Padel is transforming the global sports landscape, attracting players of all levels. Its rapid growth is reshaping the industry and opening new opportunities.

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, combining elements of tennis and squash. Its accessibility, social nature, and compact courts contribute to its rising popularity.

More people are discovering padel daily. Let’s explore why this sport is booming and whether it’s set to dominate the global market.

Why is padel becoming so popular?

Padel’s popularity is skyrocketing, with new clubs opening worldwide. What makes it so appealing, and why are people switching from traditional racket sports?

Padel is popular due to its easy learning curve, social appeal, and low physical barriers. It requires minimal technical skill, making it accessible to all ages.

Accessibility and Learning Curve

Unlike tennis, which demands technical skill and strength, padel is easier to pick up. The underhand serve¹ and smaller court make it ideal for beginners.

Feature	Tennis	Padel
Court Size	Large	Small
Skill Level	High	Low
Social Aspect	Medium	High
Physical Demand	High	Moderate

Social and Community Aspect

Padel is typically played in doubles, making it an inherently social sport. This aspect fosters strong communities, attracting both casual and competitive players.

Urban-Friendly Courts

With smaller courts, padel fits well in urban spaces. This makes it an attractive investment for clubs and cities, fueling its expansion.

Is padel the fastest growing sport in the world?

As sports evolve, padel has emerged as a contender for the fastest-growing sport. But is it truly outpacing others?

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, with exponential growth² in Europe and Latin America. It is now expanding into new markets, including the USA and Asia.

Global Growth Statistics

The number of padel courts and players has surged in recent years.

Year	Padel Players Worldwide	Number of Courts
2010	2 million	5,000
2020	15 million	25,000
2024	25 million+	40,000+

Industry Investment and Sponsorship

Major brands and investors are betting on padel’s future. With professional leagues and endorsements from top athletes, the sport is gaining mainstream attention.

Comparing with Other Fast-Growing Sports

Sports like pickleball and esports are also growing, but padel's infrastructure expansion³ gives it a unique edge.

When did padel get popular?

Padel has been around for decades, but its rise to mainstream popularity has been recent. When did it start gaining traction globally?

Padel became popular in the 1990s in Spain and Argentina, later expanding across Europe and Latin America. Its global surge began in the 2010s.

Early History

Padel was invented in 1969 in Mexico by Enrique Corcuera. It spread to Spain, where it flourished in the 1990s.

Expansion Across Europe and Latin America

The sport gained traction in Argentina and Spain before expanding into Italy, Sweden, and the Middle East.

Region	Key Growth Period
Spain	1990s-2000s
Argentina	1990s-2000s
Europe	2010s
Middle East	2020s

Modern-Day Boom

With social media, influencer endorsements⁴ and corporate investments, padel is now reaching new audiences worldwide.

Is padel growing in the USA?

While padel is well-established in Europe and Latin America, the U.S. market is just beginning to catch on. But is it growing fast enough?

Padel is experiencing rapid growth in the USA, with new clubs opening and rising interest from investors, sports brands, and players.

U.S. Market Expansion

Padel’s presence in the U.S. has been limited but is now gaining momentum with dedicated clubs and increased media coverage.

Year	Estimated Padel Courts in the USA
2010	< 50
2020	~200
2024	500+

Challenges and Opportunities

• Challenges: Lack of existing infrastructure, dominance of pickleball and tennis.
• Opportunities: Growing demand for social sports, investment from major brands, and rising awareness.

The Future of Padel in the U.S.

With celebrity endorsements and club expansions, padel is poised for significant growth in North America.

Conclusion

Padel is rapidly growing worldwide, driven by accessibility, social appeal, and urban-friendly courts. With strong investments and increasing global interest, it could become a dominant sport in the coming years.