diff --git a/research/state-of-padel-q1-2026/README.md b/research/state-of-padel-q1-2026/README.md index 420017c..f8982db 100644 --- a/research/state-of-padel-q1-2026/README.md +++ b/research/state-of-padel-q1-2026/README.md @@ -22,3 +22,8 @@ Re-extract text if needed: ```bash pdftotext -layout fip_world_padel_report_2025.pdf fip_2025_text.txt ``` + +## Playtomic / PwC Global Padel Report 2025 PDF (not committed — 39 MB) + +PDF at `~/Downloads/PLAYTOMIC_GLOBAL _PADEL_REPORT_2025.pdf`. +Extracted text committed at `sources/playtomic_global_padel_report_2025.txt`. diff --git a/research/state-of-padel-q1-2026/sources/playtomic_global_padel_report_2025.txt b/research/state-of-padel-q1-2026/sources/playtomic_global_padel_report_2025.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9aad12b --- /dev/null +++ b/research/state-of-padel-q1-2026/sources/playtomic_global_padel_report_2025.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1280 @@ +Global Padel Report +2025 Release Dear community, + + As a company immersed in building this industry from the ground up, w e can say this w ith full + conviction: the future of padel will be defined by the performance the current business, and + by the collective responsibility of every key stakeholder in this ecosystem. + + Yes, the numbers are exciting. A 26% increase in club openings, 7,000 new courts built + + +The future is + w orldw ide, and record-breaking player retention. But w hat really matters now is not just w hat + w e build, but how w e build it together. + + Because the truth is: w e are not just competing w ith other sports. We’ re competing w ith every + +being shaped possible w ay people can spend their time and attention. In a w orld of overw helming + entertainment options and deep uncertainty, the relevance of padel w ill depend on our ability + to create not just courts, but compelling experiences, sustainable, inclusive, and digitally + + +now, and it's in + native. + + This is a shared mission. Clubs are the frontlines, but federations, racket and apparel brands, + court manufacturers, digital platforms, and players themselves all carry part of the w eight. The + +our hands transition from exclusive to accessible, from traditional to tech-enabled, is already underw ay. + We are no longer just grow ing, w e are professionalizing. + + What lies ahead is an opportunity to position padel as a global sport of the future. One that + unites passion, innovation, and community. But seizing that opportunity means embracing a + higher standard, from operations to storytelling, from user experience to long-term vision. + + At this stage, excellence is not optional. It's w hat w ill separate industries that thrive from those + that fade. + + Let’s rise to that challenge, together. + + With conviction and commitment, +Pablo Carro Antonio Robert Elena Martín +Co-Founder Managing Director Partner + Pablo Carro + Co-Founder PlaytomicGLOBAL PADEL REPORT 2025 + + + +Index 1 Introduction + + + + + 2 Market Analysis + + + + + 3 Club Economics + + + + + 4 Professionalization and role of software + + + + + 5 Olympic Track + + + + + 6 Conclusions Introduction + + + Padel continues to drive increasing global + interest + + 18% + Base 100 Index – Relative weight of “padel” over Google searches +100 +90 + 201624 +80 +70 +60 +50 + The volume of “padel” +40 Google searches has +30 continued to rise, with a + significant increase since +20 2016, indicating a surge in +10 worldwide interest + + 0 + 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 + + Source(s): Google Trends for keyword “padel” worldwide (as of May 2025, Strategy& analysisIntroduction + + +As more regions embrace padel, the sport gains +momentum Top emerging padel search countries ⁽ ¹⁾ + + #1 Lithuania + #2 Tunisia + #3 Croatia + #4 United Kingdom + #5 Colombia + #6 Morocco + #7 Ireland + #8 Switzerland + #9 Mexico +Interest based on searches from: + #10 Serbia + #11 Austria + + Very strong interest in Google searches #12 Venezuela + + Strong interest in Google searches #13 Malaysia + Moderate interest in Google searches #14 Germany + New countries + Weak interest in Google searches #15 Indonesia + +Note(s): 1) Ranked by interest growth 23' vs 24'), weighted by each country’s share of global search volume, excluding leading countries. +Source(s): Google Trends for keyword “padel” worldwide (as of May 2025, Strategy& analysisCHAPTER 1 + + + +Market +Analysis +Padel’s global expansion remains +strong and sustained. In 2024, 3,282 +new clubs were opened, averaging +nearly 9 per day, representing a 26% +increase from the previous year 7 per +day in 2023. + +Over 7k new courts were built, bringing +the global total to 50,017 courts, above +forecast. Growth has now stabilized +along a pre-COVID trajectory, with +regional dynamics evolving. + +While growth rates vary across +countries, padel is now growing both +faster and more sustainably.Market Analysis + + + + +Club openings increased by 26% in 2024 +Number of clubs built yearly 15,933 + + + +26% club openings In 2024, 3,282 new clubs were added, translating to + 12,651 nearly 9 clubs opening every single day, reinforcing + the sport’s momentum and global adoption + 3,282 new clubs + 9,994 + Building on strong growth in 2023, new padel