Padel, the world’s new obsession
padel, the worldwide phenomenon
Padel isn’t just exploding in the UK – it’s a worldwide phenomenon, with the sport making waves from Iceland to New Zealand. Here Ray Brinkmanis, of court manufacturer/installer Padel Alba, identifies five countries where padel is gaining momentum and which, he believes, will play a key role in the sport’s global future.
Australia
Australia likes its sport. No, correction: Australia loves its sport, which is why it has all the ingredients for padel to thrive: a strong sports culture, a passion for outdoor activities and an established tennis infrastructure. The first courts arrived in 2016 and demand is rising fast. With a population of 26 million and a climate suited for year-round play, the potential is significant. Tennis Australia has launched a national strategy to support the sport’s growth and was the first national tennis association to demo padel at a Grand Slam (the Australian Open 2023 – more details in The Bandeja Issue 1).
Canada
Canada is another sports-driven nation (yet one whose sports often thrive in sub-zero temperatures!). Padel, however, remains in its early stages. With only around 100 courts for a population of 39 million (that’s one court for every 390,000 inhabitants!) there is vast room for expansion. Interest is growing, particularly in multicultural cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, where a globally connected population is driving demand for new sports. However, with cold winters limiting outdoor play, we could see a rise in indoor facilities which will be crucial to long-term success.
India
In India, sport is religion. Just ask cricket fanatics and supporters of the Indian Premier League (IPL). India’s sports industry has transformed in recent years, with the rise of professional leagues in not just cricket, but football and badminton too (which is a point in itself––India adores its racquet sports). Padel is well-positioned to follow. In 2017, India had just one padel court in Bengaluru. Today, there are more than 100 across Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru – a number that could triple within five years with the right investment. In November, India hosted its first-ever professional padel tournament, the FIP Promotion at Bennett University, featuring some of Spain’s top players, a sign of things to come in India.
Germany
Germany is one of Europe’s biggest untapped padel markets. The number of courts has risen from fewer than 100 in 2019 to more than 556 in 2024, with several German clubs now ranking among the world’s top 50 in activity and transaction volume, according to ‘the bible of padel’ (AKA the Playtomic Global Report). The German Padel Federation is actively driving expansion and many tennis clubs are integrating padel courts to diversify revenue streams. The recent announcement of a P2 Premier Padel event in Germany in September marks another milestone, introducing the sport to a wider audience. With a population of more than 83 million and a padel court saturation level of just 1.8%, the potential for long-term growth is immense.
Indonesia
With a population of more than 270 million people, Indonesia has become Asia’s go-to padel nation, with enormous potential for growth. The country’s resort culture makes it well-suited to luxury venues in locations such as Bali and Jakarta, while a growing domestic player base is fuelling interest. In September Indonesia won the Asia Pacific Padel Cup final against Malaysia in Bali – a landmark event that attracted major sponsors and featured teams from Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Singapore and Hong Kong. With both international and domestic participation rising, padel in Indonesia is no longer just a niche—it’s a sport on the rise.
The future
Padel’s next phase of expansion won’t happen by chance. It will succeed in markets where there is a strategy for participation needing infrastructure built correctly and timely. Padel Alba ensures courts are designed to meet each country’s unique conditions, from hurricane-resistant builds in the U.S. to heat-resistant courts in Australia. The question is no longer if these markets will grow but which one will take off first. 🎾
