2025: The Year Padel Went Global—A Look Back at the Biggest News & Trends
By Padel Content Team
Why 2025 Was a Defining Year for Padel
2025 wasn't just another year for padel; it was the year the sport officially went global. It transcended its niche roots and blossomed into a professional, commercially-organized phenomenon. From a historic tour merger and booming U.S. expansion to a unified vision for the future, this year set new benchmarks that will reshape the sport for years to come. If you're a player, a fan, or someone looking to invest in this fast-growing sport, here's what you need to know.
Premier Padel Becomes the Official Global Tour
The biggest news of 2025—and the one that will have the longest-lasting impact—was the historic merger between the World Padel Tour (WPT) and Premier Padel. This move, which was completed under the governance of the International Padel Federation (FIP), created a single, unified global tour: the Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour.
This merger has done away with the confusing two-tour system, giving fans a consistent, easy-to-follow professional circuit. With a full 2025 calendar featuring 24 tournaments across 16 countries, the new tour is solidifying padel's place on the world stage. New locations like Miami, Buenos Aires, and German events are not just new stops; they're a clear sign of the sport's global ambitions.
The results are already showing. Premier Padel viewership jumped by a whopping 30% globally in 2025. This surge in media interest is attracting major sponsors and solidifying the tour's position as the leading brand in the sport.
Padel Finally Hits the U.S.
For years, the U.S. has been seen as a crucial but untapped market for padel. That changed in 2025 when Premier Padel officially announced its first-ever tournament in the United States. This isn't just a one-off event; it's a strategic move to establish a long-term presence in North America. By bringing elite padel to a new audience, the tour is aiming to turn the U.S. into a major hub for both professional events and grassroots participation.
This expansion is being bolstered by a unique American-style league, the Pro Padel League (PPL). The PPL made its European debut in San Sebastián, featuring an exciting NBA-style team format. With big-name players like Agustin Tapia, Franco Stupaczuk, and Fernando Belasteguin competing for teams, the PPL is bringing a fresh, team-centric approach to padel that's already resonating with fans.
Padel’s Business World Comes Together in Barcelona
The Padel World Summit in Barcelona proved that padel isn't just a sport—it's a massive business. Held from May 27–29, this year's summit drew nearly 6,000 professionals from 80 countries, solidifying Barcelona's role as the sport's business epicenter.
Key themes at the summit included:
Investment & Growth: How to strategically invest in the sport's explosive growth.
Digital Innovation: Using technology to enhance fan engagement and player experience.
Sustainability: Building eco-friendly clubs and events.
Panels also offered crucial insights into padel club design, from modular courts that can be installed anywhere to creating premium social spaces that turn clubs into community hubs. The fact that the end-of-season finals were also held in Barcelona just reinforces the city's importance to the global padel scene.
Strategic Partnerships & The Push for Olympic Inclusion
2025 saw a flurry of new partnerships that are shaping the future of padel. Premier Padel and the FIP renewed key agreements and formed new strategic alliances, including one with the Hexagon Cup. This partnership aims to elevate mixed-format events and is a key part of the sport's long-term goal of Olympic inclusion. The push for the Olympics is a major driving force, requiring formal governance, standardized rules, and global player pathways—especially in new markets like North America.
Sponsors also stepped up their commitment. Qatar Airways remained the title sponsor, while NTT Data provided broadcast analytics and Betsson handled betting partnerships. This roster of global brands shows that padel is now a serious player in the world of professional sports.
Why 2025 Matters for the Future of Padel
The changes in 2025 weren't just big headlines; they have lasting implications for everyone involved in the sport.
Global Tour Unification: A single, unified tour means consistent branding, clear player rankings, and broader media exposure, making the sport easier to follow for fans worldwide.
Media Growth: The spike in viewership is attracting more sponsors and investors, creating a virtuous cycle of growth.
Infrastructure Evolution: The focus on modular courts and premium clubs means padel is becoming more accessible and attractive to a wider audience.
Olympic Aspiration: The drive for the Olympics is pushing for professional standards, from grassroots education to national federations.
2025 has been a year of transformation. The unification of the tours and strategic expansion into key markets have set the stage for padel to continue its rapid rise. The future is brighter than ever for this incredible sport.