Padel is no longer just a sport but has become a cultural and economic phenomenon.
In Spain, where more than 5 million people practice it on a regular basis, this discipline has established itself as a cross-cutting activity that combines physical exercise, social interaction, healthy leisure and, increasingly, business opportunities. Its growth is such that it now exceeds 30 million players globally, with Europe as one of the main centres of expansion.
In addition to its accessibility - anyone can start playing quickly, regardless of age or fitness level - there is also the enormous social appeal of padel. On the court, bonds are generated, stress is reduced, effort is shared and positive emotions are activated that have a direct impact on mental health and general wellbeing. This ability to create community makes it one of the most complete and functional activities of the moment, ideal for both teenagers and older adults.
But beyond the psychophysical benefits, padel has also become a major economic driver. Its infrastructure continues to grow: in 2022, 6,600 new courts were built in Europe - an increase of 28% over the previous year - and almost 2,000 new clubs were opened. Spain leads the way with more than 15,300 courts, and other countries such as Italy, Sweden, the UK and France are following in its footsteps at a rapid pace.
This dynamism has given rise to an ecosystem of companies that are taking advantage of the padel boom to innovate, invest and grow. Sports brands, technology developers, real estate developers, gyms, hotels and wellness centres see padel as a product capable of building customer loyalty and generating unique experiences. The equipment market alone reached 500 million euros in 2022, and the paddle segment alone is expected to grow at a rate of 12.6% per year until 2030.
A good example of this professionalisation is Pādel NuestroThe company, leader in the distribution of specialised material, closed the year with a turnover of 58 million euros in 2024 and plans to reach 80 million euros in 2025. The Spanish company will be present at the Padel World Summit, to be held from 27 to 29 May at the Fira de Barcelona, a key event that brings together more than 6,000 professionals from the sector and confirms the international dimension of this sport.
In addition to presenting its latest collections, Pādel Nuestro will organise activities, networking sessions and meetings with investors, in a clear reflection of how padel has evolved into a global business platform. This sport not only connects people, but also companies, brands and investors, who see it as a solid way to grow in the fitness, retail, hospitality and active tourism sectors.
Barcelona, as host of the Summit until 2029, reinforces its role as the epicentre of the padel movement, welcoming those who understand that sport can also be a starting point for transforming the way we relate to each other, take care of ourselves and undertake.
Padel has proven to be much more than a fad. It is a common language between generations, a catalyst for wellness, and an industry with a promising future. It combines health, sociability and profitability. And that is, perhaps, the perfect formula to conquer not only the courts, but also the global market.
