Padel is experiencing a golden age in Europe, becoming not only the sport of the moment for millions of fans, but also a fertile ground for profitable, cutting-edge investments. Demand for padel-related facilities, equipment and services far exceeds supply, creating an ideal situation for investors looking to capitalize on this growing trend. Padel offers:
- Accessibility and engagement: easy to learn but difficult to master, attracting a wide range of ages and abilities.
- Exponential growth: with a growing presence in nations such as France, the United Kingdom and Italy, the potential for expansion is vast.
- Attractive investment: high demand and low supply create significant return opportunities. The key is to identify emerging markets and figure out how to position yourself to maximize returns.
From origins to the global conquest of padel
Padel traces its origins to sunny Acapulco in the 1960s, emerging as a creative solution to a personal need. Enrique Corcuera, a millionaire with an insatiable love of tennis but limited outdoor space, unwittingly became a pioneer. In fact, Corcuera designed a compact tennis court, bordered by walls, to enjoy his favorite sport in the comfort of his home, minimizing interruptions and the problem of lost balls.
This seemingly modest structural innovation proved to be a real game changer in the sports landscape. The reduced court, framed by walls that became part of the game, blended elements of tennis, squash, and racquetball, creating a perfect environment for a wide range of ages and abilities. Ironically, Corcuera’s ingenious solution, designed to make up for a lack of space, was also perfectly suited to luxury resorts, where every square meter is precious.
Word of mouth among Corcuera’s distinguished guests was decisive in catapulting padel into the Mexican elites and, later, making it cross national borders. These humble beginnings marked the starting point of an extraordinary rise for padel, which has transformed from a simple private pastime into a sporting phenomenon of international caliber.
Over time, padel has been enriched with anecdotes and “curiosities” that chart its unique course. For example, the very first court created by Corcuera did not adhere to some of the rules we take for granted today, and the initial rackets were not forged in advanced materials such as carbon, to which we are now accustomed, but rather in simple wood, more reminiscent of beach tennis utensils than those of a competitive sport.
Spanning the decades, padel has evolved from these picturesque origins to become the fast-rising sport we all love and practice today, preserving at its heart the innovation and adaptability that made it all possible.
Spain as the beating heart of European padel
Spain is not simply the beating heart of European padel; it is the true epicenter of a passion that has overwhelmed millions of hearts and animated entire communities. The introduction of padel to Spanish soil, thanks to a Spanish friend from Corcuera who became enchanted by it in Acapulco, marked the beginning of an era. His decision to open the first two courts in Marbella in the mid-1970s was the first piece of what would become a rich and varied sports mosaic.
From those early beginnings, padel began to weave a dense web of events, challenges and passions, extending its influence far beyond Spanish borders, reaching other Spanish-speaking nations such as Argentina and Uruguay, and then returning to consolidate itself in Europe with Spain as the undisputed reference point. With more than 4 million amateur players and a network of courts stretching the length and breadth of the country, Spain not only hosts a vast number of fans but also establishes itself as a laboratory of innovation and a center of excellence for the sport.
The padel phenomenon in Sweden: between pandemic and international recognition
Sweden has experienced a padel explosion in recent years. Starting from scratch, with the first courts opening as recently as 2017, Sweden has experienced exponential growth that has led it to boast more than 5,000 dedicated facilities, a density surpassed only by nations with a far more established tradition in the sport. This meteoric development testifies not only to a burgeoning love of padel but also to a real transformation in the recreational habits and preferences of Swedes.
The year 2020, marked by the global pandemic, played a crucial role in this rapid rise. In times of restriction and social distancing, padel has proven to be a lifeline for many, offering a physically active, socially engaging yet safe form of recreation.
International recognition was not slow in coming. When Sweden hosted the World Padel Tour in 2023, it not only solidified its status as a new mecca for the sport but also demonstrated its ability to be at the center of the world padel scene. This event drew global attention to the Scandinavian country, highlighting not only its excellent facilities and first-class event organization but also the local community’s vibrant enthusiasm for padel.
Padel in France: ample opportunities for expansion
The padel scene in France is in full effervescence, with the number of players continuing to grow and new courts popping up with constant regularity. The market, still in its infancy, presents a wealth of opportunities for investors, underscoring the untapped potential in a country that enthusiastically embraces the sport. The transformation of areas previously dedicated to different activities into padel courts is symptomatic of a broader change in the French sports and business landscape. Businesses of various kinds are recognizing the added value that building these facilities can bring, both in terms of economic return and contribution to the community.
With such a dynamic in place, France is well on its way to becoming a major European padel hub, turning initial enthusiasm into a solid sports infrastructure that could well serve as a model for other countries eager to embrace the padel phenomenon.
Padel in the UK: high potential for investment
The UK is also seeing rapid growth in padel compared to years past. The market, however, is still in its infancy , probably due to the country’s strong ties to tennis. The ground, however, is particularly fertile, thanks in part to the strong interest shown in padel in recent times by celebrities and top athletes. Interesting opportunities for the creation of new centers can therefore be found in the UK.
Italy among top European padel players
Despite a still variable and fragmented territorial spread, the potential for growth shows promise, highlighting the national passion for the sport. Italy emerges powerfully on the European padel scene, on the strength of its approximately 10,000 courts (as of 2024) scattered along the boot, testifying not only to a growing love for the sport but also to an ambition that places it among the continental leaders in this sector. This impressive number of facilities reflects an expansion that goes beyond just the game, becoming an expression of a rapidly evolving sports culture and a passionate and growing community.
The link between Italy and padel is enriched with stories and anecdotes that testify to its ascension: from the first installations, often initiatives of private individuals or small clubs, to the creation of true dedicated centers, where professional training is combined with spaces for socializing. These places become incubators of talent and passion, where not only athletes but also strong community bonds are forged.
Interest in padel also translates into lively debate in the media and in sports clubs, where regulations, techniques and strategies are discussed, helping to raise the level of play and further spread knowledge and appreciation for the sport. With such a solid base and such a broad potential, Italy is about to explore new frontiers, paving the way for a future in which padel is not just a sport but a true cultural phenomenon.
Where padel is played: projections and forecasts
According to Deloitte’s Global Padel Report 2023, significant growth is projected over the next few years in areas where padel has not yet taken hold overwhelmingly. Specifically, with regard to padel in Europe, UK, Germany and France are mentioned . While, globally, USA, Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE) and Asia (India and China). It is estimated that padel courts will double by 2026, opening up several business opportunities for padel operators.
Find a reliable partner for international expansion
With its long experience in padel court construction and padel court covers, Favaretti Padel is an excellent partner for investors looking to expand their padel business abroad. The company has a proven track record in designing and building high-quality padel centers, Favaretti’s clubs.
Thanks to a highly qualified and specialized team, Favaretti Padel guarantees a complete service, from design to construction of the center, providing customized, functional and innovative solutions.