This week, Padel showed its versatility on the world stage — from historic venues in Paris to sports tourism campaigns in Spain, from celebrity-driven challenges in London to NBA investments in the U.S. The sport continues to evolve at every level, blending tradition, business, and pop culture.
Here are the stories.
Premier Padel Signs Four-Year Extension with Roland Garros
Premier Padel has renewed its partnership with Roland Garros until 2029, reinforcing Paris as one of the sport’s most iconic stages. The Philippe-Chatrier court transforms into a striking blue padel arena for the event, giving the tournament “Major” status alongside Doha, Rome, and Mexico. With Roland Garros’s global broadcast reach and prestigious history, the renewal strengthens padel’s visibility, attracts sponsors, and cements its place as a global sporting phenomenon.
- Read more on Padel Biz
Spain Aims for Match Point in Global Padel Tourism
Spain is positioning itself as the world’s premier padel tourism destination by showcasing its infrastructure, climate, and decades of expertise during the “Turespaña Padel Insights” event in Paris. Playtomic’s CEO Antonio Robert noted that global club openings grew by 26% in 2024 and court numbers have multiplied fivefold since 2016, with projections of 17% annual growth. Spain’s hotspots like Madrid, Barcelona, and Marbella, along with government-backed promotion, underline its dominance while also pointing to Asia as the sport’s next frontier.
- Read more on Travelmole
TV Personality Pushes to the Limit in 24-Hour Padel Challenge
Capital Weekender’s Kem Cetinay will attempt a 24-hour padel marathon on October 9–10 to raise funds for Global’s Make Some Noise, a charity tackling issues like poverty, homelessness, and mental health across the UK. Joined by celebrity guests and streamed live on Capital’s platforms, the challenge tests both physical and mental endurance. Cetinay says every rally and blister will be worth it if it means supporting vital community projects, while organisers praised his commitment to raising awareness and funds.
- Read more on Charity Today
Why Jimmy Butler’s Half-Million Dollar Padel Play Matters for the Warriors
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler has invested $500,000 into the Reserve Padel Cup, combining his passion for the sport with cross-training benefits that improve reflexes, conditioning, and agility on the basketball court. As honorary chairman, Butler views padel not only as fitness but also as cultural growth and community building, even using it to practice his Spanish. His backing boosts padel’s presence in the U.S., with the Reserve Cup expanding into a multi-stop series and million-dollar prize pools, bridging basketball star power with padel’s growing profile.
- Read more on Marca
Padel vs. Pickleball: Which Fast-Rising Racket Sport Will Win 2025?
Padel and pickleball continue their race for dominance as two of the fastest-growing racket sports, each appealing to different audiences. Pickleball surpassed 19 million U.S. players in 2024 with its smaller courts and plastic ball, while padel thrives in Europe and Latin America with glass-walled courts and tennis-style scoring. Both sports emphasize doubles and social play, and their simple rules have made them accessible worldwide. Pickleball leads in the U.S., but padel’s global growth suggests a lasting international edge.
- Read more on The Conway Bulletin
Highlights
Check out these highlights from Premier Padel Paris Final!
From Paris to California and from Spain to the global rivalry with pickleball, padel is proving it’s not just a sport but a worldwide movement shaping tourism, fitness, and culture.
Stay tuned for more in next week’s roundup here at Padel Mecca.