Padel Has Officially Matured: 35 Million Players and 77,000 Courts Worldwide

Forget the term "emerging sport." According to the latest World Padel Report 2025, published by the FIP, padel has transformed into a global powerhouse. With over 35 million players and a significant leap in professional structure, the sport has entered a new era of maturity.
Padel Has Officially Matured: 35 Million Players and 77,000 Courts Worldwide

The Numbers: More Than Just a Trend

The days of padel being a "niche hobby" are long gone. Of the 35 million amateur players worldwide, more than half now take to the court at least once a week. While Europe remains the heart of the sport—home to 61.3% of players—the rest of the world is catching up fast.

One of the most striking findings is the sport's appeal to women, who now represent 40% of all practitioners. This makes padel one of the most gender-balanced racket sports on the planet.

Explosive Growth in Infrastructure

The world’s infrastructure is expanding at a breakneck pace. At the start of 2025, the industry surpassed the milestone of 70,000 courts; by mid-year, that number had already climbed to over 77,000.

  • France is currently a major growth engine, seeing a 55% increase (+1,850 courts).

  • North America experienced a staggering 99% explosion in court numbers.

  • In Spain and Italy (which combined boast over 27,000 courts), the market is stabilizing, showing that padel is now a permanent fixture of their sporting culture.

A Sport Without Borders

Padel is now played in 150 countries and territories. Whether you are in Egypt, Mexico, or Japan, there is likely a club nearby. While Argentina remains historically dominant, new dynamics are emerging in the U.S. (with Florida leading the charge) and across Asia. Even in Africa, the sport is booming, with South Africa leading the way with over 1,000 courts.

Professionalism at the Highest Level

The professional side of the sport is more structured than ever. The Qatar Airways Premier Padel tour has established itself as the undisputed global benchmark, hosting tournaments across four continents. Meanwhile, the CUPRA FIP Tour is fueling the global talent pipeline with 318 confirmed tournaments in 2025, featuring players from 78 different nations.

Conclusion: Quality Over Quantity

The report’s conclusion is clear: padel has moved past the phase of "growth at any cost." The focus is now shifting toward quality and regulation. With better coaching, professional officiating, and stable calendars, padel is building a sustainable future.