Weekly News Roundup: Padel's Rapid Expansion and Its Impact on Tennis
This week's news showcases Padel's explosive growth, new clubs, equipment trends, Gen Z's influence, tennis clubs' challenges, and Djokovic's concerns.
Unveiling Playtomic's 2024 Global Padel Report: 50 New Padel Clubs Open Every Week Worldwide
Playtomic and PwC's Strategy& division have released the most comprehensive report on padel, revealing that over 2,657 new padel clubs opened globally in 2023, averaging more than 50 new clubs each week. The report highlights the sport's booming popularity, particularly in emerging markets like the US, UK, and Germany. This surge is expected to continue, with an estimated 70,000 padel courts worldwide by 2026. Padel racket sales also skyrocketed in 2023, with over 6 million units sold, reflecting the sport's growing appeal.
- Read the full article on EIN Presswire
I Tried Playing Padel: Here’s the Best Equipment, According to Experts
Padel, a mix of tennis and squash, is gaining traction in the US. This beginner-friendly sport is played on a smaller court with walls, making it accessible to all ages. To start playing, you'll need a padel racket and balls, which are less expensive than tennis equipment. Experts recommend round-shaped rackets for beginners, made from carbon fiber and EVA foam. As padel grows, major cities like NYC, Miami, and LA are seeing new clubs and increased interest.
- Read the full article on CNN Underscored.
Gen Z Will Help Padel Become the Next Hot Sport
Padel is poised to become the next big racket sport, following in the footsteps of pickleball. A recent report by Playtomic and Strategy& indicates significant growth in padel courts and equipment sales. Gen Z and Millennials are leading the charge, with 19% and 15% participation rates, respectively. The sport's social aspect and smaller court size make it appealing to younger players, positioning padel for rapid expansion in the coming years.
- Read the full article on Forbes.
Tennis Clubs Grapple with Surge in Demand for Padel and Pickleball
Tennis clubs are adapting to the rising popularity of padel and pickleball, which generate four times the revenue per court compared to traditional tennis. Clubs in the UK are converting underused tennis courts to meet demand. Despite some resistance from traditionalists, the financial benefits are clear. Padel and pickleball offer social, accessible alternatives to tennis, attracting new members and boosting club revenues.
- Read the full article on Financial Times.
Djokovic Says Padel and Pickleball Are Endangering Tennis at Club Level
Novak Djokovic has raised concerns that padel and pickleball could overshadow tennis if the sport doesn't innovate and attract younger players. He highlighted the economic appeal of these sports for club owners, who can build multiple courts in the space of one tennis court. Djokovic called for collective action to ensure tennis remains popular and accessible, emphasizing the need for grassroots investment and modern marketing strategies.
- Read the full article on Tennis Tonic.
Video of the Week
Check out this highlight reel from Day 4 of the Geneva Premier Padel!
That's it for this week! Visit Padel Mecca for all your Padel needs and stay updated with more exciting news. See you on the courts!