Weekly News Roundup: Padel's Olympic Aspirations, Global Growth, and Major Developments
In this week's roundup, we explore the sport's potential Olympic inclusion, its increasing global popularity, and significant facility expansions in key regions.
Padel Eyes Olympic Inclusion in Brisbane 2032
Padel enthusiasts are optimistic about the sport's inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, despite its absence from the Los Angeles 2028 Games. To qualify, padel must meet several criteria, including having a governing body, adhering to IOC and WADA rules, and ensuring no motor use in gameplay. While padel meets most requirements, it still needs wider male participation in 75 countries across four continents and female participation in 40 countries across three continents. The final decision will be made by 2025.
The Racket Sport Padel Has a Swiss Watch Fan
Swiss watch brand Certina is deepening its ties with padel, reflecting the sport's growing popularity. In May, Certina launched the DS-7 Chronograph Padel Edition by Marta Ortega, a top professional player with a large following. The watch features design elements inspired by padel, such as a black carbon dial and a yellow ball at six o'clock. Certina’s involvement includes partnerships with padel federations and sponsorships of major tournaments, positioning the brand to benefit from padel's expanding global reach.
- Read more on The New York Times
Plans for 'Biggest Padel Facility in the North' Get Thumbs Up
TraffordCity in Manchester will soon host the largest padel facility in northern England, thanks to a green light from Trafford Council. The Padel Club, in partnership with Peel Waters, will feature 11 courts, including nine covered and two open-air courts. The complex will include a clubhouse with retail spaces, dining options, and fitness areas. This development aims to boost local employment and attract visitors, contributing to the region's economic growth and enhancing the local padel community.
Boom of Padel in San Antonio, Texas
Padel is rapidly growing in popularity in San Antonio, Texas, mirroring trends seen across the U.S. and Latin America. Local clubs, such as U-Padel, offer state-of-the-art facilities and host amateur leagues to engage both new and experienced players. The sport's appeal lies in its combination of squash and tennis dynamics, making it accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels. The growing number of padel courts and clubs signifies a robust future for the sport in the region.
- Read more on The Fordham Ram
Why Padel is Growing in Popularity in the United Kingdom
Padel’s popularity in the UK is surging, with a 600% increase in clubs last year, according to the Governing Body of Tennis. The sport's accessibility, financial viability for clubs, and ease of play are key factors driving this growth. A new padel club in East London has attracted over 4,000 patrons since its opening in April. Despite competition, padel and tennis are seen as complementary sports that can coexist and thrive together.
Video of the Week
Check Out This Exciting Montage of Padel's Greatest Points!
Celebrate Padel’s journey toward a potential inclusion in the 2032 Olympics with this thrilling compilation of the sport's most unforgettable moments. Don’t miss out on the action that’s captivating the world!
That wraps up this week's roundup! Visit Padel Mecca for all your padel essentials, and stay tuned for more exciting updates on the sport’s growth and developments. See you on the courts!