club + 9 clubs/day 8,001 openings in 2024 have increased by 26% year-over- + year, a clear indication that padel is far from + 5,895 saturation + 4,927 + 3,956 + 3,317 + 2,811 + + + + + 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 + + +Source(s): Court manufacturers, Strategy& analysisMarket Analysis + + + + +More than 7,000 new courts were built globally + +7,187 +Number of courts installed yearly + 50,436 50,416 +The number of courts has multiplied fivefold since 2016 and is expected 43,249 +17% +to continue growing at a rate of 17% over the coming years, with new 37,432 +16% +markets emerging. + 29,232 + + 20,188 + 16,638 + 13,678 + 11,774 + 10,096 + + + + 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Total 2024 Forecast 2024 + + + The 2024 forecast has been surpassed, with the number of courts reaching 50k, + a 17% increase compared to 2023 and consistent with the previous year’s growth rate (16% in the 2022-23 period) + + +Source(s): Court manufacturers, Padel lands, Strategy& analysisMarket Analysis + + +New regions are gaining relevance while in +developing ones, growth is picking up +New courts built in 2024 by country + While Asia is still emerging, it + presents a major long-term + Demand is high, driven by clubs opportunity for the sport 7,187 + offering additional services and + 522 + high occupancy rates 270 + Padel is gaining significant + traction, especially in the + 873 + southern regions + 1,148 + 365 + 431 Latin America’s padel + 548 expansion is driven by + 329 Mexico, new markets like + 352 + Brazil are emerging slowly + 1,272 Padel is growing steadily, Slowing growth potentially + 1,077 with major expansion driven by increased competition + expected around 2027 from other alternatives + + + Iberia France USA UK Benelux DACH Italy Rest of Latam Asia Middle East Total 2024 + Europe and Africa + +Source(s): Court manufacturers, Padel lands, Strategy& analysisMarket Analysis + + +Increase in popularity has been accompanied by +an increase in gross monetary value GMV +Gross Monetary value evolution €k per court and month] + 2023-24 saw the UK The undisputed GMV + +74% rise to the top of the leader for 2023-24 was + 2023 2024 GMV per court, after a Indonesia, reaching over + 9.7 74% increase €6k after a 173% increase + + + + + GMV has risen by double digits across all European countries, +173% + with Germany standing out with a 48% increase + +40% + 6.3 + +12% 5.6 5.4 + +48% + +11% 4.2 + 4.0 3.8 3.8 + 3.1 + 2.7 2.8 + +16% 2.3 + + 1.1 1.2 + + + + Spain Germany Italy Benelux UK USA Indonesia + +Source(s): Court manufacturers, Playtomic internal analysis, Strategy& analysisMarket Analysis + + + + +Padel growth rates vary across countries +Growth stage by country + + + This reflects the general growth curve of padel across countries, typically starting + gradually and accelerating over time, but the pace and steepness can vary + significantly depending on local investment, infrastructure, and legal restrictions. + + + + + Varying + Projected growth for the US is expected to be more exponential, while steepness* + countries such as the UK are projected to see a more gradual trend. + + + + + Beginning Growth Consolidation Maturity + + + +Source(s): News Reports, Strategy& analysis Market Analysis + + + Padel is now growing faster and more + sustainably, with stronger foundations in place + Number of courts + + + Today, it is expanding more rapidly, helped by USA + technology, often establishing solid foundations within + 56 years, while following a more sustainable path, + Germany + learning from rapid-boom cases like Sweden. + + France + Padel’s growth used to take longer to gain + traction in new countries, as seen in Spain’s + early development + Spain + + + + +1974 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 + + + + + Source(s): Court manufacturers, Strategy& analysis Market Analysis + + + Rising hubs across Europe, US, APAC and Latin + America drive dynamic growth +USA Latin America: Europe: Middle East: APAC and Africa: +• Growth remains scattered, with • Argentina stands out as a • Italy faces a slowdown in growth, • Qatar: Government • Early-stage growth in countries + hotspots like Miami and Texas traditional, active padel market likely due to tennis popularity like Indonesia and Thailand + restrictions for new club +• Faster expansion expected in • Countries like Mexico are openings + 2026, with real acceleration • France continues to grow , • Australia faces slower + growing steadily, Brazil is showing potential for + projected for 2027 emerging, with signs of • UAE consolidated markets, development due to bureaucracy + acceleration and competition from pickleball + digitalization with new openings + Number • The UK is becoming a solid restricted to large indoor + 0.8k • While chains emerge in Mexico, • China remains focused primarily + of courts + market despite its struggles with clubs + multiclubs rise in Colombia + on manufacturing + bureaucracy + • Saudi Arabia: rapid growth + Number + 44k encouraged by government • India is emerging, fueled by + of courts tournaments + support + Number + 1.6k • South Africa is the biggest + of courts + market in Africa, with no legal + barriers and strong consolidation + + Number + 2.7k + of courts + + + + + Source(s): Court manufacturers, Playtomic, Strategy& analysis Market Analysis + + + + + US padel is concentrated in a handful of locations + Small but emerging padel scene in larger cities in the US market dynamics and trends + north with a few larger clubs in NYC, a handful in + Boston and Chicago + Padel clubs located 1–2 miles apart, show alarming performance differences, with + one outperforming its neighbor by 3–5x due to stronger digital infrastructure, better + site selection (e.g., safer neighborhoods), and skilled management. + + + Safety and zoning concerns influence lot Digitalization and club operations + selection + Crime rates and neighborhood perception Booking systems, customer experience + play a significant role in club success platforms are key competitive advantages + + + + Emerging padel chains + +Mostly in Southern California, with +some activity in San Francisco, while +activity in LA is limited but +experiencing a “back to front +growth”(1) + + Miami is the US padel hub but padel + Led by Houston, future is expanding to the north of Florida, to + projects pending in Austin cities such as Fort Lauderdale + + Note(s): 1) Padel in LA has been a big private court sport and is now beginning to be publicly available + Source(s): News Reports, Strategy& analysisMarket Analysis + + + + +Pickleball and padel: a healthy coexistence + “ Any racket sport, I think they all help each other out. I see the same w ith + + + 92% pickleball players trying padel for the first time. The conversion in most cases is + one w ay, meaning people try padel and they just want to play padel; they don’ t + Retention rate for w ant to go back to tennis or pickleball. We have a 92% retention rate in terms of + padel after first try people w ho come to try this sport for a second time returning for a third time.” + + - Santiago Gomez, CEO of Padel Haus + + + + + Pickleball, the American sport, is more widely known in + the US than padel, however, that is starting to change…In + 30% addition, its smaller courts attract different player profiles + compared to padel + Of padel clubs have + pickleball courts + Padel requires strong cardiovascular endurance, agility, and strength to sustain + performance levels. While pickleball also demands good footwork and quick + reflexes, its smaller court and lighter ball require less physical exertion. +Source(s): News Reports, Strategy& analysis Market Analysis + + + Brazil grows while facing beach tennis + competition, and Colombia via multiclubs + Brazil Colombia + Bucaramanga +“The Brazil padel market is growing at a speed of 3 courts per day” – Región Costeña +President of the Brazilian Padel Federation 6 15 + 21 62 + Cúcuta + Digitalization Argentina Perception + Medellin + 4 12 + Proximity to Argentina Padel is often seen as + Brazil has a high level 36 117 Bogotá + has influenced the an upscale sport due + of digitalization, + bookings, communities, + sport’s growth in to its strong 40 126 + southern Brazil. But association with Spain + and communication for + cultural rivalry with and exclusive clubs. + Eje Cafetero Chía/Cajicá + both sports are mobile- + Argentina makes Beach tennis is + first + padel feel “foreign” viewed as accessible 12 33 13 36 + + Cost level Beach tennis Professionalization + Valle del Cauca + Villavicencio + 21 + Lower average ticket Transition from beach A lot of padel 21 + for padel compared to tennis to padel is academies are 61 + Europe, but there’s relatively easy due to emerging, mostly linked Ibagué 21 + growing demand as similar skill sets. Beach to investments in the + more people want to tennis has an edge in professionalization of 9 Clubs + try the sport. affordability new generations + 21 Courts + + Source(s): News Reports, Strategy& analysis Market Analysis + + + In Mexico, padel is experiencing solid growth in + major cities and outside urban centers + Main trends of padel in Mexico + Mexico’s dynamics vary across cities, Monterrey showing a highly + developed market, while Mexico City presents growth opportunities due to + Appearance of Strong growth in a lower current club presence + new chains several cities - Comparatively high prices in relation to mature markets such as + New chains such as Golden There has been a significant + increase in the number of clubs + Italy or Spain : Some padel clubs operate with a 5-year lifespan but + Point and Spider have + emerged. However, most in major cities, which presents a manage to become profitable quickly + clubs remain independent, Main new challenge: speeding up the + occasionally opening a trends in adoption of padel by new - With many clubs and a mobile player base, clubs are forced to create + players and attracting more + second location Mexico coaches, as the lack of both engaging products during off-peak hours: open matches, rankings, + creates friction in the market Americanas + + Geographical Diversification of Emerging padel chains + capillarity activities + Padel has reached cities The clubs are offering + with less than 200,000 activities related to padel +inhabitants, demonstrating as well as other sports with +its expansion beyond urban similar audiences, such as + centers Pilates or yoga, to attract + potential players + + + Source(s): News