Padel has transformed from a backyard invention into one of the fastest-growing racket sports worldwide.

Padel originated in 1969 in Mexico and rapidly expanded to Spain and Argentina. Today, it is a global sport with increasing professional and amateur participation.

Understanding its history and growth provides insight into its rising popularity and future potential.

What is the history of padel?

Padel was created by accident but evolved into a structured and competitive sport.

Padel was invented in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Mexico. It spread to Spain in 1974 and later gained international recognition.

Key Milestones in Padel History

Year	Event
1969	Enrique Corcuera creates padel in Acapulco, Mexico.
1974	Introduced in Spain by Alfonso de Hohenlohe.
1991	International Padel Federation (FIP)1 is founded.
1992	First World Padel Championships are held.
2005	World Padel Tour (WPT)2 is established.

The sport continues to evolve with modern equipment, professional circuits, and global tournaments.

How did padel become so popular?

Padel’s rapid growth can be attributed to its accessibility and fun gameplay.

Padel became popular due to its easy learning curve, social aspect, and rising investments in courts and tournaments worldwide.

Factors Driving Padel’s Popularity

Factor	Impact
Easy to Learn	Simpler technique than tennis, making it beginner-friendly.
Social Sport	Doubles format makes it fun and engaging.
Media Exposure	Celebrity endorsements increase awareness.
Infrastructure Growth	More clubs and courts are being built globally.

Countries like Spain, Sweden, and the UAE have seen massive investments in padel infrastructure, contributing to its rise.

What is padel called in America?

Padel is expanding in the U.S., but its name can sometimes be confusing.

In the United States, padel is often referred to as "padel tennis³" to distinguish it from platform tennis⁴ and pickleball⁵.

How Padel Compares to Other U.S. Racket Sports

Sport	Court Type	Racket Type	Popularity Level
Padel	Enclosed glass court	Solid racket	Growing
Tennis	Open court	Strung racket	Very Popular
Pickleball	Smaller open court	Paddle	Fastest Growing
Platform Tennis	Small court with screens	Solid paddle	Niche

Padel is still emerging in the U.S., but new clubs and professional events are helping raise awareness.

Is padel for the rich?

Padel has a reputation as an exclusive sport, but is it really only for the wealthy?

Padel was once considered a sport for the wealthy due to private clubs and expensive rackets, but its growing accessibility is making it more affordable worldwide.

Padel's Cost Breakdown

Expense	Price Range
Court Fees	$10–$40 per session (varies by region)
Racket Cost	$50–$400 depending on quality
Club Membership	Optional, varies by location

While some exclusive clubs charge high fees, public courts and affordable equipment are making padel more accessible to all players.

Conclusion

Padel began in Mexico in 1969 and has since evolved into a global sport, gaining rapid popularity due to its accessibility and social nature. While once seen as a sport for the wealthy, it is becoming more widely available, with increasing court installations and affordable equipment options worldwide.