Countdown to Padel’s Olympic Debut: Can 25 Million Fans Worldwide Realize Their Dream?

Combining the thrill of tennis, squash, and badminton, padel is rapidly conquering the global sports scene. From world-class athlete and sports enthusiast to booming clubs in Shanghai and Changsha, this dynamic sport has captivated over 25 million players. Now, it’s aiming for the ultimate stage: becoming an official Olympic sport.  

Padel’s Olympic Bid: Fueled by Globalization and Commercialization

1. A Thriving Professional Circuit

   Padel boasts a robust tournament network, including the **World Padel Tour (WPT) and the Qatar Sports Investments-backed Premier Padel Tour, offering million-euro prize pools that attract elite players. The International Padel Federation (FIP) is aggressively pushing for Olympic inclusion, leveraging milestones like its 2023 debut at the European Games in Poland as a stepping stone.  

2. Star Power and Youth Appeal

   Many tennis legends have invested in padel tennis facilities, and football superstars regularly share videos of their matches, raising the profile of the sport. Padel tennis, with its social and accessible nature, has attracted a younger audience - a key demographic for the future of the Olympics.

3.China’s Rising Influence 

   Since entering China in 2016, local players now outnumber expats, with clubs expanding in Shanghai, Chengdu, and beyond. Dezhou City has been designated a national padel hub, signaling government support. Despite high court construction costs , padel’s revenue potential per square meter surpasses traditional tennis, making it a smart commercial bet.  

Olympic Hurdles: Three Challenges Padel Must Overcome 

1. Global Reach vs. Regional Imbalance

   While padel dominates in Spain and Sweden, the IOC requires a sport to be practiced in 75 countries across four continents. Though active in 90+ nations, padel remains niche in many regions.  

2. Standardization and Anti-Doping Compliance

   The FIP has established rules and anti-doping protocols, but stricter global standardization of scoring systems and governance is needed to match Olympic rigor.  

3. The “Zero-Sum Game” of Olympic Slots  

   With the Olympics capping events at 28 sports, new additions often replace existing ones. After baseball, cricket, and others secured spots for LA 2028, padel must prove its value ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Games.  

Padel’s Olympic dream faces obstacles, but its explosive growth and commercial viability have turned heads across sports. With the FIP’s strategy and partners like Fortune Group advancing the game, this grassroots sensation may soon grace the Olympic stage. Contact us today to explore cutting-edge padel court solutions—and join the movement shaping sports history!