Reports, Strategy& analysisMarket Analysis + + + + +The Padel Riviera - France’s padel boom continues +Number + 3.4k CAGR + CAGR22-25 + 22-25 31% + 74% Fondness for racket sports (similarities with tennis) +of courts + Initially tennis clubs opened padel courts, transferable skills + +Padel courts + Celebrity role models driving interest + Zidane and Tony Parker as examples of investors and players + + + + Appearance of padel in Roland-Garros + Premier Padel Tour held at the tennis stadium, increasing visibility + + + + Lack of Marketplace App + Limits accessibility and connections between players and clubs + + + +The most dynamic region is the Southeast of France (Montpellier, Marseille, Affiliation requirement to play tournaments +French Riviera) followed by the Paris region and the Southwest (Bordeaux) Limits participation, discouraging newer, casual participants + + +Source(s): Court manufacturers, Playtomic, News Reports, Strategy& analysis Market Analysis + + + + + Padel has entered mainstream society in the UK + Number + 0.8k + CAGR22-25 + CAGR + CAGR22-25 + 22-25 50% + 74% Padel in the UK is steadily growing, with regional chains expanding + of courts + into nationwide ones. In addition to celebrity money, brands like + Slazenger are increasingly engaging with the sport, either through +Padel is also beginning to emerge acquisitions or organic growth. +in Glasgow, which has grown +from 0 to 6 clubs in the past 6 +months and is still underserved, +due to its population of 3.5 million “Slazenger to open its first UK padel club” + The Padel Paper, September 2024 + + Leeds “Slazenger are to open their first UK padel club in Leeds on 11 October with the wheels + already in motion on a further 11 locations. Slazenger Padel Clubs are backed by Frasers + Group, the UK’s largest retail group, which owns the likes of Sports Direct, House of Fraser, + Top 5 counties Manchester Everlast Gyms and Jack Wills.”. + + #1 London + #2 Manchester Derby + “Britain now third biggest market in world” + #3 Bristol City AM, June 2025 + “Britain is now one of the top three padel markets in the world by revenue, fuelled by new + #4 Leeds Bristol club openings and ever-increasing demand for court bookings. By games of padel played, + #5 Derby Britain ranks as the fifth biggest market in the world, while it has also been dubbed the + “most social” nation because it has the highest ratio of open matches to regular bookings + London worldwide”. + + Source(s): Court manufacturers, Playtomic, News Reports, Strategy& analysis Market Analysis + + + + + Padel expands across APAC, led by Indonesia + + 1 + Expat-Driven Growth + CHINA + JAPAN + Expats sparked early interest, with locals joining as + Mostly involved as a manufacturer federations and motivated by seeing international exhibition + INDIA + though a few clubs are located there matches develop + Taiwan + + + + + 2 + Hong Kong High real estate prices are driving clubs + to open outside the city Collaborative Spirit + THAILAND PHILIPPINES + Clubs often team up to grow the sport and reach wider + Largest growth is taking place in communities + Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore, with + + + + 3 + local businesses beginning to expand to + Malaysia and the Philippines Payment Challenges + MALAYSIA Adapting to local payment systems is key to enabling smooth + bookings + + + + + 4 + INDONESIA + Multi-Site Club Development + Successful clubs often expand by replicating a proven model +Most are frequented by expats across new sites +and located in Bali, while + + + + 5 +Jakarta has +50 clubs, High Demand for Bookings in Advance +underserving their 25M AUSTRALIA +inhabitants Courts fill quickly and months in advance due to strong + interest in academies and social play + Source(s): Playtomic, News Reports, Strategy& analysis Market Analysis + + +Major tournaments are driving court infrastructure +in India + In spite of higher infrastructure and attendant Celebrities with large follower bases, including Bollywood actors, cricket players and + tennis champions, as well as the organization of tournaments, including official ones by + costs, the sport is spreading from big cities to the FIP and amateur events, are playing a large role in promoting padel. + small towns, though significant growth is not + expected in the short term “India Padel Open: Spain dominate, win men’s and women’s pair titles” + Hindustan Times, November 2024 + Padel is making waves, especially in corporate India and exclusive members-only clubs who + now have more options than golf for cardio and camaraderie. “Greater Noida: At the Bennett University, on the balmy Sunday evening, the men’s and + women’s pair from the tennis-mad nation walked away with titles as the first edition of FIP + Promotion India Padel Open drew to a close.” +Chandigarh UP-AND-COMING + +Delhi +• House of Padel "Padel is growing quickly in India, and it is great to bring such High Ranking Padel +• REPPP players to our country. This should give a boost to all sports fans and Padel fans. With a +• Vasant Vihar Club 400 % growth of Padel courts in the country and the sport will continue to grow.