The findings of the new study conducted jointly by Union Sport & Cycle and French Tennis Federation padel continues to experience very clear growth in France, both in the number of players and in the structuring of its ecosystem. This was carried out with the participation of... 6000 players via an online surveySupplemented by a survey of attendance of the main private operators and FFT clubs, this 2025 edition of the Observatory confirms the lasting anchoring of padel in the sporting habits of the French.

A very marked increase in the number of participants

The practice now reaches 850 playersi.e +130% compared to 2022, date of the last baseline survey. The territory also includes 4100 padel courtsi.e 1100 more than in 2024.
This dynamic mainly concerns the 25 44-years, that represent 53% practitioners.

A social, flexible, and fun-oriented sport

Playing with friends, the primary motivation

Padel meets the expectations of a sport that is easy to access, friendly, and focused on immediate enjoyment:

  • 62% Some players say they came to padel to follow a relative.
  • 85% They mostly play with friends.
  • Le fun is the motivation #1 (69%),
  • Sharing a moment with loved ones comes just behind (61%).

A practice without constraints, which quickly builds loyalty

Padel continues to attract people with its flexible model:

  • 80% Players primarily book "by the session",
  • Among new practitioners (less than two years of experience), 46% play at least once a week.

Clubs that have become true living spaces

The setting in which the sport is practiced also contributes to its appeal:

  • 82% Players say they are satisfied with the friendly atmosphere at their club/center.
  • 77% take the time to eat or have a drink after their game.

A padel culture that is exploding on social media

Like fitness or running, padel is also seeing its culture develop online:

  • 76% Players consume content related to padel.
  • 56% They frequent social media, attracted in particular by international stars like Tapia or Galán.
  • The development of a French scene is also noticeable, with for example Jules Marie cited by 7% practitioners.

A continuously growing equipment market

The study also confirms the emergence of a new, robust economic segment for brands:

  • 87% Some players own their own rackets.
  • The average purchase price is € 134,
  • The established tennis brands dominate the market: Head (19%), Babolat (18%), followed by Kuikma (13%), Wilson (7%) et Tecnifibre (4%).

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