Weekly News Roundup: From Data to Domination
The Sport That Won't Slow Down
Padel continues to outpace expectations, with global tournaments surging, major funding rounds landing, and new courts rising in unexpected cities. From elite matchups to behind-the-scenes innovation, the sport is evolving on every front, fast.
Here’s everything you need to know from the past seven days. Let’s dive into the week’s top stories.
FIP Reports Explosive Growth in Tournaments, Players, and Online Reach
Padel’s 2025 numbers are in — and they’re massive. The FIP reported an 86% jump in global tournaments compared to the same period in 2024, and a 35% rise in active players. Notably, FIP Promises youth events already surpassed last year’s total by June. Participation spread across 38 countries, while the digital side saw 1.85M unique users and 33% more pageviews on padelfip.com. Europe leads in court activity, but Asia and the Americas continue gaining ground.
- Read more on FIP
Padel Haus Raises $7M to Triple U.S. Presence by 2027
Brooklyn-based Padel Haus just closed a $7 million Series B to accelerate its U.S. expansion, bringing its total raise to $18 million and valuing the brand at $33 million. Founded in 2022 by Santiago Gomez, the company plans to operate over 120 courts by 2027. Backed by Bolt Ventures, Vanquish Equity, and pro athletes, the brand is positioning itself as the premium U.S. padel experience, with new openings lined up in cities like Denver.
- Read more on Athletech News
Investec Launches Padel Cup for Private Equity Firms in the Netherlands
In a fusion of sport and finance, Investec hosted the first Padel Champions Cup for the private equity community. Held near Amsterdam, the event welcomed 50+ professionals from 11 firms for competitive matches and informal networking. FIELDS Group and Rivean Capital took home the top spots in their respective leagues. More than a one-off event, the Cup marks the beginning of a new series designed to foster industry connections through padel.
- Read more on Investec
Cincinnati Gets Its First-Ever Padel Courts This Summer
Padel is planting roots in Cincinnati. As part of a $260 million renovation of the Lindner Family Tennis Center, Beemok Sports & Entertainment is building the city's first padel courts. The move signals padel’s continued penetration into major U.S. tennis markets, especially via operators like Beemok, which also owns the Cincinnati Open. These new courts will serve as landmarks for a sport many in the area are just discovering.
- Read more on Local 12
Title Defenses and Key Absences: Premier Padel Draws Set for Malaga
Spain remains the center of attention this month as the Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour rolls through Malaga. Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia headline the men’s draw after consecutive wins, while Paula Josemaria and Ari Sanchez aim to defend their 2024 title. With Juan Lebron out, Yanguas and Nieto step up as the third seed. On the women’s side, the return of Brea and Triay heats up a stacked bracket.
- Read more on FIP
Know Padel
Why Do Padel Rackets Have Holes? Keepadel Explains
In a recent analysis, Keepadel dives into one of the sport’s most-asked questions: what’s the deal with the holes in padel rackets? Their findings bust the myth that it’s about aerodynamics. Instead, hole distribution affects weight, flexibility, and control. Fewer holes increase rigidity and power, while more holes enhance feel and maneuverability. With evolving regulations and designs, the blade is becoming as much a science as a sport.
- Read more on Padel World Press
This week at Padel Mecca, growth wasn’t just projected — it was proven.
From hard numbers to headline deals, Padel is maturing into a sport with global structure, serious capital, and cross-industry traction. The ecosystem is deepening, and if this pace holds, we’re not just watching Padel grow — we’re watching it engulf the world!
🔥 Who’s ready for what’s next?