“ +• Panchshila Club + +Mumbai Hyderabad - Mahesh Bhupati, Indian tennis champion +Hotspot for padel with 50-60 UP-AND- +courts in 2024 COMING Chennai + Even though only around 5% of India's population is considered affluent, + Padel Park is on track to + become the largest + country operator… + Bengaluru + 60M meaning they have sufficient disposable income for premium leisure activities, + that still translates to over 60 million people – which is equivalent to the + entire population of countries like Italy or Spain, where padel is booming. + + + + Source(s): News Reports, Strategy& analysisMarket Analysis + + + + +In the Middle East, the future of padel is indoors + Qatar United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia + + • High seasonality, with indoor clubs filling up while outdoor clubs lose momentum + • Service driven, with employees that work to drive up demand, low digital value +Commonalities • Local investors but high number of international players (expats) + • Competitive sports have little tradition, but padel is gaining traction thanks to its ease for newcomers and royal involvement + + + Almost none due to government Only very large clubs emerging, Only very large clubs emerging, + Club openings, + restrictions that attempt to limit highly consolidated government incentives for sports + consolidation + number of clubs based on users infrastructure + + + Mature market, clubs distinguish Very mature, consolidated market, + Maturity stage themselves through very high- small outdoor clubs closing down Golden years, high growth + quality services (e.g. Sports Dom) and very few new openings + + + + Separate courts for women or Fewer and fewer separation by + Gender aspects Almost no gender separation + differing playing times gender + + Women remain a minority, more female expats than local padel players + +Source(s): Playtomic, News Reports, Strategy& analysisMarket Analysis + + +The sport is expected to continue growing at pre- +covid levels +Total number of courts by year, historical and forecasted Forecast + + +17% + Limited access to other sports, an easy learning experience and compatibility with + social distancing led to interest in padel increasing significantly in pandemic times + and bottlenecks in padel court construction in 2020 led to rapid growth in 2021-22 +16% + 81,555 + +36% + 70,274 + 59,524 + +19% 50,436 + 43,249 + 37,432 + 29,232 + 16,638 20,188 + 10,096 11,774 13,678 + +2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 + + + + After a significant acceleration during and following the pandemic, the rise of padel has stabilized, + returning to the pre-covid path with a similar growth rate, which padel is expected to maintain in the next years + +Source(s): Court manufacturers, Padel lands, Strategy& analysisCHAPTER 2 + + + +Economics +Padel economics show a clear +evolution from beginner-focused +activities to competitive open play. In +early markets, bookings are +dominated by classes and social +events, helping players get started. + +As participation grows, players +shift toward self-organized +matches, boosting bookings. This +trend reflects rising confidence and +skill levels. + +Indoor and outdoor court balance +also affects pricing and availability, +with weather conditions influencing +court usage and overall revenue. Economics + + + Booking share shifts from social events and + classes to open matches over time + Classes and social events Open matches + + + + +Bookings by type + Social events such as ladies' + morning or americana plus + academies represent 70% of + 74% open matches and + bookings + private reservations + + + + + Time since introduction of padel + Beginning Growth Consolidation Maturity + Exhibition matches Social events Advanced training + Regular play + Beginner classes Increased participation Social tournaments + Advanced competition + Celebrities Introductory leagues Open matches + National/international tournaments + Casual play Friendly competition Leisure leagues + + + Over time, various stages of growth often progress concurrently; for instance, reaching market maturity does not imply the discontinuation of beginner-level + offerings + + + Source(s): Strategy& analysisEconomics + + +Booking types vary by region, with open matches +usually favored by experienced players +Occupation by booking type % + Player and club bookings Academy + • Emerging markets (e.g., Indonesia) show higher booking + Open matches Leagues & tournaments + rates for single and course classes (academy), since + players are new to the game + + 8% 15% 12% • As players improve their skills, they begin to lose interest + 25% 13% 25% in classes and start booking more direct matches + 10% reservations, so that their level increases and is more + accurately reflected + 7% 11% + • Once a country reaches full maturity (as in the case of + Spain), experienced players tend to continue playing + 93% through private bookings, while newcomers typically + 88% + 82% 80% enter the sport by enrolling in classes + 74% + 67% 63% + • Social factors have a significant impact on the appeal of + open matches, as reduced safety undermines users’ + trust in playing with strangers. This issue particularly + aDects open matches in South Africa and Mexico + +Indonesia Germany UK France Spain South Africa Mexico + +Source(s): Playtomic, Strategy& analysisEconomics + + +Open