Padel World Summit Kicks Off in Barcelona, Showcasing a Booming Global Industry
Barcelona, May 26 – The Fira de Barcelona is currently hosting the third edition of the Padel World Summit (PWS), the largest global congress dedicated to the sport. Running from Tuesday until May 28, the event has seen a 35% increase in commercial space and features over 140 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, solidifying its position as a key economic driver for the sport.
Padel, invented by Enrique Corcuera in 1969, continues to gain immense popularity worldwide. According to data released by Fira, 2024 saw the opening of 3,282 new clubs globally, averaging nearly nine new facilities per day. The total number of padel courts worldwide surpassed 50,000 for the first time, marking a 17% year-on-year growth. Projections indicate that by 2027, the number of courts is expected to exceed 81,000.
Spain Leads the Way in Padel Growth
Spain, the birthplace of the sport, boasts 17,300 courts and approximately 4,500 clubs. An estimated 12.7% of the Spanish population has embraced padel. At a professional level, federated licenses in Spain reached a record 109,040 in 2024, underscoring the sport’s deep roots and widespread appeal in the country.
This significant growth has translated into a substantial increase in revenue. The global padel market has surged from €2 billion in 2022 to an estimated €6 billion in 2026, according to various industry projections.
International Exhibitors and Innovation at the Forefront
Operating under the theme "Where Padel meets Business," the summit features invited organizations from France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Finland, Sweden, and China, among other countries with commercial representation. Pavilion 6 of the Gran Via venue is showcasing a comprehensive range of products and services across the entire padel industry value chain. This includes everything from sports equipment and court manufacturers to flooring, complementary infrastructure, and technological innovations aimed at enhancing game management and player experience.
The event also includes an "Innovation Arena" for startups, a dedicated professional networking area, and 10 courts for matches and product presentations, providing a dynamic platform for engagement and discovery within the industry.
Source: https://www.eleconomista.es/infraestructuras-servicios/noticias/13936433/05/26/la-fira-de-barcelona-acoge-el-mayor-congreso-mundial-de-padel.html
