History of Padel: The Story of the World's Fastest-Growing Sport
An In-Depth History of Padel - The Story of a New Sport
Padel is a unique racquet sport that combines tennis and squash - and it’s boomed in popularity over the past few years. But how did the game of padel first come about? Why is it so popular today? The Sporting Blog tells all…
Padel has surged in popularity in recent years. Image credits: Oliver Sjöström on Unsplash
Padel was invented in 1969. Since then, it has grown from a backyard pastime to one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It’s fast-paced, fun and easy for anyone to learn.
Padel is now played all over Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. We take a look at the history of padel, considering how and why it grew so quickly, and what the future holds for the world’s new favourite game!
Origins and Early Development of Padel
In 1969, Mexican entrepreneur Enrique Corcuera invented padel by modifying a squash court at his home in Acapulco. He added walls and a net, combining elements of both tennis and squash to create a new sport. Corcuera's innovation laid the foundation for what would become padel.
The sport gained international attention when Spanish aristocrat Alfonso de Hohenlohe introduced it to Spain in 1974, building the first padel courts at his Marbella Club Hotel. This move sparked interest in the sport across Europe.
Global Expansion
By the 1980s, padel had spread to Argentina, where it quickly gained popularity. The formation of the Argentine Padel Association in 1988 marked the beginning of organised competition.
The International Padel Federation (FIP) was established in 1991, unifying various national associations and standardising the rules of the game. The first World Padel Championship was held in 1992 in Spain, further promoting the sport on a global stage.
Growth in the 21st Century
Entering the 21st century, padel's popularity continued to rise. By 2010, there were approximately 5,000 padel courts worldwide. The sport's accessible and social nature contributed to its appeal, leading to increased participation.
Padel is now popular on a global scale. Image credits: Manuel Pappacena via Unsplash
In 2015, the World Padel Tour (WPT) was established. This provided a professional platform for players, and the game started to attract even more international attention. The WPT's success played a significant role in elevating padel's status as a professional sport.
Recent Surge in Popularity
The COVID-19 pandemic played a pivotal role in accelerating padel's growth. As an outdoor, socially-distanced activity, padel became a good choice for people seeking safe recreational sports. This period saw a significant increase in the construction of padel courts and the establishment of clubs worldwide.
According to the International Padel Federation, as of 2023, there were over 25 million active players in more than 90 countries. The sport's global reach has been expanding rapidly, with projections indicating that the number of padel courts could reach 70,000 by 2026.
Padel’s Popularity by Region
Padel’s expansion has been particularly noticeable in several regions, with Europe leading the way. Spain, often considered the home of padel, remains the global leader in both the number of players and courts.
However, the sport’s reach has spread far beyond Europe. It’s becoming more and more popular in Latin America, North America and the Middle East. Let’s take a closer look.
Europe
Europe has been at the forefront of padel's expansion. Spain remains the epicentre of padel, with over 20,000 courts and millions of players. Its integration into local culture and its presence in major cities have solidified padel’s popularity in Spain.
Sweden has also seen remarkable growth, with the number of courts increasing from 560 in 2019 to over 4,000 in 2022. This surge has positioned Sweden as a leader in padel participation.
Looking for more? Check out our article for the most popular sports in Sweden!
Latin America
Argentina continues to be a stronghold for padel, with over 2 million players and more than 10,000 courts. The sport's deep roots in the country are reflected in its widespread popularity and the success of Argentine players on the international stage.
The sport is also popular in Mexico, with Brazil and Chile both embracing padel in recent years. A growing number of courts and players are contributing to the sport's development in the region.
North America
In the US, padel is currently experiencing rapid growth. The number of padel courts has grown from fewer than 20 courts in 2019 to 454 by 2023. Player participation has also seen a huge increase, with approximately 100,000 players reported in 2023.
Canada has seen a slower adoption of the game, but interest is still there, particularly in urban centres where the sport's social aspect appeals to a younger demographic.
Middle East and Asia
The Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, has invested heavily in padel infrastructure, hosting international tournaments and building state-of-the-art facilities for players.
In Asia, countries like Japan and India are beginning to introduce padel. Some initial courts have been established, and there’s a growing interest among local communities.
Padel Infrastructure and Investment
The rapid growth of padel has led to significant investments in infrastructure. In the UK, the number of padel courts is expected to reach 1,000 by the end of 2025, up from under 500 at the start of 2024.
Private investors and celebrities have also recognised padel's potential. In the US, Wayne Boich established the Reserve brand, creating exclusive padel clubs in cities like Miami and New York. His efforts have attracted high-profile individuals and contributed to the sport's worldwide visibility.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its growth, padel faces some challenges, including the need for standardised regulations across countries. The International Padel Federation continues to work towards unifying rules and promoting the sport globally.
Looking ahead, the future of padel appears promising. With increasing participation, investment and media coverage, the sport is poised to continue its upward trajectory. The potential inclusion of padel in future Olympic Games could further elevate its status and global reach.
The History of Padel: Key Takeaways
From its origins in Mexico to its current status as the world’s fastest-growing sport, padel’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. With its unique combination of tennis and squash, simple rules and social atmosphere, it has captured the hearts of millions of players and fans worldwide.
The sport’s growth shows no signs of slowing down, with increasing investments, expanding infrastructure and a growing player base in multiple regions. Padel is not just a passing trend but a global movement that is reshaping the world of racquet sports!