matches are the most profitable booking, +though only popular in mature markets Since leagues & tournaments + include recurring games, they +Booking types a % of gross value are more expensive + + Player and club bookings Academy Price per hour by booking type €/h Average ticket1 € + Open matches Leagues & tournaments + + 5% Player and Open + 8% 10% 6% Country Academy Leagues Tournaments + 8% 15% club bookings matches + 11% 25% + 17% 10% Indonesia 33 € 33 € 54 € N/A 51 € + + 11% Germany 43 € 48 € 44 € 50 € 71 € + 49% + + UK 52 € 65 € 75 € 125 € 70 € + + 90% + South Africa 23 € 30 € 22 € 47 € 68 € + 85% + 81% + 9% 74% + 72% Mexico 34 € 49 € 24 € 27 € 64 € + 63% + France 29 € 32 € 30 € N/A 25 € + 34% + Spain 24 € 27 € 28 € 26 € 42 € + + +Indonesia Germany UK South Africa Mexico France Spain Avg. ticket 28 € 30 € 34 € 55 € 56 € +Note(s): 1) The average ticket is the average price per reservation and not per hour (a reservation may be for a period of time longer or shorter than an hour), though 6090 minutes matches are the norm +Source(s): Playtomic, Strategy& analysisEconomics + + + + +Indoor vs outdoor courts: prices and availability +Avg. ticket1 by court +Indoor courts 25 € 57 € 40 € 39 € 49 € 32 € 25 € 37 € 70 € 90 € + +Outdoor courts 23 € 48 € 36 € 29 € 37 € 24 € 22 € 33 € 53 € 60 € + Indoor courts Outdoor courts +South Africa has recently experienced booking challenges due to frequent rainfall and a +high proportion of outdoor courts, vulnerable to weather disruptions + + 21% + 35% 36% + 48% 44% + 58% 55% 58% 56% 63% + + + 79% + 65% 64% + 52% 56% + 42% 45% 42% 44% 37% + + + South Africa UK Netherlands Mexico Italy France Spain Belgium Australia USA + + Achieving higher occupancy levels depends heavily on accurately balancing indoor and outdoor court availability, + taking into account price sensitivity and weather patterns to optimize both accessibility and revenue +Note(s): 1) The average ticket is the average price per reservation and not per hour (a reservation may be for a period of time longer or shorter than an hour), though 6090 minutes matches are the norm +Source(s): Playtomic, Strategy& analysisCHAPTER 3 + + +Professionalization & +role of software +Padel’s business model has evolved +from exclusive, membership-only +clubs to a more inclusive, pay-to- +play ecosystem, driven by urban +demand, regulatory adaptation, and +commercial potential. + +This shift has unlocked broader +access, replacing long-term fees +and entry barriers with flexible, app- +based bookings. As a result, +participation has surged. + +Digital platforms now play a central +role, enhancing user experience, +enabling data-driven coaching, and +fostering community growth. Professionalization and Role of Software + + + Padel has evolved from a membership-only to a + pay-to-play model… + + The sport breaks out of + private clubs and becomes + accessible to the wider + public through commercial + “pay-to-play” venues, Shift to Indoor Facilities + especially in urban areas + + Governments and local + + + +Growth + administrations begin to + A surge in popularity leads recognize padel’s growth + many clubs to convert and adjust licensing, zoning, Rise of Pay-to-Play Model + Padel enters countries + through exclusive country underused tennis/soccer and funding accordingly, + clubs, often tied to private courts into padel courts, a making expansion faster + membership culture (e.g., more space-efficient, low- + barrier move + Puerta de Hierro in Spain) + To increase year-round + Regulatory Adaptation revenue and mitigate + weather, indoor padel + Membership-only clubs Court Conversions becomes the dominant + format in countries like the + UK and northern Italy + + + + + Time + Source(s): News Reports, Strategy& analysisProfessionalization and Role of Software + + + + +…with different access and experience types + Membership model Pay-to-play model + + + + Requisites: Usually require recommendations for Requisites: Open access + entry, family tradition of belonging to the club or Fees: : Pay per use; rates vary based on location, + someone leaving to take their place time slot, and court type + Fees: One time entry down payment and No long-term commitment required + recurring monthly membership fee + Prices often reflect local real estate value, + Real Club Puerta de Hierro Hurlingham Club premium areas may charge significantly more + Entry down payment: €300k Entry down payment: £400k More digitalized: booking and payments are + Trimester quota: €333 Trimester quota: £1,400 typically done through apps or online platforms + Optional add-ons: Equipment rental, coaching, + Use of the courts: included at no extra charge, lighting (for evening play), recording of match + though no-shows may incur a penalty highlights etc. + + System is generally less digitalizedProfessionalization and Role of Software + + + + +Digitalization, advantages for padel development + Increased Accessibility and Participation + Lower barriers for new players lead to regular play, + encouraging skill development + + + Data and Analytics for Clubs and Coaches + Professional infrastructure and personalized experiences + improve, making clubs and coaching more viable and scalable + + + + Community Building and Competitive Ecosystem + Creates