Luigi Carraro, President of the International Federation of Padel (FIP) and Vice President of Premier Padel, spoke today at the Leaders In Sport conference in London. He shared the innovative strategies that are fueling the rapid global growth of padel. In the session titled “Rethink, Rework, Refresh: A Roadmap to Success in Emerging Sports Organizations”, Carraro joined other renowned sports executives, such as Steve Lauletta (23XI Racing) and Kerstin Lutz (Billie Jean King Cup), to discuss how emerging sports can thrive in a competitive environment. Carraro highlighted the unique approach to padel, which makes it one of the fastest growing sports globally.
Key points :
- The model of Premier Padel : The success of padel is based on a solid foundation in the shape of a “pyramid”, where the development of the base supports the highest levels of the sport, thus ensuring sustainable growth.
- Olympic ambitions : The FIP is actively working on the integration of padel into Olympic Games, reflecting the sport's rapid global rise and inclusive spirit.
- Expansion in the United States : Premier Padel will be launched at USA in 2025, marking a key milestone in one of the most influential sports markets.
- Global growth : The number of padel courts has grown from 21 in 000 to 2018 in more than 66 countries, with 000 million active players worldwide.
- Expansion of Premier Padel : In just two years, Premier Padel has grown from 8 to 24 tournaments, spread across 16 countries.
- Fan Engagement : Audience records were reached with 65 spectators at the Greenweez Paris Major and more than 000 fans attending the tournaments of Premier Padel in 2024.
Premier Padel : Leader in the global evolution of padel
Carraro highlighted the success of Premier Padel, the most prestigious professional padel tour in the world, which has rapidly evolved from 8 tournaments in 2022 to 24 events across 16 countries in 2024. He highlighted that the growth of Premier Padel rests on the structure in pyramid, which ensures sustainable development at all levels of sport.
“Padel places great importance on the pyramid. The most talented players can only thrive if they are supported by a solid foundation. That is why this pyramid is essential. While Premier Padel "Represents the pinnacle of the sport, what the Federation is doing quietly in nearly 100 territories around the world is encouraging young people to pick up a racket and start playing. That grassroots effort feeds the entire system, from the base of the pyramid to the top," Carraro said.
The impressive growth of padel
Carraro also broadened his speech by addressing the overall growth of padel. Since he became FIP president in 2018, the sport has experienced spectacular expansion. While it had just over 21 courts, mainly in Spain and Argentina, padel now has 66 lots in over 150 countries, with over 30 million active players.
Carraro attributes this success to the accessibility of padel: "Padel is easy to learn and play for people of all ages and levels, which makes it very accessible. The smaller size of the courts and the less technical equipment make it a less intimidating sport for new players."
He also highlighted the importance of the rapid construction of new padel courts: “The rapid construction of padel courts around the world has played a vital role in the growth of the sport. Since 2018, the number of courts has tripled, from 21 to 000, spread across more than 66 countries,” he added.
THEfan engagement was also a determining factor, as evidenced by the record attendances at the tournaments of Premier Padel. "During the last tournament, the Greenweez Paris Major, more than 65 fans were present during the week at Roland-Garros. In 2024, we have already welcomed more than 400 fans during tournaments of Premier Padel "He said.
Future Outlook
Looking to the future, Carraro insisted that the future growth of padel will be supported both by the development of basic structures and through strategic expansion into regions that have not yet been fully explored. Premier Padel strengthens its global brand with planned expansion to USA in 2025, opening a new era for Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour in one of the most influential sports markets in the world. This decision follows the recent creation of Padel America by the FIP to support the regional growth of the sport,” he said.
Finally, Carraro reaffirmed the FIP's commitment to integrating padel into Olympic Games : "Padel is nourished by its global expansion, its inclusive spirit, and its successes in major international competitions. We position ourselves as a sport that not only thrives on a global scale, but also has the potential to contribute to the Olympic Movement He concluded.
About us Premier Padel
Premier Padel is the most prestigious professional padel tour in the world. Founded in 2022 by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) in partnership with International Federation of Padel (FIP) and Professional Association of Padel (PPP), Premier Padel welcomed more than 500 players in its first year. Since 2024, the circuit has had 24 tournaments in 16 countries and continues to promote the sport in new territories, while capturing the dynamic essence and spirit of padel on a global scale.