Padel continues its meteoric rise, with more than 3,200 new clubs built globally in 2024 – the equivalent of one opening every two and a half hours – according to the newly released 2025 Global Padel Report by Playtomic and PwC.
Over 7,000 new courts were added last year, cementing padel’s place as one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. The report identifies Europe as the sport’s dominant force, but highlights growing momentum in North America, Asia and the Middle East.
The surge comes as padel continues its campaign for Olympic recognition, with an eye on inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Games. Meanwhile, a “Ryder Cup-style” international competition is set to debut in London this year, signalling further mainstream expansion.
The sport is gaining significant traction in the United States, where Florida, Texas and California are leading the growth, challenging pickleball’s dominance. The report notes that 92 per cent of first-time players return to the court, underlining padel’s wide appeal.
In the UK, participation is surging. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) estimates more than 400,000 people played padel at least once in 2024, up from just 15,000 in 2019. Over 75 per cent of UK venues are involved in community outreach initiatives.
Playtomic co-founder Pablo Carro said: “With a new club opening every two and a half hours worldwide, padel has finally joined the top table of the world’s sporting elite. From the rapid momentum in the US to the remarkable social and cultural phenomenon we’re witnessing in the UK, this report proves that padel’s moment has arrived.”
The findings position padel as not just a recreational trend but a sport poised for sustained global integration – both socially and commercially – in the years ahead.
