Weekly News Roundup: 2024 Stats, French Draw and More
The numbers say it all.
From record-setting growth in the Playtomic report to top-tier draws in France, this week’s stories show a sport pushing forward on every front. The UK stirs debate with court conversions, the Middle East doubles down on surfaces, and a Hollywood name joins the scene. Let’s get into it.
Global Padel Report 2025: The Numbers Are In
The 2025 Playtomic Global Padel Report reveals the sport’s accelerating growth, with more than 3,200 clubs launched in 2024 and global courts surpassing 50,000. The UK leads in value per court, rising 74% year-over-year. With a 92% first-session return rate, padel’s popularity is surging across key markets like the UK, France, and the United States.
- Read more on The Padel Paper
Middle East Investment and Flexipave Surface
Fueled by the FIP World Championships and Qatar Sports Investments, the Middle East is emerging as a racket sports hub. Terraco’s Flexipave surface is gaining traction globally, from Vietnam to Turkey. Meanwhile, Europe remains dominant in padel and is accelerating pickleball growth, with England reporting a 65% membership surge last year.
- Read more on ArchDaily
Premier Padel Tour Returns to France With Top Talent
France hosts the first of its 2025 Premier Padel Tour stops in Bordeaux, with every top-ranked player in the game present. Men’s top seeds Coello/Tapia and Chingotto/Galan headline the draw, while on the women’s side, Josemaria/Sanchez and Brea/Triay lead the charge. French wild cards like Guichard and Joris will get a chance to test themselves against some of the world’s best, with quarterfinal pairings already shaping up to be high-stakes showdowns.
- Read more on FIP
London Olympic Tennis Courts Torn Up for Padel — And Not Everyone's Happy
Lee Valley’s plan to convert four indoor tennis courts into padel courts has sparked backlash, with critics calling it a £500,000 taxpayer-funded betrayal of the 2012 Olympic legacy. Despite opposition from players and the LTA, officials defend the move, citing padel’s growth and broader appeal.
- Read more on The Telegraph
Lily James Joins the Game as Padel Ambassador
British actress Lily James has signed on as both investor and global ambassador for Connect Padel UK. The venture aims to become a top-tier operator in the country, with modern venues, pro coaching, leagues, and 1,000 hours of free annual court time for schools and charities. “We want to make the sport fun, affordable, and available to everyone — especially women and girls,” James said.
- Read more on Sport Industry
Video of the Week
Watch the SEMIFINAL highlights from the Valladolid P2! (MEN)
This week at Padel Mecca, the numbers did the talking — and they’re only getting louder.
From 3,000+ new clubs to celebrity-backed ventures and court conversions stirring backlash, Padel isn’t just growing, it’s reshaping the global sports map. Reports, draws, deals — it’s all moving fast.
🔥 Who’s excited for what’s coming?