Padel Figures in 2025: Statistics and Trends

Padel is no longer just a trend, it's a revolution. Courts popping up everywhere, tournaments filling stadiums, a sharp increase in FFT licence holders…

Padel is making its mark everywhere, and the 2025 figures confirm this spectacular rise. Ready for a data-driven look at this success story?

If you need to get back to basics, start right here: what is padel?

A booming sport

An explosion in the number of players in France

Padel in France has experienced spectacular growth in recent years. According to the latest data from the French Tennis Federation (FFT) tracing the history of padel, the number of licensed padel players exceeded 110,000 in 2024, compared to barely 70,000 in 2022. This figure does not take into account occasional players, estimated at over 500,000.

The sports trend of padel is built on several strengths: a quick learning curve, a strong social aspect, and accessibility for all ages. It is also a mixed sport, favouring doubles play.

A sport that appeals to all regions

While Île-de-France leads with nearly 20% of licence holders, regions such as Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine or Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur are also showing rapid growth. The padel club is becoming a genuine hub, with modern facilities and expanded services.

Courts and clubs: staggering figures

How many padel courts are there in France?

In 2025, France has around 2,200 padel courts (FFT approved), spread across more than 1,000 padel clubs. This figure includes both public and private facilities, indoor or outdoor. In comparison, there were only 700 courts in 2019: that is a growth of more than 200% in six years.

The construction of padel courts is accelerating to meet growing demand. Many traditional tennis clubs are now adding padel courts to their offering.

An expanding nationwide network

The FFT has implemented a development plan to reach 3,000 courts by 2026.

The goal: promote access to padel everywhere in France, including in rural or semi-urban areas. Partnerships with local authorities help sustain this momentum.

Events and competitions: a growing audience

The Paris Major, a flagship event

Launched in 2022, the Greenweez Paris Major at Roland-Garros has become one of the most iconic tournaments of the World Padel Tour. In 2024, the event brought together over 35,000 spectators over several days, and several million views online. This media success contributes greatly to the sport's profile in France.

France on the international stage

France makes a strong showing in the world rankings, notably thanks to its emerging talents, supported by the French federation. Even though Spain remains the dominant nation, France is progressing and hosting more and more international stages.

Player profiles: who plays padel?

A cross-generational sport

The sport of padel appeals to all generations. According to the FFT:

• 45% of licence holders are between 25 and 40 years old
• 30% are between 40 and 60 years old
• and 10% are under 18
  

The sport is also attracting more and more women, with female participation on the rise, encouraged by dedicated competitions and better media coverage. Equipment manufacturers have caught on and are now targeting this audience with adapted gear and padel clothing.

Players with diverse profiles

Dynamic executives, active retirees, students… padel brings together a great diversity of profiles. The ease of play and simple rules of padel, without any specific physical prerequisites, make it an attractive sport for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.

Focus on the padel economic market

Equipment: a booming sector

Demand for padel rackets, padel shoes or padel bags has exploded. The padel accessories market is following this trend, driven by the diversification of ranges and the arrival of new brands. Some clubs even offer pro shop corners with personalised deals.

Discover all the padel bags and padel accessories available on Esprit Padel Shop.

Specialist chains and franchises

Chains like Casa Padel or 4Padel are expanding their franchise networks, focusing on a complete customer experience: latest-generation courts, modern changing rooms, catering, pro shop… The business model of padel is now considered profitable and scalable.

An economic driver for the sports industry

The growth of padel doesn't only benefit players. It also represents an economic opportunity for many stakeholders: clubs, equipment manufacturers, local authorities, property developers and even hotel chains. 

Investment in padel courts is relatively low compared to other sports infrastructure, which attracts entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, the business model of a padel club relies on high occupancy rates thanks to doubles play and short time slots (often one hour). This allows for fast profitability, especially in urban areas.

Tourism, events and catering: the knock-on effects

Some clubs are developing an expanded offer including:

1. On-site catering

2. Private or corporate tournaments

3. Premium services such as the rental of padel clothing, rackets or padel bags

In tourism too, padel is becoming a selling point. More and more hotels and resorts in France and Spain are installing courts to attract a sporty clientele.

Padel is therefore establishing itself not only as a major trend but also as a growth engine for the sports and leisure sector as a whole.

Padel around the world: where does France stand?

Spain, world number 1

Spain remains the undisputed benchmark, with over 6 million players and around 14,000 registered courts. Padel is the second most played sport there after football.

A European momentum

Italy, Sweden, Belgium and the United Arab Emirates are following the trend. French padel is now positioned in the European top 5, thanks to its structuring plan and the momentum driven by the French federation.