a sustainable ecosystem that mirrors more mature + sports. + + + + Professional Pathways and Talent Identification + Creates a bridge between recreational and professional play, + increasing career opportunities in padel + + +Source(s): News Reports, Strategy& analysisCHAPTER 4 + + +Olympic Path +While padel is aligning well with +Olympic values, such as gender +equality, ethical standards, and +growing international reach, its path +to inclusion is hindered by the fact +that only Spain and Argentina +currently play the sport at a truly +elite level. + +Nonetheless, the FIP’s The +International Padel Federation) active +efforts to globalize padel through +youth programs, partnerships, and +expanded tournaments show strong +intent to close this competitive gap. + +Olympic inclusion would bring +major benefits, including increased +funding, visibility, and athlete +support. Olympic Track + + + + + Requisites to be an Olympic sport + + + + + Compliance Global Reach Well Established Rules Ethical considerations Approval time frame +-Olympic Charter Practised by The sport must have standard Related to the ethics of the A new sport needs to be +-World Anti-Doping programme rules that are applied Olympics, promoting peace, approved 7 years prior to the + Countries and +-Olympic Movement Code on the 60 3 continents + internationally at all respect and fairness for all Olympic Games it will be +Prevention of the Manipulation competition levels required to participants. It should not included in. +of Competition have a history in hosting promote any form of + competitions and events. discrimination or violence. + + + + Chief Sport Officer of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, Kit McConnell stated that, + “We had a very clear vision about the games being more youth, more urban, more women.” + + Source(s): Olympic Charter, SportAccord, News Reports, Strategy& analysisOlympic Track + + +2025, a key year +for padel +“The IOC Executive Board, meeting today in Costa +Navarino, Greece, has decided that the initial sports +programme of the Olympic Games Brisbane 2032 will +be determined at an IOC Session in 2026.” + + +The Olympic Charter's Rule 45 states that the +Olympic Programme is decided by the IOC Session +"in principle seven years prior to the opening of the +concerned Olympic Games." + + +The one-year extension was agreed upon by the +IOC and the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee. + + + + Source(s): Olympic Charter, News Reports, Strategy& analysisOlympic Track + + + + +Where Padel stands on the Olympic track + +87 2 + National federations are currently Padel also has (1) well established rules that + affiliated with the FIP are applied internationally and a history of + tournaments, including Premier Padel and + Hexagon Cup and (2) promotes peace, respect + and fairness + + + + + 5 3 + Continents where padel is currently + Complies with (1) Olympic Charter, (2) + played, with the highest representation + World Anti-Doping Code, (3) Olympic + of players in Europe (59%) + Movement Code on the Prevention of + the Manipulation of Competition + + + + +40 + Percent of padel players were Since January 2025, 16 National Federations have + female in 2024, reflecting the FIP's adhered to the FIP, reaching 87 federations. + Gender Equality Policy, further + reinforced by the IPF Code of Ethics + + + +Source(s): Olympic Charter, Strategy& analysisOlympic Track + + + + +Olympic politics: additional factors + + + + Click to add title + + Host Preferences Facility Legacy TV Appeal Next Generation Cultural diversity + +In the new process of There is a very strong push As broadcasting rights Attracting young athletes Promoting global reach +selecting sports, the IOC to eliminate the need for represent the primary uninterested in traditional by including sports that +has given a lot of costly facilities that later revenue stream for the sports and ensuring long- engage underrepresented +flexibility to the local fall out of use, a strong Games, the IOC aims to align term relevance by regions, such as cricket +organising committee to criticism of the 2004 Athens with broadcasters’ and selecting sports that appeal that may spark interest in +make recommendations. Olympics. audience’s preferences. to next-gen viewers. South Asia. + + + + Moreover, it is problematic for a sport to be played proficiently only in Spain and Argentina to become part of the Olympic + Games. Countries where the sport is still emerging struggle to compete with those where players have trained their entire lives. + +Source(s): News Reports, Strategy& analysisOlympic Track + + + + +The FIP is highly involved in the Olympic goal +FIP Strategic Priorities 20252027: “FIP strengthens ties with Padel America “FIP looks to the future: President Carraro + and Padel Asia to drive globalisation of at the European Olympic Committees + “Increase the number of players and the countries padel and its Olympic pathway mission” (EOC) Assembly” + where padel is played in the world and in particular International Padel Cluster, April 2025 FIP News, March 2025 + the number of national federations affiliated with the + FIP” “At the Qatar Major Premier Padel 2025, the + “President Carraro met with Bach, President + FIP