The Padel Boom is Here—How Brands & Creators Can Get Involved 🎾

One of the assignments we ask our interns during the @Young Hero summer program is to research an emerging market. This year, we chose 🎾Padel 🎾

Padel is exploding globally. Born in Mexico in 1969, it now dominates South America (Argentina predominantly,)Europe and is rapidly growing in North America. With its mix of tennis, squash, and social energy, it’s a perfect playground for brands to tap into the culture of racquet sports through multi-generational and multi-disciplinary creators.

Here are 7 key insights from our research:

1. Booming Market 📈
By 2032, the global market is expected to reach nearly USD 904 million (Business Research Insights).

2. Room for Padel-Specific Brands 👕
Aside from major names like Babolat, Head, and Adidas (focused mostly on gear,) there’s an untapped space for stylish, culturally relevant padel brands—like what Malbon Golf is doing for golf.

3. Olympic Potential🏅
Padel could become an Olympic sport by the 2032 Brisbane Olympics if it keeps growing at this pace.

4. Sustainability Matters 🌱
Eco-friendly courts and sustainable gear are gaining traction among next-gen conscious consumers. Brands like Jubo Padel are leading the way.

5. Big Investors Are In 💰
Celebrities like Jimmy Butler and private equity firms like @epic padel are betting big on padel clubs and startups in the U.S.

6. There’s a culture beyond the court 🥩
In South America for example the sport is not just a great workout. Padel is synonymous with networking opportunities (much like golf) —think post work padel sessions that turn into BBQs and beers.

7. There’s a Boom in Padel Tourism 🛩️
Destinations like Spain, London, Mexico, and Dubai are becoming hotspots for padel tourism. Players are traveling to experience high-end padel clubs (like the floating one in Miami,) world-class tournaments, and even vacations centered around the sport (Cabo needs more padel clubs BTW.) Not to mention big conferences, like Raquet Trend Milan.

Padel’s fast-paced, social nature is primed to connect brands, creators, and audiences in new ways. There’s so much more I couldn’t fit in here!

Shoutout to our summer interns Yudi Zhang & Aimee Chen for the amazing research and our Jr. Designer Nicole Aguilera for the YH custom graphic. 🙌