel Players by Country

Padel is most popular in Spain, where there are over 5 million players. Argentina and Mexico, both Spanish speaking countries, are also popular nations for Padel, boasting over 3 million and 1 million players, respectively. Beyond these regions, Padel has also gained traction in other Spanish speaking countries as well as in European countries. Specifically, other countries with significant Padel participation include Brazil, France, Italy, and Portugal.

Padel Players by Gender

Padel is a sport that is enjoyed by both men and women. According to the FIP, there are approximately 7 million male Padel players and 5 million female Padel players worldwide. The sport is also becoming increasingly popular among children and young adults.

In the United States, Padel is a relatively new sport with a small but growing number of players. The U.S. population is estimated to be around 328 million, and while the sport is still in its infancy in the country, it has the potential to grow in popularity in the coming years.

Overall, Padel is a sport that is gaining popularity worldwide, with increasing participation and interest in the sport. As the sport continues to grow, it may become a popular option for esports and other competitive events.

Expansion in the United States

The United States has seen a significant expansion in sports in recent years, with many new sports gaining popularity. One of the fastest-growing sports in the country is pickleball, which has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. The sport has become so popular that it has been added to the list of sports that will be played at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Padel Court Growth in the United States

Another sport that is rapidly growing in popularity in the United States is Padel. Padel is similar to tennis but is played on a smaller Padel court with walls. The sport originated in Mexico and has since spread to other parts of the world, including the United States.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of new Padel courts in the United States. Many cities now have dedicated Padel clubs with both Padel courts and tennis courts. Furthermore, recreation centers are also beginning to offer more Padel courts as the demand grows. While tennis court facilities have been a staple in many communities for years, the rapid emergence of padel courts signifies a shifting trend and growing interest in alternative racket sports.

Another factor contributing to the sport’s growth is that, unlike a traditional tennis court, a Padel court requires less space, making it a favorable option for urban areas with limited real estate. The growth of Padel in the United States can be attributed to its accessibility and the fact that it is easy to learn.

Overall, expanding sports facilities, especially the integration of tennis courts and Padel courts, in the United States is a positive development. It provides people with more opportunities to stay active and healthy. With the growth of sports like pickleball, tennis, and Padel, it is clear that the United States is evolving into a more diverse and inclusive sporting nation.

Conclusion

In recent years, sports have continued to evolve and grow in popularity. The United States, in particular, has seen a surge in the growth of various sports, including pickleball and Padel tennis.

Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in America. With its easy-to-learn rules and low-impact nature, it has quickly become a favorite among people of all ages. Similarly, padel tennis played with specific Padel rackets on Padel courts, has been gaining traction. The USA Pickleball Association (U.S.A.P.A.) has been instrumental in promoting and growing the sport of pickleball across the country. Meanwhile, the growing demand for padel courts and the increased interest in padel rackets indicate a similar trend for padel tennis in the US.

Many cities and recreation centers now offer pickleball courts and clubs, making it more accessible to the public. Additionally, there’s been a rise in facilities offering Padel court installations to cater to the growing base of Padel enthusiasts. The growth of both pickleball and Padel has led to the development of new equipment and accessories, further fueling their popularity.

While pickleball and Padel tennis may not be as well-known as other mainstream sports, their growth and popularity are undeniable. As more people discover these sports, they are likely to continue growing in popularity and become staples in the world of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions