United States, India, Brazil, Indonesia… where will the future of world padel be played out? 

While Spain remains the global benchmark and France is currently experiencing one of the strongest growth rates on the planet, the next chapter in the history of padel could be written elsewhere. According to the Global Padel Report 2026 published by Playtomic and Strategy&, several countries today have considerable potential and could become the future drivers of global industry.

The report groups them into a suggestive category: the  "Diamonds in the Rough" In other words, "rough diamonds." Markets that are still underdeveloped but capable, in the medium or long term, of changing the global balance of padel.

Immense potential, but still largely untapped.

Unlike mature markets such as Spain, Italy, or Portugal, these countries still have relatively few pitches and players per capita. However, their population size, economic development, and sporting culture suggest significant potential for growth.

According to the report, these markets typically include between  30 and 230 players per 100,000 inhabitants , compared to several thousand in the most advanced countries. Their current growth remains moderate, but their potential is considered considerable.

The United States: the giant that still sleeps

Of all the countries studied, the United States appears as the most fascinating case.

The potential is enormous: a population of over 340 million inhabitants, a strong racket sports culture and investors already very present in the sports industry.

However, development remains relatively slow.

The report identifies several obstacles:

  • high construction costs;
  • complex regulations;
  • lengthy administrative procedures;
  • significant commercial rents;
  • padel lacks awareness outside major metropolitan areas.

Today, the practice remains mainly concentrated in Florida, Texas, California and certain areas of the East Coast.

But if these obstacles were to diminish, the American market could quickly change in size.

India: an extraordinary demographic potential

With over 1,4 billion inhabitants, India probably represents the largest reserve for global padel growth.

The country already benefits from a strong tradition in several racket sports and is gradually seeing the emergence of clubs in major cities.

For now, development remains concentrated in a few cities and among a premium clientele. But the emergence of an ever-growing middle class could accelerate the democratization of sport in the coming years.

Brazil: the future Latin American giant?

Brazil possesses several unique advantages.

The sporting culture is extremely developed there and the country already has a strong tradition in racket sports.

The report considers Brazil one of the most promising markets among emerging economies. Its cultural proximity to Argentina, one of the historical birthplaces of padel, could also contribute to an acceleration of the sport's growth.

If infrastructure continues to develop, Brazil could become one of the largest markets in the Americas.

Indonesia: the Asian surprise

This may be the revelation of the report.

Indonesia added approximately  800 new pitches by 2025 , mainly in major metropolitan areas and certain tourist destinations.

This spectacular progress shows that padel is beginning to find its place in one of the most dynamic regions of the world.

Although the market is still young, Southeast Asia could become one of the major growth drivers for the discipline.

Australia: a favorable environment for development

Australia shares several characteristics with markets that have already successfully transitioned to padel.

The country has:

  • a strong sporting culture;
  • a favorable climate;
  • a population accustomed to racket sports;
  • high purchasing power.

For now, development remains limited, but the fundamentals seem to be in place to support sustainable growth.

Why these countries are not yet leaders

The report does, however, point out that strong potential does not guarantee immediate success.

These markets still need to build:

  • a regular player base;
  • strong club networks;
  • local competitions;
  • academies;
  • sufficient media visibility.

In other words, building a complete ecosystem will take time.

The next global center of padel may not be European.

For the past twenty years, the development of padel has been mainly based on Spain, Argentina and then Western Europe.

But the coming years could change this geography.

The United States, India, Brazil, Indonesia, and Australia possess considerable assets to become the new engines of the global padel industry. If their development follows a controlled trajectory, these countries could represent the next major wave of growth for international padel.

Recent sporting history demonstrates that a market can evolve very quickly. Ten years ago, few observers imagined France becoming one of the world's leading players. Today, the country is cited as a benchmark for sustainable growth.

The next surprise could well come from another continent.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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