Padel Growth Statistics: How Fast Is the Sport Growing?

Padel's growth statistics are remarkable by any measure. The International Padel Federation (FIP) estimated that padel grew from roughly 7 million players in 2015 to over 25 million players across 90+ countries by 2024 — more than tripling participation in under a decade.

Court construction has been the most visible metric of growth. Europe — particularly Spain, Sweden, France, Italy, Portugal, and the Netherlands — saw an unprecedented wave of court construction between 2018 and 2024. In Sweden, the number of padel courts went from near zero in 2016 to over 2,500 by 2023, making it one of the highest per-capita court density countries in the world.

The Middle East has been another major growth region. The UAE — particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi — has invested heavily in padel infrastructure, producing a competitive club scene and attracting professional coaches from Europe. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have followed with significant investment.

In the United Kingdom, padel grew from approximately 300 courts in 2019 to over 1,000 by 2024, with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) making padel a strategic growth priority and investing in public court provision. The USA has seen similar acceleration, though from a lower base.

Investment has followed participation. The Premier Padel tour attracted backing from major sports investment groups, FIFA (which took a stake in the tour's governance), and major brands. Television and streaming rights for professional padel have been sold globally, and prize money has increased substantially.