and Padel America and Asia formalized + “Monitoring and supporting the growth of new of the IOC and Samaranch, candidate for the + their partnership, focusing on infrastructure, + upcoming presidency to reinforce a shared + generations is one of FIP's primary objectives on a youth development, and expanding into new + vision for padel’s continued global expansion + global level” markets.” + and prominence.” + + “Giving more visibility to senior athletes as + custodians of great experience, technical skills + and values” + “IOC President Thomas Bach visits BNL + “Premier Padel, Hexagon Cup and FIP strike + Italy Major Premier Padel” + strategic partnership as padel targets + Padel FIP, June 2025 +Which they plan to achieve through 5 programs: Olympic inclusion” + SportsPro, February 2025 + + + + 1 Sports + Programme 2 Communication + and Digital plan + “Buenaventura, founder of the Hexagon Cup, + stated “Together, we have the goal of + “The International Padel Federation (FIP) and + Premier Padel were delighted to meet + + 5 Social globalising the sport and achieving its International Olympic Committee (IOC) + + 3 4 + Development Sustainability Programme Olympic inclusion at the earliest President Thomas Bach at the BNL Italy Major + Programme Programme opportunity.”” Premier tournament today at the iconic Foro + Italico.” + +Source(s): FIP, Strategy& analysis Olympic Track + + + + + Impact of becoming an Olympic sport +Olympic status offers institutional… … as well as commercial benefits + + Regulations by the National Sports Comission The commercial New Olympians are Sport-related posts + Example of Spain appeal of the Games gaining massive show significant + is expanding. social media visibility. increases. + Top priority at National High-Performance Centers: + • Elite infrastructure, specialized coaching, and advanced + medical and scientific support + + Benefits for athletes: + • Reserved educational spots and merit-based advantages in + public sector job access + • Tax exemptions, special Social Security agreements, grants + Preferential Access to funding for Olympic Sports + Annual ordinary subsidy Next Generation EU funds + allocated in 2025 Max per federation + 60% 8M + New Social Media + 75% + #Surfing posts after + by the CSD to all out of 6M for Uplift in sponsorship + 60M sports federations, 500K technological followers for Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina’s + revenue in the Paris + priority for Olympic upgrades skateboarder after performance in 2024 + disciplines Olympics + Olympic performance Olympics + + + + Source(s): News Reports, Strategy& analysisCHAPTER 5 + + + +Conclusions +Padel continues its global rise, with +strong growth in 2024 and projected +increases in court numbers in the +near future. Interest is spreading +fast, especially in the US, APAC, +and Latin America, with +digitalization emerging as a key +differentiator for club performance. + +With 92% player retention and +increasing tournament activity, padel +is evolving into a sustainable sport +with strong Olympic ambitions for +the Brisbane 2032 games.Conclusions + + + + +Key takeaways + + 1 Club openings increased by 26%, with 7k new courts built globally in 2024, signaling sustained growth across + multiple regions + + + + 2 Even though growth rates vary by country, with some seeing gradual increases and others accelerating more + rapidly, padel is now growing at a faster and more sustainable pace + + + + 3 Growth has now stabilized along a pre-COVID trajectory, after reaching an all-time high, likely due to a + backlog of court installations postponed during the pandemic + + + + 4 Pickleball and padel are expected to coexist healthily, with 30% of padel clubs in the US also having + pickleball courts, and a 92% retention rate among first-time padel players + + + 5 While classes and social events are the most common types of bookings in countries where padel is still + emerging, private reservations and open matches become predominant as players improve their skills + +Source(s): Strategy& analysisConclusions + + + + +Key takeaways + + 6 Open matches allow clubs to charge higher ticket prices than classes, though player and club SaaS bookings + remain the main source of revenue due to their strong popularity + + + + 7 Achieving higher occupancy levels relies heavily on effectively balancing indoor and outdoor court availability, + taking into account price sensitivity and weather patterns to optimize accessibility and revenue + + + + 8 Padel has evolved from a membership-only model to a pay-to-play approach: a more digitalized way to + experience the sport that has accelerated its expansion and development through greater accessibility + + + + 9 + 2025 is a key year for padel’s Brisbane 2032 Olympic track, with the FIP highly involved advancing this goal. + However, it remains challenging for a sport played at a high level in just 2 countries to be added to the + Olympic programme. + + +10 Becoming an Olympic sport would bring benefits both institutionally (increased funding, grants and improved + training facilities) and commercially (greater sponsorship revenue and wider social media visibility) + +Source(s): Strategy& analysis#FINDYOURPERFECTMATCH \ No newline at end of file